Yokaban

Kagoshima


Owner Reina-san doesn't speak much English but is a bundle of energy, reflected in her cosy, spirited, home-style izakaya on a Tenmonkan side street. Start with self-serve drinks and continue with dishes like yōgan-yaki (chicken and vegetables grilled on Sakurajima-lava plates), house-made tofu (try the hot-sesame version) and 'tulip' karaage fried chicken, plus seasonal dishes. Cash only.

Look for the glass windows facing the narrow street, diagonally across from Blow antique shop.

Yokaban, by the way, is Kagoshima dialect for 'a fun evening'.