While 花咲 (Hanasaki) Butchers Store is super close to Sakuragicho Station, it’s not on the main thoroughfare. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love going off the beaten path to find food and things to do. To top that off, sometimes you want to try some more international palate food. (Yes, even in Japan). Completely off the normal? Argentina-style BBQ is available in Sakuragicho, a great area of Yokohama with plenty of bars, restaurants, and close by to Japan’s second-tallest office building.
When you are visiting Japan (or living here!), I highly recommend taking turns down random alleys and roads. Don’t worry, as it’s one of the safest countries in the world and you’ll find some awesome places!
How I ended up here the first time? I’d just come from exploring a couple of shrines, it was 1 pm, I was hungry and actually headed someplace else when I smelled their food.
The Nitty Gritty
The Butchers Store is open for lunch (12-3) and dinner (5-1130) separately. Something I’ve found is quite common in Japan and am not sure how I never picked up on it. I’m eating at off-hours nowadays? Bottom line: check times beforehand! Makes it feel somewhat European.
Hanasaki Butchers Store totes themselves as an Argentina-style BBQ, wet-aging their meats. While there are a few tables available, I’m a huge fan of sitting at the bar to see the cooking in action in their open kitchen.
BBQ in Yokohama Course Options
Something Japan gets right, there are all sorts of course menus available and Hanasaki Butchers Store has one as well. Why is this great? It’s a perfect option for groups of friends. No need to figure out who ordered what or being the massive party that asks for separate bills. (I’ve never been a waiter but I feel bad anytime that ends up being the final option).
Generally speaking, restaurants and izakayas will have several price points to give you some flexibility. And don’t forget the all-you-can-drink options. Japan is a place of 飲み会 nomikai, drinking party).
The other plus is it gives you a good overview of the menu. Some restaurants may have only one option but many will have different price points for you to choose from.
The Butchers Store Menu
I’ve always gone for lunch so I’ll focus on that. You have a choice between pork chop, lamb chop & hamburger, jerk chicken, beef steak, or gratin. The portions are massive and come with a drink bar (the rare chance of refillable drinks, in this
The lunch steak option will run you 1500 yen (about $15 USD) which for what you have, is very reasonable. They have a special on drinks at lunch of 400 yen for wine (red, white, sparkling) or craft beers.
PS. The silverware is in a drawer below your counter area. Took me a second to find that but when I did, I loved how clever that was.
You may recall I enjoy alfresco dining. During the nicer weather, they can open their windows right up and have an inside/outside feel! It’s really nice to sit and have a glass or wine and enjoy lunch. I hope you can enjoy this fun, friendly restaurant!
Getting here
Trains are definitely best, especially if you are planning on having a drink as cars are out. (And parking is super annoying to find in Japan). Plus there aren’t many parking options in the area. The closest station is Sakuragicho and can be reached on the Blue Line (Yokohama’s metro system) or the JR Negishi or Yokohama lines.