01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Sitting down at Anpo, guests are greeted first with a daily appetizer and a glass of shikomi-mizu, the soft brewing water used in sake production. Tucked along a quiet side street in Oshiage, this neighborhood izakaya pairs meticulously prepared small plates with an extensive view into the craft of sake. Even newcomers need only describe their mood or preference—whether leaning toward a crisp, clean finish or a richer profile—and the proprietor will select a pour to match. The selection features renowned labels from across Japan, such as Senkin and Kokuryu, served chilled or gently warmed across varying temperatures to trace the subtle shifts in flavor.
The food menu gathers comforting, handmade bites created specifically to complement the drinks. Highlights include rich egg yolks pickled in sake lees and miso, chilled tomato oden steeped in dashi, and wasabi-spiced simmered kombu sourced from a historic merchant in Tsuruga—all small dishes calibrated to carry each cup of sake forward. For heartier appetite, savory grilled salmon soaked in seasoned broth or tender ginger-scented chicken meatballs draped in a grated turnip sauce offer deeper, lingering comfort.
The spotless interior is strictly non-smoking, fostering a quiet, unhurried atmosphere. Solitary diners often settle in at the counter with a quiet drink, and securing an evening reservation in advance guarantees a relaxed seat. With cashless payments accepted through PayPay, the bar is an easy, welcoming stop on the way home from work or at the end of the weekend.
