Honoka

During our recent trip to Tokyo, we were recommended this wonderful little izakaya by a friend. We were looking for some local fare with a great sake selection, and Honoka definitely was THE place to make this dream come true. The staff does not speak English, but we booked through our hotel and the...y arranged a set menu for us beforehands. We don't speak fluent Japanese, and the staff did not speak fluent English but they were so incredibly nice and sweet that we never felt like outsiders. This small izakaya seats only a few people so definitely book ahead, and like us, if you do not speak Japanese, book through a Japanese-speaking friend or hotel so that they can arrange a menu for you like they did for us. Otherwise it might get a bit chaotic in trying to understand and pick from their daily menu. Do try their amazing grilled mise spoons though! Honoka has an amazing selection of Sake, so if you have a preference or something special you are looking for, it is likely that they might carry it. They will have all the available sake for the day written outside their little shop door. An English-Japanese translating app does come in handy but even without that, good food, amazing sake and the happy atmosphere in here is enough to make this place a highlight of your trip. We highly recommend this place.

Visited August 2015