Tokyo is a great place to explore the world of sake. There are countless izakayas and bars specializing in Japan’s national drink, with places suitable for drinkers of all experience levels, from sake novices all the way up to seasoned sake veterans. The only problem is, with so many places to go drinking, it’s difficult to know where to even start, so here are a few places to get you started.

buri – 立喰酒場

Buri is a stylish standing bar known for its huge range of ‘one cup sake’ sourced from all over Japan. The walls are lined with ‘one cup sake’ glasses, and one of the walls features a hidden door leading to the restroom. For anyone who doesn’t want their sake in ‘one cup’ form, bottled sake and other drinks are also available. There’s a selection of snacks and small dishes on offer as well. If you’re looking for a place to indulge in some sake while meeting both locals and tourists alike, this is a good place to check out!

Located in the heart of Ebisu, Buri is just a short walk from Ebisu Station. Its central location makes it a convenient stop during a night out in Shibuya or Meguro.

Buri
Opening hours｜ 5pm to 1am
Address｜  1 Chome-14-1 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021
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Toyama Bar – トヤマバー

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Toyama prefecture, located a couple of hours north-west of Tokyo by shinkansen, is known for its high quality sake. But if you have neither the time nor inclination to make the trek up there, you can still sample Toyama’s finest without leaving Tokyo. Toyama prefecture runs an ‘antenna shop’ in Tokyo, which also includes a stylish sake lounge. Here you can try not just the best sake Toyama has to offer, but also some of the local delicacies the region is known for.

Located in the Nihonbashi area, the bar is just a few minutes’ walk from several major train stations, including Mitsukoshimae and Shin-Nihombashi. It’s a convenient stop if you’re exploring Tokyo’s historic downtown or doing some shopping nearby.

Toyama Bar
Opening hours｜ 11am to 9pm
Address｜ Tokyo Prefectural Antenna Shop, 1 Chome-2-6 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022
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Kuwabara Shoten – 桑原商店

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Kuwabara Shoten is a great example of a type of Japanese drinking establishment called ‘kaku-uchi’. A kaku-uchi is a bottle shop that also runs a standing bar, and this style of business has recently experienced something of a renaissance in the Japanese drinking scene. While traditional ‘kaku-uchi’ are often long-established neighbourhood bottle shops with a couple of tables set up in the corner, Kuwabara is a more modern interpretation – a cool industrial vibe, with some nice retro touches, like tables perched atop sake crates. Whether you’re looking to buy bottles to take home with you, or just try out some great sake, this is a good place to try!

It’s located in a quiet corner of Gotanda, just a short walk from Gotanda Station. The shop’s slightly tucked-away location adds to its charm, making it feel like a hidden gem for those in the know.

Kuwabara Shoten
Opening hours｜
(bottle shop): Mon-Fri 1pm to 9pm, closed weekends
(standing bar): Mon-Fri 5pm to 9pm, closed weekends
Address｜ 2 Chome-29-2 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0031
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Eureka!

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Eureka! is an upscale sake bar run by Sake Samurai Marie Chiba, author of the book ‘Sake Pairing’. As such, you can expect excellent sake pairings here, and they try to personalize these pairings as much as possible to each individual customer. This is also a great place to find rare or difficult to find sake that you might not be able to find elsewhere. Reservations are required, and can be made through Tablecheck.

Eureka! is tucked away on the second floor of a building in the stylish Nishiazabu neighborhood, just a short stroll from Roppongi or Hiroo Station. The area is known for its upscale dining and nightlife, making this bar a perfect stop on a refined night out.

Eureka!
Opening hours｜ Tues-Fri 6pm to 11:30pm. weekends 3pm to 11pm
Address｜ 4 Chome−11−28 2F, Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031
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Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku Sohonten – 日本酒原価酒蔵 新宿総本店

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This is the Shinjuku branch of a sake izakaya chain that has many shops around Tokyo. The ‘genka’ in the shop name translates as ‘cost price’, so you can expect sake at wholesale prices here. If you’re looking for great sake at affordable prices and don’t necessarily want to do all-you-can-drink (although that option is available!), this is a great place to visit.

Conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku, the bar is just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station. Its basement setting gives it a cozy, tucked-away feel despite being in one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods.

Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku Sohonten
Opening hours｜ Weekdays 3pm to 11:30pm, weekends 12pm to 11:30pm
Address｜ 7 Chome−2−5 TH Nishi Shinjuku, B1F, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 〒160-0023
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Savor the Best of Tokyo’s Sake Scene

Tokyo is one of the best places to experience the rich variety of sake Japan has to offer. From hidden neighborhood gems to stylish bars run by sake experts, there’s something here for everyone. These spots are perfect for taking a break from sightseeing and enjoying a taste of Japanese culture. Whether you’re sipping casually or diving deep into sake pairings, you’re sure to find a bar that suits your style. Be sure to add one (or more!) of these sake bars to your Tokyo itinerary.