In October in Naha, enjoy a seasonal appetizer platter and a quiet drink at the counter.
On a Tuesday at 5 PM, the sky is clear, and the warmth of 26.86°C lingers outside. Inside the noren, it is slightly cooler, with the shadows of dishes cast upon the wooden counter. The brief sound of a knife leaving the cutting board resonates as preparations for the evening progress. October is a month where the remnants of summer coexist with the onset of autumn. Tonight, I wish to share the essence of "hassun" that resonates with those who enjoy solitary drinking. Hassun is the gateway to the evening, scattering autumn across a small plate. Upon hearing the term hassun, some may feel a bit apprehensive. However, it is, in fact, a dish that presents several seasonal small plates, serving as an introduction to the evening. Though the portions are small, the differences in temperature, aroma, and texture are distinctly pronounced. Thus, even as the first dish, the pace of conversation naturally slows. The early signs of autumn are characterized by contours rather than flamboyance. The bitterness of island vegetables softens slightly, while the ocean's bounty begins to show hints of richness. What Inamine cherishes is refining these contours through knife skills and cooking techniques. By gently rounding the edges of cuts, the impression on the palate changes. A few seconds of grilling brings forth aroma, creating a perfect pairing with chilled sake. I believe that whether at a creative Japanese cuisine establishment in Naha or a kappo in Kume, hassun reflects the essence of the restaurant. For solitary drinking, the chef's omakase at 6,600 yen. On a night spent alone at the counter, it is more pleasant not to over-schedule. In such moments, the chef's omakase at 6,600 yen (7 dishes) is a fitting choice. Begin with the hassun to open the evening, confirm the ocean's temperature with sashimi, and take a moment to breathe with the owanmono. As you progress through the dishes, the flow becomes increasingly tranquil, and seven dishes provide a harmonious experience. There is a moment at the back of the counter when a steaming bowl is presented. As the lacquer lid is slightly lifted, the aroma emerges first, followed by the warmth of the broth. On warmer days, this single bite becomes particularly impactful. When pairing with Okinawan sake, the crispness of chilled sake complements the delicacy of the hassun, while a slightly warmer sake may accompany the owanmono. Sake pairings are not fixed but are tailored to the flow of the evening's dishes and the pace at which guests drink. For those who do not drink, fragrant teas and soft drinks are also available, so please feel free to ask. An evening of counter-style Japanese dining in Naha is best suited to pauses rather than words. Wa Banshaku Mine operates only in the evening. There are 6 counter seats and 2 private rooms, each accommodating up to 4 guests. For those enjoying solitary drinking, settling into a seat after opening the door is swift. The placement of belongings and the way to avoid direct gazes are naturally arranged. Conversely, in the context of business meetings or private gatherings in Naha, the lighting in the private rooms fosters conversation, allowing the dishes to remain unobtrusive. In both scenarios, it is essential that the cuisine does not interfere. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day via TableCheck. For international guests, English and traditional Chinese menus are available, and basic English assistance can be provided. For travelers seeking a Naha Japanese restaurant, having explanations of the dishes can provide reassurance. It is about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi, where the sounds of the city begin to fade. Addressing your inquiries. I often receive the question, "Can I come alone?" As the restaurant has 6 counter seats, solitary evenings blend in naturally. Whether you wish to enjoy conversation or prefer a quiet meal, both are welcome. There has been an increase in inquiries about whether international travelers can visit. Some guests search for an English menu in Naha. We offer English and traditional Chinese menus, and our staff can assist with basic English communication. We also accommodate payments made with international cards. I sometimes receive questions about parking, asking if there is a lot available. Unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated parking area. However, there are several paid coin parking options within walking distance. The restaurant is conveniently located about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail. I cannot definitively say what the hassun will feature tonight, as its expression changes with the season and ingredients. However, the small autumnal touches characteristic of early October will be beautifully presented on the dish. When making a reservation, if you mention that you would like to enjoy a leisurely solitary drink, we will prepare to welcome you accordingly. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa, Akamine Building 1F 102 (approximately 9 minutes on foot from Asahibashi Station) 🕒 Hours: 18:00–23:00 (Last Order 22:00) / Closed: Sundays and public holidays 🍶 Creative Japanese cuisine and sake / Chef's omakase 5,500 yen (5 dishes)・6,600 yen (7 dishes)・7,700 yen (9 dishes) 🏮 6 counter seats / 2 private rooms (each accommodating up to 4 guests) / Suitable for small business meetings, anniversaries, or a night out 🌏 English / traditional Chinese menus available / International card payments accepted / 24-hour online reservations via TableCheck ✨ Inamine Seigo — trained in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, now in Okinawa. For reservations, please contact TableCheck or call 098-975-5673.