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which had been canceledthe Nebuta Festivaldue to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was once a hub for the movement of people and goods between Hokkaido and the Seikan Ferry, and was also the terminal station (departure station) for night trains and Blue Trains departing from Ueno
which is far from the stationthe old-fashioned Honmachi (Yanagimachi) area, andShinmachi, which extends east from in front of Aomori Station.However, the bars where you can enjoy a cheap drink and snack are concentrated in the Shinmachi area.
In this article, we will introduce some unique "senbero" bars, including long-established izakayas near train stations and standing bars where you can casually drop in for a quick drink
What is the definition of "senbero"?
Originally, the term referred to a bar where you could get completely drunk for 1,000 yen, but now it has a stronger meaning of a bar where you can have some snacks and two or three drinks for 1,000 yen
In this article, we have defined the criteria for certifying a bar as a "senbero" bar as follows:
You can order two drinks (any type and amount) and one snack in addition to the appetizer for under 1,000 yen
There are set prices of less than 1,000 yen, such as "Senbero Set"
Family restaurants where you can enjoy "senbero" (cheap drinking) are excluded from the scope of this rule
Please note that we also introduce sets under 1,500 yen as "high-end senbero," but we hope you will forgive us for this
Please note that most of the prices listed in the article include tax and are current as of the end of September 2023
A "senbero" izakaya with a Showa-era atmosphere in front of the station
In front of Aomori Station
In front of Aomori Station, there is a long-established "senbero" bar that exudes a Showa-era vibe and is sure to have been bustling with customers stopping by to kill time while waiting for trains during the heyday of rail transport
Recommended snacksthe "Motsu Nikomi (470 yen)," which is a generous portion of offal simmered until tender and melt-in-your-mouth in a soy sauce broth, andthe grilled skewers (110-180 yen) which are served with the complimentary homemade garlic miso paste.
The best value for money alcoholic beverage is 1 cup of sake (330 yen), and there are a variety of chuhai drinks available for 330-410 yen, and you can also keep bottles of shochu and whiskey on hand
Idobata Ekimae Store <Information>
Store name: Idobata Station Store
Address: 1-3-24 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
The second floor of Osanai Restaurant, located in Shinmachi Shopping Street extending from Aomori Station, opens as an izakaya from 5pm, where you can enjoy the restaurant's dishes as snacks
The restaurant'ssignature dish, "Grilled Scallops with Miso,"is a bit pricey at 900 yen, but it's packed with scallops and vegetables bound together with egg and topped with sea urchin, making it a substantial snack on its own. Fresh seafood sashimi from Mutsu Bay is also available, with abalone sashimi starting at 600 yen, making it a delicious and affordable option.for 300 yen eachavailable
Izakaya Osanai <Information>
Store name: Izakaya Osanai
Address: 2F Osanai Restaurant, 1-1-17 Shinmachi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Shinmachi Shopping Street in front of Aomori Station
In Shinmachi, following the recent "senbero" boom, new standing bars and corner bars are opening up, and you can enjoy delicious Aomori's local sake in a "senbero" style
Here we will introduce three particularly recommended standing bars from among these
It is said to be the most popular standing bar in Aomori City, and they haveplenty of cheap and delicious snacks, such as a stew with lots of offal for 350 yen, a small bowl of three kinds of Aomori seafood delicacies for 400 yen, and oden with each ingredient costing 100 to 150 yen.
The Hoppy set (400 yen) contains the standard Kinmiya shochu, which is unusual for a standing bar. As for sake, Aomori's famous junmai sake such as Denshu, Mutsu Hassen, and Houhai are served in a traditional wooden cup for a bargain price of 600 yen, and draft beeris also reasonably priced at 400 yen.
Thanks to the friendly personality of the proprietress, this standing bar is always full of regular customers and is also popular with tourists, but please be aware that there is a sign inside the bar that reads, "No entry for those who are extremely drunk."
Shinkai Shoten＜Information＞
Store name: Shinkai Shoten
Address: 1-11-9 Shinmachi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Phone number: 090-1156-2968
Business hours: Tuesday to Saturday 13:00 to 22:00
This standing bar where you can sit down is located on the first floor of the Aomori Prefectural Tourist and Products Center Aspam, an impressive triangular pyramid-shaped building in Aoi Umi Park facing Aomori Port
They also offer the "Omakase Set (1,300 yen)" which allows you to enjoy four types of local Aomori sake, and the "Luxury Set (1,800 yen)" which allows you to drink four types of famous sake from around the country, so they are recommended for when you're having trouble choosing a drink
As a standing bar in the prefecture's tourist and souvenir center, it not only has a wide variety of Aomori's local sake, but also has a selection of over 40 types of sake on display at all times, including famous brands of local sake from around the country, craft beer, wine, and shochu
After enjoying the view of Mutsu Bay from the observation deck on the 13th floor of Aspam, it's nice to have a drink while choosing souvenirs
Standing bar Aspam Local Sake ＜Information＞
Store name: Standing bar Local sake Aspam
Address: Aspam 1F, 1-1-40 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
This isa standing bar started by Sato Shoten, a liquor store with a wide selection of local sake from all over Japan, not just Aomori, as well as wine. You can also drink during the day.
The interior, with its retro Showa-era exterior,is spacious and clean, creating a comfortable atmosphere where even women can enjoy a drink alone. A stylish "appetizer plate (5 items)" and a "tasting set" where you can choose 4 types of local sake or wine cost 1,400 yen, which is a bit pricey, but you can enjoy a cheap drink in this cozy standing bar.
Jizakean Sato <Information>
Store name: Jizakean Sato
Address: 1-4-4 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
The Seikan Ferry has been discontinued, and the new Shinkansen line runs through Aomori City, far from the city center. However, even though the flow of people in front of Aomori Station has decreased, the area is lively and the "senbero" culture is thriving
In addition to the long-established izakayas that continue to thrive in front of Aomori Station, you can enjoy new standing bars and liquor stores that have started offering corner drinking, each with their own unique character, so why not stop by Aomori Station and enjoy some "senbero" (cheap drinking)?
I'm a former Edoite (Tokyoite) who loves Morioka and the six prefectures of Tohoku, and I'm a big fan of history, gourmet food, travel, sports, alcohol, and choral singing.
I'll introduce you to interesting things, delicious food, and great places in Tohoku!
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