Tasting Sake in Japan Part 4: Best Izakaya from Ginza to Asakusa

Let’s continue another exciting chapter of our ‘Tasting Sake in Japan’ journey!

In the first two articles, we covered the fundamental knowledge of Japan’s iconic alcoholic beverage, “sake.” In the third article, we introduced several izakayas—pub-style restaurants that focus on serving alcohol—in Shinjuku, the central area of Tokyo.

This time, we will explore the best Izakaya for sake in other major tourist areas of Tokyo, such as Tokyo Station, Ginza, Asakusa, and Ueno!👣

Tokyo Station is a major hub for trains and Shinkansen, with numerous souvenir shops inside the station. Ginza is known for its luxury shopping streets, Asakusa for Sensoji Temple and its traditional townscape, Ueno for Ameyoko (a historic open-air market), and the zoo that houses pandas.

After exploring these popular spots, why not stop by a nearby izakaya and enjoy some delicious Japanese sake?🍶

 

Tasting Sake in Japan Part 4:
Best Izakaya from Ginza to Asakusa

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🗼Tokyo Station (東京駅) 

Suisui Nihonbashi Tokyo (粋酔 日本橋東京店)

Suisui is a store managed by a Sake Diploma holder, offering a selection of over 130 types of sake from all over Japan.
In addition to sake sourced from small breweries dedicated to crafting delicious sake and from young professionals, the store also provides rare and famous brands.

There are three courses that include all-you-can-drink sake paired with specially prepared dishes (¥6000/7000/10000). Available sake brands and the duration of the all-you-can-drink vary by course. Additionally, for à la carte orders, you can add all-you-can-drink options for 2 hours at ¥2,800 and 2.5 hours at ¥3,350.
Various tasting sets allow you to compare 3 to 4 different types of sake.
The store offers private rooms, perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy a variety of sake in a calm and peaceful setting!

 

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Hakkaisan Tokyo Yaesu Store 越後酒房 八重洲店

This restaurant is officially recognized by “Hakkaisan,” a representative brand from Niigata Prefecture, one of the most famous sake-producing regions in Japan. (Check out this article for more about famous sake-producing regions in Japan!!)

You can enjoy a variety of Japanese sake, including Hakkaisan, along with local food from Niigata Prefecture.

The interior features table and traditional Japanese “zashiki-style” seating where you take off your shoes. It’s perfect for experiencing the Japanese atmosphere.
Located just a minute from Tokyo Station, it’s an excellent option for a meal before buying souvenirs at the station or before catching the Shinkansen to another city!

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✨銀座

Japanese Izakaya Musshu Mizuki Ginza (夢酒みずき 銀座)

If you’re a sake and Japanese cuisine fan, this izakaya in Tokyo is a must-visit!
At this Izakaya, a sake sommelier personally pairs dishes and drinks to suit each guest’s preferences. The staff, including the manager, who has experience working in a sake brewery, are passionate about sake.

Each month, the izakaya features traditional dishes from different regions of Japan, allowing you to taste a variety of flavors from across the country without leaving Tokyo. The open kitchen style also allows you to watch the chefs’ culinary craftsmanship as they prepare your meal right in front of you!

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Kyo-no Obanzai Uwanosora (京のおばんざい 銀座 うわの空 銀座 日本酒)

This izakaya places a special emphasis on the collaboration between traditional Japanese cuisine, “Washoku (和食),” and Japanese sake. Many dishes use fresh fish, a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The pairing of fresh sashimi and Japanese sake is amazing.
Alongside famous brands, the restaurant also offers a curated selection of premium sakes chosen by the owner.

For those who want to explore a wide range of sakes, the all-you-can-drink course is a great choice, offering 32 types of sake for just 2,280 yen per hour.
After enjoying a day of shopping in Ginza, why not treat yourself to a delightful pairing of seasonal Washoku dishes and Japanese sake?

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⛩浅草

Sakazukiya kaduchi (盃屋かづち)

Located in Kappabashi, a historic district famous for selling professional-grade kitchenware, packaging materials, and cooking utensils, this restaurant was originally a clothing store housed in a renovated 67-year-old building. The charming interior reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics and offers a unique atmosphere distinct from other restaurants.

The cuisine mainly features seafood, prepared using traditional cooking methods from the Edo period that are still used today.
There is also an all-you-can-drink course with Japanese sake from all across Japan, allowing you to enjoy different sake at various temperatures, from Reishu (冷酒: Chilled sake) to (熱燗: Hot sake). (Check this article to learn about the temperatures for Sake!!)
If you want to enjoy traditional dishes and atmosphere, this is the place to be!

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Omotenokura (表乃蔵)

This restaurant is located just a 5-minute walk from the famous Senso-ji Temple.
With many positive reviews praising the friendly staff and an English/Chinese/Korean website available, it might be a good choice for tourists to try.

The restaurant’s signature dish is “Basashi” (raw horse meat). Basashi is the most famous specialty of Kumamoto prefecture, where Japan is the largest producer of horse meat. Thinly sliced raw horse meat is served with thinly sliced onions and dipped in sweet soy sauce.

They also offer a wide variety of Japanese sake, allowing you to enjoy different types of sake with your meal.
If you want to try “Basashi” along with some Japanese sake, be sure to visit here!

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🐼Ueno (上野)

Premium Sake Pub Gashue

Premium Sake Pub is a pub with a mission to continuously convey and develop Japan’s traditional sake culture.

Aiming to attract sake enthusiasts across generations and countries, the pub is also known for being English-friendly. They primarily offer two services: “Sake lectures” and a “Sake pub.”

The “Sake lecture” provides basic sake lessons for beginners in a classroom style, with plenty of images and sake tasting. The sake lectures are held irregularly from 2 PM to 4 PM.
Do not forget to check the schedule on the website and book in advance!

The “Sake Pub” is open from 6 PM to 11 PM Monday through Saturday. It offers premium sake and dishes that pair well with each type of sake. (Sake-tasting sets are also available!)

It’s recommended for beginners who want to enjoy sake while listening to English explanations and for those who want to deepen their understanding of sake!

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貝料理  吟 (Kai-Ryouri Gin)

This unique restaurant specializes in shellfish, with over 20 carefully selected varieties always available.
From classic options like turban shell, clams, and abalone to rare types you may not have heard of, you can enjoy them prepared in various ways, such as grilling or steaming.

They have about 80 types of Japanese sake that pair perfectly with shellfish.
The “All-you-can-drink sake course” is available with no time limit!! As it’s popular with locals, it’s recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
Visit here to experience the perfect pairing of shellfish and Japanese sake!

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Conclusion

Have you picked out an izakaya you want to explore? 🍶

Before we finish this article, here are a few tips for enjoying izakaya!
Many izakaya are relatively small, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.

Popular gourmet websites in Japan are Hot Pepper Gourmet (ホットペッパーグルメ), Tabelog (食べログ), and Gurunavi (ぐるなび).
Many restaurants accept reservations through their official sites or these platforms (though some may not).
These websites are mainly in Japanese, but it’s not complicated if you follow these steps.

1. Search for the restaurant name in Japanese in the search bar🔍 on the platform.
(“店名”: Restaurant name / ”日付”: Date / ”時間”: Time)
2. Click the button marked “予約” (: reservation).
3. Confirm the date and time.

We hope you have a wonderful sake experience in Japan!✨

 

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CUSTOMER’S VOICE

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