u/SmithJonesJohnson23

I’d like to go to the drinking area in Akabane; looks like a good alternative to Golden Gai. I actually love Death Match in Hell, incidentally—chill bartender. But want something with less tourists and more atmosphere / local flavor.

I don’t drink much and am on a budget but I’d love to do some sake sampling somewhere that would be friendly to a non-Japanese speaking foreigner (and not up charge me). What specific places do people recommend? Should I just check for positive google reviews for any places that look interesting when I arrive?

What I’m not looking for at the moment:

• Being told to just go drink sake somewhere else; Akabane looks cool and I’d like to explore it. The goal isn’t sake; it’s just something I enjoy on the rare occasions that I drink

• Advice from anyone who hasn’t been to Akabane

• Comments like: “But you’re a tourist…” (unhelpful and obvious) or “You will go to the heavily touristed areas and you will like it.” (No preachy, philosophical treatises on Japan travel, please). I tried to make it clear about exactly what advice I’m looking for.

I’m a white Gaijin and want to go to the drinking area in Akabane; looks like a good alternative to Golden Gai (I actually love Death Match in Hell, incidentally.).

I’m a solo traveler and love strolling around places where I’m the only Gaijin; spent many great moments recently touring various spots on the Toden Tram line and that’s really the perfect sort of adventure for me.

I don’t drink much and am on a budget but I’d love to do some sake sampling somewhere that would be friendly to a non-Japanese speaking Gaijin (and not up charge me). What specific places do people recommend? Don’t know its name but I really like an unfiltered sake from Niigata that comes in a yellow can.

And if you don’t recommend Akabane for drinking (though I’d like to experience the atmosphere) what about in Ikebukuro where I’m staying currently? Or even Sugamo—heading there shortly for Jizo-Dori unironically as I’m an old guy myself.

Finally are there any unique and interesting shinto shrines or Buddhist temples worth seeing in Akabane?