Urizun is located right next to Asato Station. In the 33 years since it opened, it has operated alongside Okinawa’s reversion to Japan as a place where customers can drink every awamori made in Okinawa. 8 years ago, it launched the “Hundred-Year Aged Awamori” project and has recruited members every year with the goal of sharing the liquor 100 years later (annual membership fee: ¥1,000). It is a tavern filled with romance. Its house-aged awamori comes in 8-, 10-, and 20-year varieties. The 10-year variety is the mildest and easiest to drink, while the 20-year variety has a powerful kick.
The customers include both tourists and locals. People seated next to each other at the counter quickly become friends. There is a sanshin in the restaurant, and before long someone among the customers starts playing it (pictured), and everyone sings together. I was also allowed to try it briefly.
This is a place I definitely want to visit again.
Incidentally, “urizun” means “the season of early summer” in the Ryukyuan language.
Urizun (Okinawan Home Cooking)
098-885-2178
Hours: 17:30–23:00 (reservations accepted)
Closed: Sundays 2 and 4 of each month
Address: 388-5 Asato, Naha
Access: A short walk from Asato Station on the Yui Rail; no parking lot