When considering "Ayase" as a potential neighborhood to live in Tokyo, many people focus only on transit convenience and cheap rents. However, the true charm of Ayase lies in its incredibly rich local food culture. From authentic Sapporo miso ramen that warms you up, to a retro kushikatsu tavern packed with locals for over 50 years, and premium yakitori using fresh morning-slaughtered chicken, we present the gourmet reality of Ayase that makes you never want to move away.
Cheap and Delicious! A Downtown Gourmet Town 'Ayase' That Satisfies Even the Connoisseur
Going beyond the image of a simple 'retro public drinking district', Ayase's gourmet scene boasts exceptional care and quality. Not just cheap, you will find excellent shops just a short walk from the station where you can enjoy the owner's craftsmanship and carefully selected fresh ingredients. Here, we introduce three carefully selected shops recommended by a local real estate agent.
1. Authentic Hokkaido Ramen Representing the Battleground Ayase
First, we introduce a highly popular ramen shop loved by locals as a late-night comfort food or a perfect bowl after work.
Hokkaido Ramen Himuro Ayase
Located right under the station elevated tracks, 'Himuro Ayase Store' is highly accessible. Their signature menu, 'Sapporo Miso Ramen', is an exquisite dish combining a mild white-miso-based soup with flavorful garlic and the sweetness of stir-fried vegetables. The medium-thick yellow curly noodles that hold the soup well are shipped directly from Sapporo, offering a satisfying chew. Since it is open late, it is always bustling with customers looking for a satisfying bowl after a long day.
2. Long-Beloved Kushikatsu Izakaya with Outstanding Value
Next, we introduce a shop that symbolizes the cozy, friendly, and affordable public tavern culture unique to Ayase.
Kushi no Kotani
With the philosophy of 'wanting customers to enjoy delicious food and drinks to their heart's content', this famous shop has kept its doors open for over half a century. The freshly fried kushikatsu with light, crispy batter can be ordered from the 100-yen range per skewer, and the menu covers standard izakaya items like fresh sashimi and handmade pizza. Their signature large-volume sour 'Jumbo Kotani Sour' and beers are also very reasonably priced, making it a reliable ally in Ayase that welcomes everyone from solo drinkers to group banquets.
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3. Authentic Yakitori Shop to Savor Fresh 'Asabiki' Chicken
Finally, we introduce an authentic yakitori izakaya where you can enjoy high-quality meat and drinks after work or on weekends.
Toritosake Ayase Store
This yakitori shop skewers chicken prepared first thing in the morning and grills it over Bincho charcoal to lock in the flavor. Thanks to the freshness, you can enjoy tender texture and juicy meat juices with absolutely no gaminess. In particular, their 'Liver', which requires extreme freshness, has no odor at all and is a signature item with many repeating fans. The great value happy hour held on weekday evenings is also attractive, making it perfect for a quick, casual drink.
The fact that these high-quality gourmet shops are all within a few minutes' walking distance from the station is a hidden advantage that proves the liveability of Ayase. Having authentic, delicious food nearby for busy days or weekend treats will surely make your daily life richer and more flavorful.
FAQ
Q. Which izakaya is recommended for solo drinkers in Ayase?
A. 'Kushi no Kotani' and 'Toritosake Ayase Store' have counter seats and attract many solo customers, making them highly recommended for a quick drink on the way home from work or for drinking alone.
Q. What is the signature menu of 'Hokkaido Ramen Himuro'?
A. Their signature dish is the 'Sapporo Miso Ramen', which reproduces the authentic taste. It features a rich, deep soup fragrant with stir-fried vegetables and garlic.
Q. What are the features of 'Toritosake'?
A. Their specialty is charcoal-grilled yakitori using fresh morning-slaughtered chicken ('asabiki') delivered daily. The budget-friendly happy hour on weekday evenings is also popular.