5 Sake Joints To Try In Tokyo

You’re finally in Tokyo and looking to try some real sake?

The first thing you need to know is that sake bombs (where you drop a shot of sake into beer) aren’t really popular here, so don’t go ordering one. Now that that’s out of the way, we need to talk about the word “sake,” which is actually a blanket term for all alcohol in Japanese.

When English-speakers say the word sake, they really mean “nihonshu,” which is the general term for that delicious rice wine you crave. So, when you want to order rice wine in Japan, use the term nihonshu. Now that you’ve got the correct term, here are five nihonshu joints in Tokyo you ought to try.

1. Sakeba

Sakeba is a cozy little bar just a few minutes walk from Shibuya station’s south exit that specializes in nihonshu from various areas in Japan and Japanese traditional food. It has a relaxing wooden interior and brilliant service.

Address: 3 Chome-15-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

2. Shubo

Shubo in Ikebukuro is the real thing as we can guess from its name: the kanji “酒母” literally means “Sake Mother.” The best thing about it: it has an all-you-can drink sake plan!

Address: 4 Chome-23-6 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

3. Amanogawa

Amanogawa based at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, is the bar to be at if you’re in the mood for some refinery and luxury. Chances are, the bill will reflect it. Address: 2-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

4. Shu Shu

Shu Shu in Kanda, will become your local and the best place to relax and unwind after a long and stressful day — especially if you want to enjoy nihonshu with French dishes.

Address: 5-5 Konyacho, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

5. Sake Bar Masafuku

Sake Bar Masafuku close to Tokyo Tower, is a lovely recently opened little bar with refreshing sake and scrumptious food. Stop by if you want to have a chat over the counter with the bar’s hostess Yukari Yanaba, the wonder-woman behind the bar’s creation: from interior to the endless sake cups.

Address: 2-11-20 1F Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Editor’s note: For more on nihonshu culture, check out this guide from our partner publication Savvy Tokyo.