5 Best Sake Izakayas in Tokyo
Curated by a Master Sommelier (Part 1)
From hidden, stylish dining spots to interactive tasting bars, Tokyo’s sake scene is evolving. If you are searching for the perfect place to enjoy Japanese sake—whether for a date, a solo adventure, or an unforgettable tasting experience—we have hand-picked five of the best izakayas in the city.
What to expect in this guide:
- Stylish, foreigner-friendly bars with a premium relaxing atmosphere
- Unique interactive experiences (like making your own warm sake or coin-operated tasting)
- Hidden gems curated by professional sake sommeliers (Kikisake-shi)
- Shops featuring 100+ premium local sake varieties from across Japan
1. SakanaYakio 2 (Shimbashi)
Known as an "izakaya truly meant for sake lovers," SakanaYakio 2 constantly stocks over 100 varieties of Japanese sake carefully selected from all 47 prefectures in Japan. They pride themselves on incredibly fresh seafood transported directly from the famous Toyosu Market.
A must-try absolute favorite among regulars is their Seared Fatty Mackerel (Aburi O-Toro Shime-Saba). The interior mainly consists of counter seating, making it an incredibly welcoming and highly recommended spot for solo travelers who want to enjoy sake in an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere.
Basic Information
- Location
- Seiko Bldg B1F, 3-15-8 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 3-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station
- Hours
- Mon-Thu 16:00-24:00 / Fri 16:00-1:00 / Sat 16:00-23:00
- Links
- Tabelog Page
2. Sakelab Tokyo (Jujo)
Tucked quietly in a residential neighborhood of Jujo, Sakelab Tokyo is a highly popular shop establishing a modern "sake bar" style. With over 30 varieties of local sake available to order by the single glass, it is perfect for tasting and comparing different profiles to find your favorite.
They stock seasonal limited editions and highly unique artisan brands, satisfying everyone from beginners to seasoned sake geeks. The interior is stylish and casual, while the food is expertly crafted—making it ideal for dates or casual group dining. Prices are also very reasonable, averaging 6,000–7,000 JPY.
Basic Information
- Location
- Dai3 Hokusei Bldg B1F, 1-1-7 Jujonakahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 3-minute walk from JR Jujo Station (North Exit)
- Hours
- Mon,Wed,Thu 18:00-23:30 / Fri 18:00-23:30 / Sat,Sun,Holiday 15:00-
- Links
- Tabelog Page
3. Sumibiyakitori Kemuri (Monzen-nakacho)
If you want the ultimate all-you-can-drink Japanese sake experience, look no further than "Kemuri". This hidden gem offers a staggering 120+ varieties of sake on their all-you-can-drink menu.
The standout feature is their interactive counter where you can make your own Kanzake (warm sake). Exploring how different temperatures drastically alter the profile of the sake is a magical experience. Paired with their signature charcoal-grilled Yakitori and chicken hot pot within private rooms, it is the perfect spot for a moody, adult-oriented night out.
Basic Information
- Location
- NIC Heim Tomioka 1F, 1-25-4 Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 1-minute walk from Monzen-nakacho Station (Exit 2)
- Hours
- Weekdays 17:00-23:00 / Weekends & Holidays 15:00-23:00 (Closed Sundays)
- Links
- Tabelog Page
4. Maishin (Shibuya)
Stepping into Maishin feels like escaping Tokyo. It is a quiet, modern Japanese dining space that you would scarcely believe is located right beside the bustling streets of Shibuya.
Look for the large "Specialty Local Sake" (地酒専門) sign. Inside, you can find a massive curation of nearly 200 sakes, ranging from standard classics to rare sparkling and long-aged varieties. Their food focuses on Japanese fundamentals pairing beautifully with rice wine ("Rice and Heart"). It seamlessly combines atmosphere, taste, and incredible drinks into one elegant destination.
Basic Information
- Location
- Matsubara Bldg B1F, 2-25-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 17:00-23:00 / Sat 16:00-23:00 / Sun 16:00-22:00
- Links
- Tabelog Page
5. SAKEICE BAR! (Tokyo Station)
Directly connected to Tokyo Station inside YANMAR TOKYO (1F), this is a completely unique, highly interactive tasting experience. The bar operates on a fun coin-operated system, allowing you to sample a vast assortment of regional sakes in tiny increments—the absolute best way to discover what type of sake you love without committing to a full glass.
They focus heavily on sparkling, sweet fruit, and liqueur-style sake. As the name suggests, right next door you can enjoy "Sake Ice Cream," making it an incredible stop during a day of sightseeing.
Basic Information
- Location
- YANMAR TOKYO 1F, 2-1-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 1-minute walk from Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit)
- Hours
- 11:00-22:00 (Irregular holidays)
- Links
- Instagram Page
Summary: Your Tokyo Sake Adventure
- SakanaYakio 2 provides 100+ types of sake matched perfectly with fresh seafood.
- Sakelab Tokyo offers a modern, stylish glass-bar system prioritizing variety.
- Kemuri delivers 120 all-you-can-drink varieties and DIY hot sake in cozy private rooms.
- Maishin is Shibuya's hidden upscale oasis featuring sparkling and aged sake.
- SAKEICE BAR! lets you trial sake playfully via coin machines, complete with alcoholic ice cream.