Top 10 Sake Shops in Tokyo: Where to Buy Authentic Japanese Sake & Way to Ship
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the central city for politics, economy, and everything else. In 2024, it was ranked as the "Most Attractive Major City in the World" by readers of an American travel magazine.
You can enjoy various activities such as shopping, gourmet food, music, art, and history, and the convenient transportation is also an attractive point. Although it can get extremely hot in summer in recent years, the climate is generally comfortable throughout the year.
One of Tokyo's features is that famous food and drinks from all over Japan gather here. This time, I will explain in detail about shops where you can purchase Japanese Sake and shipping methods.
Japanese Sake is Produced Almost Everywhere in Japan
Japanese Sake is produced in all 47 prefectures across Japan. In Tokyo, you can enjoy sake from various regions, but there are also precious local sake that can only be tasted in their place of origin due to the importance of freshness.
There are nearly 1,400 sake breweries in Japan, with Hyogo Prefecture producing the largest quantity of sake. The number of Japanese Sake brands throughout the country exceeds 10,000.
When traveling to different parts of Japan, it's also recommended to look for local Japanese Sake manufactured using the natural features of that region!
What is Japanese Sake?
Japanese Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from rice, rice koji (malted rice), and water. The rice and rice koji used must be produced in Japan. Also, only those brewed within Japan are classified as Japanese Sake.
Japanese Sake, with its smooth rice flavor, is also enjoyable because its aroma and taste change with temperature. It is sometimes enjoyed differently depending on the season and food pairing. The umami components and koji mold in Japanese Sake are also expected to have skin-beautifying effects.
Please enjoy it in various ways.
Where To Buy Sake In Tokyo - You Can Purchase Almost All Delicious Drinks From All Over Japan
Just like you can enjoy specialty foods from all over Japan in Tokyo, local sake from various regions also gather here. The attraction is that there are many sake sections in major department stores and specialty liquor shops, making it easy to find sake to your liking.
There are also many izakayas (Japanese pubs) where you can enjoy fine sake with local specialties as appetizers. The "Kakuuchi" style, where you can drink right at the liquor store, is also standard.
Since it's basically a system where you pay for each drink, the bill is easy to understand, and you can casually enjoy Japanese Sake. The Kakuuchi style, where you can immediately try recommended sake while asking the store owner, is also recommended for tourists.
A Bar Hopping Enthusiast Recommends the Best Japanese Sake Shops in Tokyo
Kakinuma
Source:Google Maps
As a stylish liquor store, I highly recommend "Kakinuma" located in Adachi Ward. At first glance, its sophisticated exterior resembles a cafe or art museum. They offer an extensive selection of famous sake from across Japan, as well as whiskey, wine, and shochu, making it a popular spot for restaurant buyers.
Their sister shop "Kakinuma Senju nomiyoko" in Kita-Senju specializes in Japanese sake and functions as a "kakiuchi" (standing bar) where you can enjoy drinks on-site. They also serve delicious snacks that pair well with the sake.
Their online shop features seasonal recommendations. Don't forget to check out their official Instagram too!
Address: 5-12-12 Kohoku, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 / Saturday 10:00-18:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 03-3899-3520
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakinuma.sake/
Online shop: http://www.kakinuma-tokyo.co.jp/
Mimasu-ya
Source:Official website
Established in 1948, "Mimasu-ya" is one of my favorite sake shops, beloved in the local community. Having carefully nurtured relationships with sake breweries across Japan over many years, delicious regional sake from all over the country gathers at this store.
After taking over from the second-generation father, the shop is currently managed by three sisters who represent the third generation. The warm atmosphere unique to family-run businesses is definitely part of this store's charm.
In their carefully curated tasting space, you can enjoy seasonal sake sampling menus and homemade snacks. I visit frequently, but the menu changes weekly, so there's always something new to enjoy each time. This is highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience a locally cherished sake store. If you're wondering where to buy sake in Tokyo, this should be at the top of your list.
- Address: 1-9-1-7 Kirigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00 / Tuesdays, Sundays, and Holidays 10:00-19:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone Number: 03-3907-0727
- Official Website: https://mimasu-ya.com/
Liquor Store Machidaya
Source:Retty
Founded in 1952, "Liquor Store Machidaya" is a sake shop with direct-from-brewery regional sake. The shop's famous president, Mr. Kimura, has even appeared in "Oishinbo," a popular Japanese gourmet manga.
My recommended highlight is their collection of over 80 varieties of cup sake available at all times. Cup sake, which is sake packaged in glass cups of about 180ml, has become popular for its convenient single-serving size that can be easily enjoyed. Wondering where to buy sake in Tokyo that you can easily take home? This is an excellent option for tourists.
I particularly love their seasonal limited editions and cup sake with stylish labels, and whenever I visit the store, I end up buying more sake than I initially planned. Why not consider these as souvenirs?
- Address: 1-49-12 Kamitakada, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00-18:30
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 03-3389-4551
- Official Website: https://www.ajinomachidaya.jp
Hasegawa Saketen Kameido
Source:Tabelog
"Hasegawa Saketen" is a liquor store offering various Japanese Sake from all over Japan. They're popular for their carefully selected collection, including sake they've personally chosen by visiting breweries or created together with sake brewers. One of my favorite points is that they carry brands that can only be found here in Tokyo.
The staff is very knowledgeable about Japanese Sake, so feel free to ask them questions.
The main store will undergo reconstruction after April 13th, and during this period, they will operate at the Kameido Clock store. It's only a 2-minute walk from Kameido Station, making it easily accessible, so I recommend stopping by while visiting other tourist attractions in the area.
- Address: Until April 13th - Koto-ku, Kameido 1-18-12 / From April 18th - Koto-ku, Kameido 6-31-6 (inside Kameido Clock)
- Business Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 / Sat 10:00-18:00
Closed: None
- Phone Number: Until April 13th - 03-5875-0404 / From April 18th - 03-5875-4660 (Kameido Clock)
- Official Website: https://www.hasegawasaketen.com/index_en.html
- From April 18th: https://www.hasegawasaketen.com/images/news/kameidoiten.png
Suzuden
Source:Official website
"Suzuden" is a historic liquor store with over 170 years of history.
They are particular about their storage methods to preserve the flavor and aroma of Japanese Sake. These methods were inspired by wine storage techniques that the former chairman observed during his visit to Europe. They maintain optimal conditions for each type of sake with three temperature settings: 10°C, 5°C, and -3°C.
My recommendation is what's called "modern-style Japanese sake," which has become popular in recent years. Many of these have fruity aromas and are easy to drink even for sake beginners.
You can also enjoy "kakuchi" (standing bar) on weekdays only, so please drop by!
- Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Yotsuya 1-10
- Business Hours: Sales - Mon-Fri 9:00-20:30 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 10:00-17:45 / Standing bar space - Weekdays 17:00-20:30
- Closed: 1st & 3rd Saturday, Sundays, Holidays
- Phone Number: 03-3351-1777
- Official Website: http://suzuden-sake.com/index.html
Isego
Source:Official website
The long-established store "Isego," with over 300 years of history, visits sake breweries across the country to taste and carefully select Japanese Sake, wanting to deliver only what they find delicious.
The Nakameguro store, a 4-minute walk from Nakameguro Station, offers a rich selection of Japanese sake, wine, and shochu. Its stylish standing bar space is also popular, and I often visit during cherry blossom season. It's perfectly located for stopping by after viewing the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River, so I highly recommend it.
The Sendagi store, located in a residential area, features a chic, hideaway-like exterior. Its wider aisles allow you to leisurely browse products, making it recommended for souvenir shopping as well.
- Address: Nakameguro Store - Meguro-ku, Aobadai 1-20-2 / Sendagi Store - Bunkyo-ku, Sendagi 3-3-13
- Business Hours: Nakameguro Store - Sales 10:00-19:00 / Standing bar - Weekdays 15:00-18:30 / Sat, Sun 12:00-18:30
Sendagi Store (Sales only) 10:00-19:00
- Closed: Tuesdays, Holidays
- Phone Number: Nakameguro Store 03-5784-4584 / Sendagi Store 03-3821-4573
- Official Website: https://isego.net/
Fukuhara Saketen
Source:Official website
Fukuhara Saketen is a well-stocked liquor store located about 15 minutes by train from Asakusa. The owner, who holds certifications as both a sake sommelier and wine advisor, has a passionate desire to "provide not only delicious sake but also the joy and richness of life, as well as connections between people through good drinks."
My recommended highlight is their monthly "Japanese Sake Appreciation Gathering" and "Wine Tasting Event." These are enjoyable events where each participant brings one appetizer dish to share. In spring, they sometimes hold these gatherings in a nearby park, combining sake tasting with cherry blossom viewing. You can check the schedule on their official website.
If you're wondering where to buy sake in Tokyo, this is an excellent option to combine with your Asakusa sightseeing tour.
- Address: 3-6-8 Taito, Taito-ku
- Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00-20:00 / Saturday 9:00-19:00
- Closed: 2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
- Phone Number: 03-3831-2235
- Official Website: http://www.fukuharasaketen.com/
For the Best Selection, Department Stores Are Recommended
If you're looking for a wide variety and convenience when purchasing sake, department stores are highly recommended. One of the attractions is being able to select accompanying appetizers from all over Japan and dishware for enjoying Japanese sake.
Here are two representative department stores in Shinjuku:
Isetan Shinjuku
Isetan Shinjuku has a Japanese liquor section in one corner of the basement floor of the main building. Although the space isn't very large, it offers an impressive lineup that would satisfy any Japanese sake enthusiast.
Recommended selections from various prefectures are highlighted, and sometimes special themed corners are set up. I often visit here myself, and when in doubt, you can't go wrong choosing from their daily recommendations.
While they don't offer sake sampling, they do have paid tastings for wine and craft beer, so why not stop by after shopping?
- Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 03-3352-1111
- Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp.e.az.hp.transer.com/store/shinjuku.html
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isetan.shinjuku_sake_beer/
Takashimaya
Source:Wikipedia
Shinjuku Takashimaya's basement floor (B1) features a liquor section selling both Japanese and Western alcoholic beverages. As expected from an established department store, they offer a carefully curated selection including limited editions that can't be found elsewhere.
There are many mini bottles that are easy to carry and products with distinctively Japanese decorative packaging, which is why I often shop here when selecting souvenirs for my foreign friends.
The event space occasionally hosts tasting and sales events. Although these are held irregularly, sometimes brewery representatives visit in person to teach customers their recommended ways to enjoy the sake.
Be sure to check out the official online store as well, where you can view the buyer's recommended lineup!
- Address: 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
- Business Hours: 10:30-19:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 03-5361-1111
- Official Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/
- Online Store: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/special/meisyu/0900004287/
Points to Note When Taking Alcohol from Japan to a Foreign Country
There are several important points to be aware of when bringing sake back from Japan.
When bringing alcoholic beverages into a foreign country, there are established duty-free allowances. Exceeding these limits will result in additional taxes. Since regulations vary by country, it's essential to check these details in advance.
Incidentally, alcohol purchased at duty-free shops after security checks may be allowed as carry-on luggage. However, be aware that these items might be confiscated during layovers in other countries, so it's advisable to check this information as well.
When packing, it's recommended to place bottles in plastic bags wrapped with towels and pack them tightly in your suitcase to prevent leakage. Keeping the sake refrigerated at your hotel until just before departure helps maintain its freshness.
For Those Who Want to Truly Experience Delicious Sake, a Ginza Tour with a Local Guide is Recommended
If you're wondering where to buy sake in Tokyo while enjoying it at local restaurants, why not join a guided tour? I recommend a popular tour where you can taste various sake brands with different flavors and aromas, while also enjoying premium wagyu teppanyaki.
Highlights of this tour include:
- All-you-can-drink from about 20 types of sake (for 30 minutes)
- Enjoyment of teppanyaki cuisine cooked right before your eyes
- All-you-can-eat A5 rank premium wagyu beef
- Detailed explanations about the history and appeal of sake from your guide
After dinner, venture into Ginza at night and experience Tokyo's charm, which differs from its daytime atmosphere. If you want to enjoy Japanese sake and wagyu in the sophisticated adult district of Ginza, please consider participating in this tour!
