In October, enjoy counter-style Japanese cuisine in Naha, ac…
In October, enjoy counter-style Japanese cuisine in Naha, accompanied by sake and a hassun. The October sky remains warm, with a temperature of 26.78°C even in the early morning of Naha. As I gaze at the shifting colors of the clouds, it feels as though only the essence of autumn has arrived inside the restaurant. The sound of cloth wiping dishes at the counter, the aroma of steaming dashi. The first dish presented at the beginning of the night brings the season before words can. Tonight, let us talk about the hassun. The hassun is the entrance to the evening, setting the rhythm for solitary sake. The hassun is a plate featuring several seasonal small dishes, serving as the initial offering. Rather than simply listing the names of the dishes, it may evoke the sensation of placing a small landscape on the dining table. In October, both sea and mountain ingredients still carry the scent of "hashiri" (the first catch of the season). Dishes retain the warmth of being freshly fried, highlight the coolness of certain ingredients, or gently release their aromas. The distance of each bite is just right for a night of solitary sake. Creative Japanese cuisine in Naha is defined not by flamboyant presentation, but by the precision of knife work and the application of heat. When layering the fish and Okinawan island vegetables with the subtraction techniques learned in Kyoto, the flavors become rounded while retaining their core. Seated at the counter, one can nibble on the hassun while waiting for the first glass to arrive. Many seem to appreciate this tranquility; what do you think? The chef's omakase at 6,600 yen takes you through the mid-point of the evening with seven dishes. On a night when you wander in alone, the flow is more important than the quantity. In such cases, the chef's omakase at 6,600 yen (seven dishes) serves as a reliable anchor. The hassun prepares the palate, the sashimi showcases the day's catch, and the owanmono raises the temperature once more. The owanmono is a warm bowl filled with clear dashi. The moment the lid is lifted, the fragrance slows the pace of conversation. At the end of the counter, the steady sound of the knife meeting the cutting board continues. When the chef pauses to pour sake into a small cup, light gathers within the vessel. Sake is suggested from a selection of about 15 to 20 varieties, tailored to the day's dishes. Some nights call for chilled sake, while others suit warm sake. In October, when the heat still lingers, the moment when cold sake and warm owanmono share the same table is delightful. For those who do not drink, fragrant tea and soft drinks are also available. Among those who come seeking "Kume Kappo," there are individuals who prefer not to be overly formal but still wish to enjoy proper Japanese cuisine. While maintaining the tension of counter-style kappo, the atmosphere remains relaxed. The seven dishes strike a perfect balance. A leisurely evening at the six-seat counter in Kume, Naha. The restaurant is located in Kume, Naha. It is about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station, a distance where one can feel the temperature of the evening breeze. We are open for dinner only, from 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00). The counter has six seats, and there are two private rooms, each accommodating up to four guests. For those enjoying solitary sake, the counter is ideal. The atmosphere behind is not too close, making it suitable for nights when one wishes to focus on the cuisine. For business meetings or private gatherings in Naha, we adjust the timing of the dishes slightly to avoid any awkward pauses in conversation. For anniversary dinners, we focus on leaving a lingering impression with the final fresh fruit dessert rather than extravagance. The fresh fruit dessert is a "post-meal landscape" composed of seasonal fruits and sweets, allowing guests to leave without lingering sweetness. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day through TableCheck. An increasing number of overseas guests have been finding us as "Naha Japanese restaurant." Our menu is also available in English and Traditional Chinese. I will respond briefly to your inquiries. Some may ask if reservations can be made by phone. We can accept reservations over the phone, but TableCheck may be easier to use late at night or while on the move. If you have a clear idea of the number of guests and desired start time, the input process can be completed quickly. There are voices wondering if it is difficult to enter alone. As a six-seat counter restaurant, we value the spacing for those who come alone. Whether it is a night for conversation or a night for quiet drinking, the atmosphere remains just as it is. Inquiries about whether overseas guests can visit and if English is understood are common. We have an English menu and can provide guidance in simple English. Overseas-issued cards are also accepted. If you need to confirm specific ingredients, please include a message when making your reservation to ensure a smooth experience on the day. October is a month where warmth and autumn coexist. We will gather the essence of the sea and mountains of the day on the small plates of the hassun. If you have a night in mind, please add a brief note to your TableCheck reservation comment, such as "I hope for the counter alone." This will help us prepare your seat just a little better. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Akamine Building 1F 102, Kume, Naha, Okinawa (approximately a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station) 🕒 Open: 18:00–23:00 (last order 22:00) / Closed: 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 for up to four) / Suitable for small business meetings, anniversaries, or a night of travel 🌏 English / Traditional Chinese menus available / Overseas-issued cards accepted / 24-hour online reservations via TableCheck ✨ Seigo Inamine — After training in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, now in Okinawa. For reservations, please contact TableCheck or call 098-975-5673.