Yokosuka Food Corner - Blue Street and Beyond: Izakaya Shinano

Shinano is a small, hidden izakaya - as most izakayas should be. It's been on my radar for long time and I recently paid a short visit.

Corner spot at the intersection of two alleys

As you walk into Womble gate from Hwy 16 you can see one of their advertisement signs on a building to the left of the Mikasa arch. Izakaya Shinano I think the sign says. But to find the actual izakaya Shinano you'll have to walk down that street where Womble gate comes out, towards the end before you hit that other main street. Then you take a left just after passing Bengal Curry, down a small alley about 8 feet wide with vending machines and bicycles parked here and there. A very short walk down this alley and you'll come across Shinano on your left. Describing locations in Yokosuka is always difficult so why not just check the blog map?

You can't miss the sign with the aircraft carrier on it. Also, the warm glow of the red lantern with 居酒屋 (izakaya) should guide your way. Upon entering you'll find a few tables and counter towards the back. Total capacity around 20. Shinano is full of character, located in an old building. Its decorations give you plenty to explore.

The front door to Shinano is from a ship. US or Japanese? It has NTD stamped on it - maybe Navy Tactical Data? The Shinano was a Japanese aircraft carrier built in Yokosuka. It was sunk by the USS Archerfish only 10 days after commissioning. It was on its way to Kure, Japan to finish construction when the Archerfish sunk it. Most of the watertight doors and integrity of her compartments had not yet been finished.

From the back of the restaurant, looking towards the front door

The first good sign was that the place had plenty of locals. The next good sign was that the staff spoke English and were very welcoming.

Caesar Salad

The Caesar salad was very good. Each restaurant has their own spin on it and Shinano's version had some thinly sliced hot dogs. It was very good!

Katsu asparagus with katsu sauce and a drizzle of mayo

The asparagus was wrapped in pork, and covered with breading like chicken katsu. It was very good. Served on an aircraft carrier shaped plate too.

Bacon wrapped tomato

If a place serves bacon wrapped tomatoes I will order it. These were nicely done. How can you go wrong?
The few dishes I had at Shinano were all very good. The prices were very reasonable too. This is a place to go enjoy with a few of your friends for a few drinks while sampling their good selection of dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by the food here. As many restaurants boast, they talk about using fresh, local ingredients direct from the farm.

the menu cover

The interior is decorated with your normal Navy paraphernalia. Above the counter hang a good number of Navy ballcaps left behind by US Navy visitors. CNFJ, SUBGROUP 7, some surface ships and submarines are all represented.

Open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Phone: 046-854-4756