In November in Naha, a two-hour all-you-can-drink course for 9,900 yen and a private room for the evening.
The afternoon clouds linger, leaving a warm air on Kume Street. Even in November, there are days when the temperature exceeds 25°C. Upon opening the door, it feels slightly quieter than outside, with the refrigerator light softly illuminating the shoulders of the sake bottles. At the back of the counter, the chef can sometimes be heard placing down his knife and wiping his hands with a cloth. As we approach the year-end, inquiries for business meetings have been increasing. The idea of dishes that do not intrude on conversation. The greatest concern at a business meeting may be that the food does not dominate the atmosphere. The aromas should not be too strong, the sounds not too loud, yet the first bite should ease the tension of the guest. This balance has been ingrained in Inamine through experiences gained in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka. November is a season when both fish and vegetables have distinct outlines. For sashimi, the luster of the cut surface, and for owanmono, the temperature of the dashi, create the impression. The steam that rises the moment the lid of the owanmono is opened serves as a signal. For those who do not often enjoy Japanese cuisine, the lightness of the aroma and the quiet disappearance as it passes the throat may resonate. Vegetables should retain their juiciness, like mizunasu, while some need to be cooked to bring out their sweetness. Seasonal vegetables may sometimes account for half of a dish, rather than merely serving as a garnish. Even while in Okinawa, the reason why guests from the mainland feel reassured that they are enjoying "proper Japanese cuisine" lies in our focus on temperature and timing, rather than flamboyance. A two-hour all-you-can-drink course for business meetings in a private room for up to 10 guests. Year-end gatherings can often involve heavier topics of conversation. For such evenings, a private room accommodating up to 10 guests is ideal for business meetings. The lighting is not too strong, allowing voices to be heard at a comfortable distance. After the toast, the sound of glasses clinking occurs just once, and then the conversation takes center stage. The dishes accompany this dialogue without pushing too hard. While the phrase "Naha business meeting all-you-can-drink" may sound lively, our two-hour all-you-can-drink course is often chosen as a "setting that allows for relaxed drinking." The course includes 7 dishes and a closing dish (shime) for 9,900 yen (tax included). It features a selection of beer, highballs, shochu, and sake, designed to minimize indecision based on the guest's preferences. For those who may have concerns about the strength of the alcohol, soft drinks are also available. Each person may enjoy their drink in their own way. The course content changes every month. While maintaining a general flow, we adapt to the best fish of the day and vegetables suitable for the season. We refrain from listing specific dish names here, as this allows for the dishes served on the day to stand out properly. When making a reservation, if you mention, "I want to prioritize conversation for a business meeting" or "We have international guests, so please keep the aromas and bitterness mild," it helps us determine the direction of the menu. Regarding seating, the pace of the evening, and TableCheck. The restaurant operates only in the evening, from 18:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:00). Visible from the entrance are 6 counter seats. It is a distance where you can see the chef's hands moving over your shoulder, making it suitable for solo dining as well. There are two semi-private rooms for up to 4 guests each and one private room for up to 10 guests. Even for gatherings where the number of attendees is uncertain, we can adjust the seating arrangement based on availability. Located in Kume, Naha, it is about a 9-minute walk from Asahibashi Station. When you turn off the main road, there is a moment when the sound of cars fades away. On cloudy days, the lights inside the restaurant may feel particularly gentle. It is a distance that minimizes anxiety for international guests searching for a Naha Japanese restaurant. Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day via TableCheck. It is designed to be user-friendly for foreign residents and those deciding on restaurants during their travels, as it supports multilingual displays. While we also accept phone reservations, when there are multiple potential dates for a gathering, checking availability on TableCheck is quicker. We will answer any concerns you may have. I am often asked how to make a reservation smoothly. The online reservation through TableCheck is available 24 hours a day and is the quickest option if the date and number of guests are decided. If you have specific requests, a brief note in the remarks section is sufficient. Many also inquire whether the course content is fixed. The chef's selection changes monthly. Both fish and vegetables vary daily, so please ask for details during your visit or when making a reservation. If you have any food dislikes or allergies, sharing this information in advance would be helpful. I am sometimes asked if international guests can use the restaurant. We offer an English menu and a traditional Chinese menu. We can provide guidance in simple English and accept payments from overseas-issued cards. This is a place suited for those who wish to slowly savor the flow of Japanese cuisine in a quiet setting. November is the time when preparations for year-end parties begin. Important conversations sometimes require a quiet place. For inquiries about the availability of private rooms or consultations regarding the all-you-can-drink business meeting course, please include "business use" in your reservation. We will adjust the temperature of the dishes and await your visit. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa, Akamine Building 1F 102 (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 🍶 Authentic Japanese cuisine and sake / Chef's selection 5,500 yen (5 dishes)・6,600 yen (7 dishes)・7,700 yen (9 dishes) *tax included 🥂 For business meetings: Two-hour all-you-can-drink course 9,900 yen (7 dishes, tax included) 🏮 6 counter seats / 2 semi-private rooms (up to 4 guests each) / 1 private room (up to 10 guests) 🌏 English / traditional Chinese menus available / overseas-issued cards accepted / TableCheck 24-hour online reservations ✨ Inamine Seigo — After 10 years of training at renowned establishments in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, he has returned to his hometown of Okinawa. Reservations can be made via TableCheck or by calling 098-975-5673.