About
As you walk through the quiet alleys of Ningyocho, a sign suddenly catches your eye. Its design evokes the Showa-era diesel train “Kiha,” and it piques the curiosity not only of railway enthusiasts but of anyone passing by. The sign points the way to “Kiha,” a standing bar that features cup sake and canned foods as its main attractions.
When you open the door, you’re struck by the illusion of stepping into the interior of a train car. On the first floor, counter seats line the space, and the walls are densely decorated with station name signs and railway memorabilia from all over the country. Climb the stairs to the second floor, and you’ll find long bench seats and hanging straps, perfectly recreating the inside of a commuter train. In this space, you can enjoy a drink as if you’ve stopped off on a journey.
Open the menu and you’ll be greeted by a dazzling array of cup sake gathered from all over Japan. From local specialties to rare finds you might encounter while traveling, the selection is extensive. As for snacks, more than 40 varieties of canned foods are available. From classic mackerel in miso or grilled chicken to unusual delicacies, the fun is in choosing. The canned foods are delicious as they are, but the owner’s creative arrangements are also popular. For example, the “Konkatsu,” a whole fried can of corned beef, or “Saba Udon,” udon topped with canned mackerel, both delight visitors with their unique names and flavors.
The charm of this place isn’t just in eating and drinking. The owner, a railway enthusiast, has collected valuable railway goods, and the sounds of trains running fill the space. There’s even an N-gauge railway model on display, making it a veritable sanctuary for train fans. Even first-time visitors naturally find themselves deep in railway conversations, and before they know it, they’re sharing travel memories with the person next to them.
The name “Kiha” comes from the classification for diesel railcars used during the Japanese National Railways era. The owner, originally from Kansai, moved to Kanto and, upon having the opportunity to open a railway-themed standing bar, brought this shop to life. The reason for installing long bench seats on the second floor, rather than box seats, is that box seats tend to keep groups together, while long seats make it easier for strangers to strike up conversations.
Nestled in a corner of Ningyocho, this shop offers a space where time seems to stand still. With a cup of sake in hand and a canned snack, conversations about trains blossom. Such moments help you forget the bustle of everyday life. It’s a place where nostalgia and novelty intersect, as if you’ve stopped off on a journey—that is what “Kiha” is.