Kaneko - Where Nights Begin and Usually End
Kaneko, an izakaya in Kashiwa, is a lively sanctuary for early birds and night owls. The two-floor pub offers a culinary adventure, from sizzling skewers to crispy gyoza. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd buzzing and the nights are legendary.
Capturing the feeling of unwinding the workweek on a Friday at Kaneko’s with some after-work drinks.
In the heart of Kashiwa, there's a place that's become my sanctuary for both the start and the end of the night: Kaneko. This izakaya, a Japanese-style pub, is where the night's narrative unfolds and more often than not, comes to a close too after a good night out. It's a place that's cheap, cheerful, and unapologetically real.
Food and Drinks
Kaneko's greasy buta-bara skewer is the stuff of legends. It's the kind of dish that you crave after a long day, and it never disappoints. Especially when paired with an ice-cold beer or highball to balance out the deliciously salty and oily flavor and prime your palate for the next bite. Just get ten of them and call it a dinner.
The izakaya is cleverly split into two floors, each offering its own culinary adventure. Downstairs, you're greeted by the sizzle and smoke of kushi yaki, skewers grilled over an open flame, until the clock strikes 11:30 PM. Upstairs, the night stretches until 3 AM on the weekends, with more regular izakaya-style delights like their crispy gyoza, which strikes the perfect balance between crunch and juicy filling.
Ya’ll want some fries with that? Gyoza, fires, and whatever fits on a skewer. Ideal snacks to kick off or end a successful night.
An Unforgettable Introduction
My first encounter with Kaneko was as vivid as it was unexpected. Sitting outside, enjoying the early evening air, a man burst from the restaurant and promptly redecorated the sidewalk with his stomach contents. It was 7 PM on a Sunday. At that moment, amidst the shock and the laughter, I understood what Kaneko was about. It's a place that's a bit rough around the edges, where the atmosphere is as unfiltered as the sake. But it's also where you find the heart of Kashiwa's nightlife, bustling and brimming with stories.
It's difficult to put into words the atmosphere of Kaneko's, so if you have the chance, try to experience it for yourself.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Kaneko is an eclectic mix of lively and boisterous. Downstairs, the energy is buzzing, with the open fire and the chatter of patrons creating a vibrant backdrop. Upstairs, the energy doesn't wane. The crowd is just as lively, the night just as young, and the atmosphere just as electric. It's this constant buzz that makes Kaneko the ideal spot for both starting your night with a bang and ending it with an equally resounding one. The place can get super packed, and it's not uncommon for people to be turned away at the door. But if you're lucky enough to snag a spot, you might find yourself in their tiny outdoor seating area. With just two tables and wobbly beer crates for chairs, it's a quirky setup that's perfect for summer nights. But be warned, both inside and outside allow smoking, so expect a haze of smoke, whether from the grill or cigarettes.
Branding and Design
Kaneko's branding is as cool and unique as the izakaya itself. Their mascot, a cute pig-looking man wearing glasses, can be found everywhere from t-shirts to plates and glasses. It's a fun and playful touch that adds to the overall charm of the place.
Cool branding. (And yes, that first picture is an accurate representation of my vision at Kaneko’s later in the night)
Conclusion
Kaneko is more than just an izakaya. It's a microcosm of Kashiwa's night scene, a place where food, drinks, and people come together in a symphony of the authentic Japanese pub experience. Whether you're there for the first sizzle of the grill or the last call for drinks, Kaneko is where your night in Kashiwa will likely begin, and just as likely end.
Usually, the last thing you see when leaving at 3:00 AM.
Taishu Sakaba/Hanten Kaneko, Kashiwa
Official Twitter account here and Instagram page here
📞 Phone: 050-5872-1673
📍 Address: 1F AY Building, 1-6-15 Kashiwa, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba | Google Maps
Additional Information
- Reservations accepted
- Service charge ¥198 (tax included) per person
Opening Hours:
Taishu Sakaba Kaneko (1st Floor)
Monday-Thursday: 16:00-23:00
Friday: 16:00-23:30
Saturday: 16:00-23:30
Sunday, Holidays: 14:00-23:00
Taishu Hanten Kaneko (2nd Floor)
Monday-Thursday: 16:00~23:00
Friday: 16:00~03:00
Saturday: 14:00~03:00
Sunday, Holidays: 14:00~23:00
Payment Methods:
Cash accepted
No credit card accepted
QR code payment accepted (PayPay)
Facilities:
Number of seats on the 1st floor: 62 (10 at the counter, 52 at tables)
Number of seats on the 2nd floor: 50 (8 at the counter, 42 at tables)
Smoking and non-smoking: Smoking is permitted in all seats
Space & Facilities: Counter seating available, sports viewing available
Parking:
No parking on-site
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Disclaimer
The content within this article is a product of various sources, including publicly available information on the internet, personal visits to the venue, and talks with staff, customers and venue owners. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, aspects like operating hours, menu items, and policies may undergo changes. It's also important to note that certain links within the article might be referral links, potentially leading to payments to our site. AI and translation tools may have been used for content creation and writing. If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies please feel free to let us know at "contact [at] theusualjapan.com". You can support TheUsualJapan financially by either becoming a supporter (recurring subscription) or make voluntary one time payments at the end of articles to help us keeping this site running. For more details refer to our Commercial Disclosure page. We hope you enjoy the content on this site and your support is highly appreciated.
