The 5 best places for sake in Tokyo

While this izakaya (Japanese-style pub) has been in business for over 80 years, their selection of sake hasn’t changed much since the early days. In Japan, people eat while they drink so bar food is just as important as quality of the drinks you are served. The owner of this bar goes to Tsukiji market every day to buy the catch of the day.

The owners of this liquor shop are considered fine connoisseurs of the sake industry and have the best selection of sake in Tokyo. They also serve sake in a shot glass at the counter as well as snacks that pair very nicely with your drink. If you want to taste a line-up of different brands, then this is the place to go.

A standing sake bar. The manager used to be a sushi chef, so he has his own policy when it comes to fish – he does not use farmed fish and thinks about how best to serve fish so that it pairs nicely with your drink.

A small bar in Ginza that serves 50 to 100 brands of sake and 20 brands of shochu. If you can’t find a brand you like here, you won’t find it anywhere else. When the bar is busy, they may not be able to take phone enquiries, so make sure you have Google Maps on your phone.

Nishi-Ogikubo, often called ‘Nishi Ogi’, is very popular with intellectuals and antiques lovers. As this shop is said to serve the best warm sake in all of Japan, you can usually find loads of sake enthusiasts here. The oden they serve, with a ginger and miso paste, is simply excellent.