Taste of the Town: New Sake Bars in Tokyo

Kuwabara Shoten in Gotanda and Nurukan Sato in Shibuya are two new Tokyo sake bars. For those unfamiliar with Japanese sake and izakaya restaurants, sake may seem intimidating. However, with its wide variety of flavors and styles, there's definitely something for everyone.

Kuwabara Shoten

Located a few minutes from Gotanda Station, Kuwabara Shoten is a gourmet boutique and bottle shop, as well as a hip sake bar. Despite its modern interior, this is a family business that's been operating since 1915. Featuring sake and delicacies from all over Japan, this standing bar is the perfect place to meet friends both old and new. There are 40 sake brands featured on the rotating "Sake of the Day" menu, all of which can be enjoyed in 30 ml, 60 ml, and 180 ml sizes. If you find a new favorite, you can buy a bottle to bring home.

Not a sake drinker? Not to worry—craft beer, sake-flavored ice cream, fruit-based drinks such as cider, and a variety of small Japanese dishes are also available.

Vegetable skewers Creative oden Nurukan Sato

The perfect place to wind down after a day of shopping and fun, Nurukan Sato is a modern izakaya restaurant located in Shibuya Hikarie. Forty types of sake representing different Japanese prefectures are served here at 11 different temperatures. Feel free to try out different types and temperatures to find one that suits your tastes. You can even pick out your favorite sake cup to drink from, with various shapes and designs available. Whether you try the 60 ml or 180 ml size is up to you!

Specializing also in skewered dishes that can be enjoyed year-round, Nurukan Sato offers a broad assortment of traditional Japanese tastes. Mix and match your favorites to make a snack or meal.

Kuwabara Shoten

Vegetable skewers Creative oden Nurukan Sato