Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan｜Kaibutsu

Lovely small counter-only izakaya with great food and a very likeable chef/owner. You HAVE to go (and I have to return) for the juicy boiled giant peanuts, home-grown by the owner‘s mother on Mukaishima. Out of this world! Thank you, and „Go, Swalllows!“.

Arriving late to Onimichi we had trouble finding a place that was still serving dinner. Luckily we stumbled across this little gem and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of our entire honeymoon in Japan. The owner and chef, Saitou Shunsuke, made it clear when we walked in that he didn't have an English menu and couldn't speak English very well but we just told him to serve us whatever he wanted to and it was the best decision ever. He even accommodated my wife's pescatarian diet perfectly while simultaneously serving me a handful of delicious meat dishes (thank you Google Translator). We sat at the bar with a bunch of locals and by the end of the night, many beers and sakes later, we felt like we had made a bunch of new friends. What an amazingly authentic Japanese experience for two travelers thousands and thousands of miles away from home. I hope we will be able to go back and see Saitou Shunsuke and the rest of these friends again one day.

This is an izakaya with a cute “Momoko”. The owner is so kind and cheerful. The drinks and snacks were also delicious. Next time I come to Onomichi, I will come again!