Around 6:00 pm on a regular day, near the east end of Horikiri Shobuen Station platform. I was curious and decided to make a detour to the second place. When I opened the door, there was a dining table in the center and a narrow counter where about two people could sit in front of it. There was also a counter on the left with a refrigerator covered in sticky notes and a microwave. It felt like someone's dining room. I hesitated whether it was a shop or not. However, once I peeked inside, the regular customers greeted me, and the slim lady from the back also welcomed me. With their warm welcome, I was able to enter and ordered the following: Shochu Highball (Dry) for 200 yen, Atsuage (Thick Fried Tofu) for 200 yen (pay as you go). Since they only had Dry and Lemon for the Shochu Highball, I chose Dry (and also because Shikuwasa is not commonly available in retail stores). The box tissues had animal prints from Don Quijote. The Atsuage was microwaved and served hot with green onions, ginger, and bonito flakes on top, a luxurious touch. I quietly enjoyed my drink in a corner, but halfway through, the regular customers invited me to the dining table and treated me to melon, egg sandwiches, and more. There was even a rumored roofer among them, and the atmosphere was lively and friendly. Once I felt more comfortable, it was a cozy place, but if you're not used to it, it might be a bit uncomfortable unless you have a strong heart. (But all the regular customers are very kind.) As the place started to fill up, I bid farewell. By the way, the etiquette at this shop is to throw away your empty cans in the trash can outside on your way out. Thank you to the gentleman who kindly disposed of my can for me, not knowing the shop's custom. It's a lovely shop with a homely atmosphere and no commercial intentions. I would like to have a place like this as my regular spot in my old age. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

I visited the Horikiri Shobuen Station, which was featured on Ad-machi. I was aiming for the specialty shop, Kaneko Saketen, but it was crowded with tough-looking regular customers, so I decided to leave. The one-woman operation by the charming landlady, with her forehead as a charm point, was managing the shop, while a small boy who seemed to be her grandson passed through the store. It seemed like they no longer sold alcohol retail, as the refrigerator was stocked with bottles labeled with the names of regular customers. I paid in advance for an Asahi SD Regular can for 270 yen tax included, and a HYT for 200 yen tax included. The dishes like kinpira, tofu, and mochi were priced at 200 yen each. The man behind me received a 4L bottle of Takara shochu, made a highball, and enjoyed it. Surprisingly, the HYT was full volume. When the landlady asked if I wanted mayo or salt, I chose mayo. After adding the reliable Kewpie mayo and tasting it, I enjoyed my drink alone without joining the conversation of the regular customers who were talking about their daily lives and work sites. A little boy had a small accident on a regular customer's lap, but I finished my drink as the SD ran out. It was nice to visit this long-established standing bar where you can feel the everyday life of Katsushika.

New Year's Senbero Tour @ Horikiri Ayame Park 4th Stop This place was not originally part of our plan, but after leaving the third stop, Michan, and heading towards the station, we heard from a local friend that there was a standing bar nearby. Intrigued, we decided to stop by and check it out. Although they no longer sell retail, the door with frosted glass was closed tightly, making it hard to see inside. As we hesitated outside, the door suddenly opened, and a cheerful customer came out, encouraging us to come in. Unable to resist, we entered the shop. Inside, there was a large table that could seat 8-10 people in the center, as well as a counter with four seats facing the floor. Despite it being quite crowded, we managed to find a seat. There was no menu for ordering, so we asked the owner for drinks and snacks, paying on the spot. We toasted with canned shochu highball (around 180 yen) and were recommended red turnips for 100 yen and a pack of 6 cheeses for 70 yen. Although the recommended satsuma-age and kinpira were sold out that day, we enjoyed the red turnips and cheese. The atmosphere was filled with conversations between regular customers, who seemed to know each other well. We joined in with our tour stories, blending in with the locals. The conversation took a deep turn as an older man shared a profound life story that left us nodding in agreement. It was a reminder that dramas are not just confined to TV or movies. Despite some cultural shocks, the warm welcome from the owner and regulars made for an enjoyable time. We even received recommendations for other great local spots. It was a unique and valuable experience that we won't forget.