There’s always bound to be an Irish pub wherever you go in the world. An even more sure thing, is that it’s bound to have the name ‘Paddy’s’ in there somewhere. The local Irish pub in Hirafu is Paddy McGinty’s where you can watch all the soccer you can poke a stick at, and drink Guiness.
It’s also a decent place for a cheap pub lunch.
The first time I went there I got a little taste of home - fish and chips.
I went back there again coz I needed a little pick-me-up. It felt like a lazy Sunday afternoon at the pub except it was a Wednesday.
The everyday lunch special is 1000yen with a choice of one of the following meals: fish and chips, chicken and chips, chili rice, and I think curry and rice, with a softdrink.
I opted this time for the chicken and chips, and B got the chili rice.
A decent hearty, (standard) filling meal, washed down by a beer afterwards. Can’t go wrong really.

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Gyu Bar is one of the coolest bars in Hirafu, and not only because it has a fridge door at its entrance.
It is uber chilled out and super cosy to hang out in. Old records line the walls, and its huge selection of alcoholic beverages (all but umeshu) are worthy of an alcholic’s paradise. In particular, they do awesome hot drinks from hot chocolates to chai lattes with a hint of liquer, as well as hot yuzu tea (recommend), a seven-spice mulled wine (recommend) and hot buttered rum.
Cold drinks are served with hand-chiseled cubes of ice from a massive ice block.
The guys who run this place, also own Pelican Burger in Kutchan.
People go there to sit, relax and talk in a cosy, comfy environment. There’s no sticky wooden floorboards, no tobacco fumes, no loud thumping music, just soft ambient beats. An understated venue that oozes appeal.

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Closed, Open, Closed, re-open…. now it seems Kila is open for good, at least for now.

Went along to Kila Bar/Cafe during mid-week for a drink. It’s more a dining venue than a drinking venue. From the outside, it looks warm and cozy on the inside, and true to that it was warm and cozy inside. The lighting and interior are really nice. Very soft, warm and inviting. Top points for interior, lighting, comfy chairs, and atmosphere. Menu is Japanese cuisine, although I didn’t eat there I will be back there again to sample its fare. Kushiage seems to be it’s specialty.

They also offer a lunch set menu most of which are under 1000yen, which is good value.

I drank ume shu and chilled out there. Definitely a romantic date vibe kinda venue (with the exception of the fooze ball table placed near the entrance). A venue which is easy on the eyes. Next time, my tastebuds will be the judge.

Very nice place which I will go back to again. Shame they close somewhat early - 11pm.

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There are no shortage of bars in Hirafu, and I think I have discovered my favourite one - Tanuki Bar. It is awesome on so many levels:
1- It’s called Tanuki Bar. Tanukis are awesome. I love that word. They are such crazy animals. I reckon they make up the majority of roadkill in Japan.
2 - They have a log wood table, a box of nails and a hammer. One can literally get hammered.
3 - It’s cosy. Capacity of about 15 people.
4- Friendly staff

There’s nothing better nor therapeutic than a long day at work than having a beer and hammering a few nails into the table. Basically you take rounds to hammer in your nail. First one to hammer their nail in wins. Only catch is that you need to use the sharp end of the hammer (and not the blunt end)

I love this place. I will definitely be back to hammer in a few more nails.

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