01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Set on the 1rd floor of Sun Square in Kachidoki 1-chome, Hinata is an unpretentious izakaya defined by home-style side dishes and easy bar fare. A natural starting point upon taking a seat is the daily 4-dish obanzai assortment, which draws small portions from the day's chalkboard specials. Small bowls might include shirataki with spicy cod roe, eggplant and green bell pepper with sweet miso, carrot stir-fry with egg, or cured ham and daikon radish marinade, offering the simple pleasure of composing an appetite-whetting spread.
Three-Day Braised Pork and Savory Staples
The undeniable centerpiece of the menu is the specialty pork kakuni, prepared over 2 full days. Served alongside thoroughly seasoned simmered daikon radish and a braised egg, it makes for a richly satisfying plate that regularly sells out due to limited daily quantities. Other reliable companions to a drink include tororo tamagoyaki—grated Japanese mountain yam beaten with egg and pan-fried into a soft, airy, molten omelet—and sweet-savory braised beef tendon spiced with green chili peppers. Refreshing tomato with pickled sushi ginger, crisp fried spring rolls, or cream croquettes round out the table nicely at whatever pace you choose.
Distinctive Drinks through to the Final Rice Dish
The drink menu pairs everyday standards like bottled Sapporo Red Star with more unusual options, such as the local Tsukishima Craft beer, alongside Kagoshima shochu labels Ichiki Shochu Puu and Rokudaime Yuri. Diners can also order aromatic roasted tea highballs with refillable shochu shots (naka) or Hoppy sets, leaning into the laid-back rhythm of a neighbourhood drinking spot. To finish, "Today's Rice" features daily variations of onigiri or seasoned takikomi gohan, served with miso soup and pickled vegetables for a calming, grounded close.
A Welcoming Setting for Weekday Evenings
Hinata operates Monday through Friday from 17:30 until 23:00. It works equally well for solo diners stopping by after work for a quiet drink as it does for tables booked in advance. Thoughtful amenities such as an in-restroom baby changing station make it welcoming for families with small children as well, cementing it as an approachable Kachidoki fixture for evening meals and casual drinks.
