Food and Drink

It may well have been early Saturday afternoon rather than Sunday morning, but when it’s still hot and the week’s work is finally done, why not squeeze into a tiny old bar and down a few?

Whether made at home or bought in one of countless shops all over the country, the humble bento — or lunch box — is arguably just as much a part of Japanese culture as sushi and sake. A meal regularly enjoyed by tens of millions of locals everyday, along with even the odd alien or two.

In the middle of Shibuya, it would seem that people are far more interested in graffiti than grocery shopping. Yet somehow, in some way, this fascinating little shop soldiers on, creating a bygone sanctuary of sorts amidst the noise and modernity of the busy streets nearby.

Despite the far from modern surroundings, this small Tokyo bar has only been around — at least in its present form — for just over a decade, making it practically new compared to lots of other, similarly tiny establishments. But, despite being a relatively new kid on the block, it still has that wonderfully relaxed, rough and ready approach that is so often the feature of such places. Meaning the prices are low. The food is whatever the owner has chosen to prepare that day. And the customers are talked to, or tactfully left to their own devices, depending on what it is they are after.