Bonsai Izakaya (盆歳)

Tempura Fugu(Blow Fish)

Who lives in Japan and doesn't enjoy going out to an Izakaya? It's the place to be when you go out to socialize with a group of friends or colleagues. At an Izakaya you can order small dishes according to the menu or you could also order a 'set course' which includes 'nomihodai' (all you can drink) for around 3000 Yen to 5000 Yen(or more depending on where you go). The Izakaya style meal is a very traditional or classic Japanese way -meaning you eat a little bit of this, and you eat a little bit of that, as each food item is brought out to your table. It's great! There are so many different Izakaya sprinkled throughout every corner of Japanese cities, there are big chain Izakaya that you can commonly find, and then, there are Izakaya that you will only find one of...which brings me to my blog post topic -Bonsai.

It's easy to spot, just look for this glass case with the tiny bonsai tree display.

Be careful at the entry way -if you are not under five feet, you will need to watch your head. You will also be asked to take off your shoes at the entrance. The restaurant will provide you with slippers -I think. Anyway, at most Izakaya, it is common to take off your shoes. Do not make the mistake of just walking in with your shoes on! You'll look silly, and you'll horrify them. LOL. Don't worry too much if you forget though, they won't be mean about it or kick you out.

Most traditional Izakaya are dim-lit, very rowdy, lively, crowded and electric in atmosphere. Bonsai, meanwhile, in a unusual twist, has a cafe-like atmosphere! It's a very interesting dynamic, because it is very much a traditional Izakaya, but due to the interior design and layout -with a light iridescence and bright, but not too bright lights -it feels like the daytime! It really does trick your senses. Meanwhile, in a similar way, there is also a twist with the food, it's indeed very traditional Japanese food, but there is definitely an experimental element -almost fusion but not quite. Let me tell ya, the food served here, ....just marvelous! If you like amazing food when you go out, this is the place for you. It also seems to be the place for everyone else too! You'll have to book a reservation a few weeks in advance! If you don't come with a big group, I highly recommend sitting at the bar where you can see the chefs preparing food in the open kitchen -it's fascinating to see them in action.

Oh, and the final and most compelling part of the Bonsai experience is saved for last. It's a bit like pudding, and in one word, heavenly. After the first bite, all I could do was smile.


How to get to Bonsai? From Okayama station on the fountain side, just walk straight down Momotaro Dori(road), pass Nishigawa river(canal), and turn right when you see the Antique Cafe that's on your right. You can follow the exact directions that I gave in yesterday's post on how to get to Raccos Burger. It's about a block or half a block from Raccos, or basically kitty-corner from Raccos. It'll be on your right and you'll see it once you pass the love hotel Clione.

ENJOY! ENJOY! ENJOY!