01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Poured in a striking green, the original Ninja Turtle cocktail is the signature drink crafted by the owner, a fan of American comic books. Tucked along an alleyway in Nishi-Asakusa, Kawabanga (カワバンガ) features a counter dotted with comic-book memorabilia, welcoming guests into an unpretentious, casual setting.
The drinks menu is straightforward, offering draft beer and seasonally rotated authentic shochu alongside an extensive range of chuhai. Crisp choices such as ume-shiso, lemon, and tomato highballs share the list with an assortment of tea-infused mixes—including Earl Grey, jasmine, green tea, and unsweetened black tea—making it easy to sample different glasses to suit your mood. For something out of the ordinary, there is also a coffee highball that balances subtle bitterness with a roasted aroma.
To pair with the drinks, the house-smoked popcorn provides an ideal accompaniment. Its moderate smokiness harmonizes smoothly with the crisp profiles of the tea highballs and shochu. It serves as a comfortable hideaway for dropping in during an evening in Asakusa, enjoying a drink while striking up conversation with the welcoming master and fellow patrons.
