In September, enjoy a glass of hiyaoroshi on a Naha evening,…
In September, enjoy a glass of hiyaoroshi on a Naha evening, accompanied by a selection of seven dishes featuring Okinawan sake. As the afternoon clouds linger, the heat of summer still remains in the alleys of Kume. The temperature is 28°C, yet standing at the entrance of the night, the air feels slightly lighter. There are days when you can hear the sound of the chef adjusting the vessels, confirming the steam rising from the broth. September is a season where a gentle bridge is formed between cold sake and warm owanmono. An autumn sip, where the aroma leads the way. This is the time when hiyaoroshi begins to appear in the restaurant. This sake, pressed in early spring and aged through the summer, is characterized by its rounded softness and the delicate aroma that rises. Whether served chilled or slightly warmed, its expression changes. As the nights in Naha remain warm, many prefer to start with it cold and gradually increase the temperature. On days when owanmono is served, there are times when a less extravagant pairing allows the sake to shine. The moment the lid is lifted, the aroma aligns beautifully with the softness of the hiyaoroshi. The hassun—an assortment of seasonal small dishes served as an introduction to the evening—features a mix of ocean and mountain ingredients, subtly hinting at autumn. When the contours of Okinawan ingredients are layered with the broth refined in Kyoto, the sake flows leisurely, and conversations unfold at a gentle pace. The chef's omakase at 6,600 yen, a deepening conversation in the middle course. Whether for business meetings or a night of travel, we often hear, "I want to experience the season in a manageable quantity." On such evenings, the chef's omakase at 6,600 yen (seven dishes in total) is just right. The first half prepares the palate, the middle alters the temperature, and the final course concludes quietly. Even while presenting creative Japanese cuisine in Naha, the focus lies not on liveliness but on creating space. When seated at the counter, you will notice that with each dish served, the luster of the vessels subtly changes. The chef pauses to pour sake into the guinomi, taking a moment to appreciate the aroma before deciding on the next cup. The sake pairing is not a fixed format; it adapts to the flow of the day's dishes and the pace at which guests drink. Some visitors searching for Okinawan sake express surprise at the variety available in a land known for awamori. Choosing from around 15 to 20 types, it is delightful to select based on aroma and the fullness of the rice, rather than solely on dryness. If you prefer a private room, we have two available for up to four guests each. These rooms are suitable for conversations that require a quieter tone. Even in Naha, where private rooms are used for business meetings, we ensure that the temperature of the dishes and the pacing are well balanced. For special occasions, we quietly present the final fresh fruit dessert—a concluding dish that refreshes the palate with fruits and sweets. Turning into the alley of Kume, towards the lights that only shine at night. Located in Kume, Naha, it is about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station, often chosen for its proximity to hotels. We operate only in the evening, from 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00). With a limited number of seats, the six counter seats are close enough to feel the presence of the dishes, while the private rooms maintain a respectful distance for conversation. Even with the same menu, the experience of the night varies. Reservations can be made through TableCheck. We offer 24-hour online booking with multilingual support. More and more visitors from overseas are discovering us by searching for Naha Japanese restaurant. For those seeking an English menu in Naha, we have one available, as well as a traditional Chinese menu. If you need to confirm specific ingredients, please feel free to mention it when making your reservation. We can accommodate inquiries regarding allergies or dislikes to the best of our ability on the day of your visit. While we may be referred to as a quiet adult establishment, there is no need to feel overly formal. Come as you are, whether in travel attire or after work. As you settle into the counter, take a deep breath before your first sip. That is more than enough. A gentle response to frequently asked questions. "Can I choose the course on the day?" is a common inquiry. While it is smoother to decide upon reservation, we can accommodate requests on the day depending on seating and ingredient availability. On uncertain nights, starting with the 5,500 yen option (five dishes) for a lighter burden or the 6,600 yen option (seven dishes) for easier meal construction is advisable. "Is it easy to use for visitors from abroad?" is another question we receive. The TableCheck reservation process is user-friendly for international guests, and we provide English and traditional Chinese menus in-house. We can offer simple guidance in English. Payments can also be made with internationally issued cards. If you ask, "Is there parking available?" please note that we do not have a dedicated parking lot. There are several paid coin parking options within walking distance. Many guests choose to arrive by public transport from Asahibashi Station, which is about a 9-minute walk, and take a taxi for their return. In September, Naha still embraces summer while gently leaning towards autumn at night. As the time for hiyaoroshi approaches, the moments when the steam from the owanmono becomes yearned for are increasing. When making a reservation, if you mention, "I would like to try hiyaoroshi," we will select a cup that pairs beautifully with that day's dishes. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Akamine Building 1F 102, Kume, Naha City, Okinawa (approximately 9 minutes on foot from Asahibashi Station) 🕒 Operating hours: 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00) / Closed on Sundays and public holidays 🍶 Creative Japanese cuisine and sake / Chef's omakase 5,500 yen (five dishes)・6,600 yen (seven dishes)・7,700 yen (nine dishes) 🏮 Counter seating for six / Two private rooms (each accommodating up to four) / Suitable for small business meetings, anniversaries, or a night of travel 🌏 English / traditional Chinese menus available / Internationally issued cards accepted / TableCheck 24-hour online reservations ✨ Seigo Inamine — After training in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, now in Okinawa. For reservations, please contact TableCheck or call 098-975-5673.