Counter-style Japanese dining in October, a quiet night in Naha beginning with hassun.
In the morning sky, a few clouds linger, and the temperature is 25.62°C. In this season, where the warmth of the day still clings to the walls, one is inclined to begin the night with something refreshing. In the depths of the counter, the sound of frying oil is subtly organized, and the light faintly reflects on the edges of the dishes. The evening of creative Japanese cuisine in Naha often hinges on the contours of the first bite rather than on flamboyance. Hassun is a dish that sets the stage for "the entrance of the night." Hassun—an arrangement of several seasonal small plates, serves as the visual beginning of the meal. Within a single plate, acidity, saltiness, savoriness, and temperature contrasts coexist, gently awakening the palate. October marks the onset of autumn. Some dishes evoke the scents of Okinawa's mountains, while others offer a brief taste of the sea's afterglow, and some provide a fleeting warmth from freshly fried items. Each piece may be small, yet they possess the power to dictate the overall flow. On certain days, light fried items may be discreetly nestled in a basket, as seen in the photograph. The batter is kept thin, producing a sound only when bitten into. Accompanying salt or citrus can alter the dish's contours. The sensibility of "cutting, arranging, and leaving negative space," learned in Kyoto, harmonizes well with Okinawan ingredients. Rather than overwhelming with intensity, flavors are conveyed through aroma and temperature. By the time one finishes the hassun, the pace of conversation has slightly calmed. This is a night for those who appreciate such moments. The chef's omakase at 6,600 yen, a mid-course depicted in 7 dishes. Whether for business meetings, anniversaries, or travelers, the balance of lightness and depth on October nights can be challenging. Thus, the chef's omakase at 6,600 yen (7 dishes in total) is often chosen. The hassun opens the entrance, sashimi showcases the sea's transparency, and owanmono elevates the temperature. Grilled and deep-fried dishes introduce savoriness, leading finally to the meal and fresh fruit dessert. Seven dishes create a sense of satisfaction from having "eaten" while still leaving "a lingering aftertaste." With only six seats at the counter, the sound of the chef placing down his knife quietly reaches you. At the moment a steaming bowl is presented, the air in the restaurant may become just a touch sweeter. As autumn approaches, the night breeze begins to change, making warm owanmono suddenly yearned for. Owanmono—a warm soup where the broth is drawn, ingredients submerged, and with each sip, the aroma unfolds. When the techniques of broth-making honed in Kyoto are layered with Okinawan ingredients, a quiet core remains without strong assertions. For those seeking Okinawan sake, we are happy to assist. Sake, as a food pairing, aligns best with the temperature and rhythm of the dishes. There are days when chilled sake is suitable, and others when slightly warmed sake is desired to enhance the aroma. For those who do not drink, soft drinks and non-alcoholic options are also available. We wish for a night where no one feels rushed. From the alley of Kume to your seat. Regarding reservations. The restaurant is located in Kume, Naha. It is approximately a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station, situated in a place that only lights up at night. Our hours are from 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00). The counter has 6 seats, and there are 2 private rooms, each accommodating up to 4 guests. The setting is calm for small gatherings, naturally lowering the volume of conversation. Some may sit alone for a night of counter-style Japanese dining in Naha, while others gather quietly for business meetings in the private rooms. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day through TableCheck. The multilingual support makes it user-friendly for international guests searching for a Naha Japanese restaurant. Due to the limited number of seats, the flow of dishes is tailored to the day's guests. If there are allergies or disliked ingredients, a note during the reservation would be appreciated. We also wish to accommodate requests, such as timing for fresh fruit desserts on special occasions, within reasonable limits. We will answer your inquiries. Sometimes we are asked if reservations can be made by phone. While we do accept phone reservations, there may be moments during operating hours when our hands are occupied. TableCheck allows for late-night entries and provides an easy view of availability, making it convenient for those with set dates. We have also seen an increase in inquiries about whether we can accommodate international guests and if English is spoken. We offer menus in English and Traditional Chinese. Our staff can provide basic guidance in English and can accommodate payments with internationally issued cards. For those expecting a meal flow akin to Okinawa kaiseki, we will explain the unique structure of dishes such as hassun and owanmono to ensure the culinary experience is conveyed. Many also inquire about parking availability if they wish to drive. Unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated parking lot. However, there are several paid coin parking options within walking distance. For public transport, it is about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station, a pleasant distance to enjoy the night breeze. In October, Naha still holds onto the warmth of summer, while the scent of autumn arrives early. If there is a night when you are curious about the small scenery of hassun, please add a note during your reservation saying, "I would like to take my time with the hassun." We will prepare the entrance dish to suit your seating and await your arrival. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Akamine Building 1F 102, Kume, Naha City, Okinawa (approximately a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station) 🕒 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 (5 dishes)・6,600 yen (7 dishes)・7,700 yen (9 dishes) 🏮 6 counter seats / 2 private rooms (up to 4 guests each) / Suitable for small business meetings, anniversaries, and a night of travel 🌏 Menus available in English and Traditional Chinese / Internationally 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.