The dream of alcohol lovers, "drinking at a fish shop" has become a reality! Shizuoka City Okitsu [Drinking Fish Shop Uotoku] Denakin 🍶
Okitsu has had a unique presence as a post town on the Tokaido in the past, and in modern times as a villa destination for important people in the political and financial world. Even today, as part of Shizuoka City's Shimizu Ward, it overlooks the industrial area of Suruga Bay, and is enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas, with historical sites such as Seikenji Temple standing there. Okitsu is located between mountain ridges that run into Suruga Bay, so the town is not necessarily large, and apart from a few shops centered around Okitsu Nakamachi, the area is dominated by quiet residential areas that spread out as if watching over the Okitsu River, and the image of a "bustling nightlife" may not be very strong in general. However, in the middle of this residential area, there is a mysterious store with a truly unique charm. That store is "Drinkable Fish Shop Uotoku."
Drinkable Fish Shop---
This catchy and fascinating expression of the catchphrase catches your eye, but you may also wonder whether such a place actually exists. However, if you actually visit the place, you will see that there is no other way to describe it. First of all, this is not a bar, but a proper fish shop. It was founded in 1945. Located in the town of Okitsu, which is rich in history, it has long been involved in selling and catering fresh fish. However, due to changes in the eating habits of Japanese people as a whole and the population decline in Okitsu, the prospects for continuing to operate as a fish shop were not necessarily bright. Therefore, in 2020, the fourth-generation owner decided to enter the food and beverage industry in order to protect and pass on the traditional fish virtues. In a corner of the first floor where fresh fish is sold, a counter like an izakaya was set up, and simple table seats were also prepared, making use of the atmosphere and materials that have been cultivated for over 70 years. The unique business model of the "corner bar-style fish shop" where sashimi and seafood prepared foods sold as a fish shop are taken out of the display case just like in store sales and brought to the table and eaten as is, attracted attention, and this small fish shop in a residential area became a destination for local customers and left-wing tourists alike. As I walked along the narrow streets of a residential area, wondering if the shop was really located in such a place, I came across a quaint, unadorned, nostalgic store. From the outside, in addition to the area where fresh fish is lined up, there are also many snacks and seasonings lined up, making it clear that the store also plays an essential role as a retail store in the area. They sell a wide range of "tonight's side dishes," mainly fish, and as dusk approaches, families from the neighborhood drop in. When I reached the dining area at the back of the store and sat at a table by the wall, I was surprised by the diverse menu of strips of paper that rivaled that of an izakaya. From the seafood menu unique to a fish store, such as "sashimi platter," to standard dishes such as ham cutlet and black ham, the store fully fulfills the role expected of a bar. Looking more closely, for example, there are "fresh Sakura shrimp" and "Garcia Cheese Queso Fresco" (a cheese factory based in Shimizu Ward), and if you turn your attention to the drinks, you will find a lineup that fully incorporates the charms of local products from Suruga Bay and Shizuoka Prefecture, including "13toku Beer" and "Okina Sagi", and is designed in such a way that even tourists can enjoy it in each season. Above all, the freshness is overwhelming! In particular, the fresh Sakura shrimp is served simply, without any hint of saltiness or bitterness, conveying the deliciousness of the ingredients to the fullest. Local people are cheerfully drinking together around the restaurant, and they are happy to give recommendations to a young outsider like me, making it a very lively intersection of communication in the area.
After finishing my drink, I turned around feeling fulfilled and saw the interior of the store bouncing with warmth in the air as dusk began to fall. There are seats for drinking outdoors on the eaves facing the road, and if you were to sit here on a summer evening, you would surely think, "I want to live in this town." It has such a gentle and bright charm.
Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Okitsu Station
Menu example: Fresh Sakura Shrimp: 650 yen, Queso Fresco: 580 yen, 13toku Beer (820 yen per bottle)
*Some of the photos in this post were borrowed from a friend
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