Enjoy Japanese Sake in Tokyo
- Patia
- Jan 6
- 5 min read
When traveling in Japan, many visitors naturally think of sushi, ramen, and tempura.
Another essential part of Japanese food culture that can deepen this experience is Japanese sake.
In Tokyo, there are many ways for international visitors to enjoy sake — from casual sake bars and brewery experiences to interactive activities that pair sake with traditional cuisine.
In this article, we introduce recommended places to enjoy sake in Tokyo, sake-related brewery experiences, and a hands-on chanko nabe cooking class that includes sake tasting.
The content is designed to be easy to understand even for first-time sake drinkers, while offering an authentic glimpse into Japanese food culture.
If you would like to learn more about the basics of sake, such as how it is made and the different types available, please also take a look at our introductory guide below.
Table of Contents
Restaurants and Specialty Spots to Enjoy Japanese Sake with Food in Tokyo
In Tokyo, there are many restaurants and specialty venues where you can enjoy carefully selected sake from breweries across Japan together with well-paired dishes.
These places offer an opportunity to experience Japanese sake as part of a complete dining experience, rather than just as a drink.
Many venues provide English menus and friendly explanations, making them easy to visit even for first-time sake drinkers.
Below are some recommended spots where international visitors can experience the diversity of sake during their stay in Tokyo.
1. Sakeba
Sakeba is a restaurant where guests can enjoy Japanese sake paired with carefully prepared Japanese dishes.
The restaurant offers more than 50 varieties of sake from breweries across Japan, making it a welcoming place for both sake enthusiasts and those interested in discovering new labels.
Sakeba also offers courses focused on sake and food pairing, allowing guests to experience how different styles of sake complement a variety of flavors.
It is an ideal place to experience thoughtful cuisine and attentive hospitality centered around Japanese sake.
Address
F93 ShibuyaⅡ 7F,
3-15-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Opening Hours
5:00pm–11:00pm (Last order 10:30pm)
Official Website: Sakeba
2. SAKE MARKET Shinjuku
SAKE MARKET Shinjuku is a casual sake-focused venue where guests can sample around 100 types of drinks, including sake, fruit liqueurs, plum wine, shochu, and wine, in a self-service style.
Various tasting plans are available, from unlimited tasting options to shorter courses, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule.
The venue also allows outside food, so you can freely pair your drinks with dishes from nearby restaurants or delivery services.
This spot is ideal for travelers who would like to explore a wide range of sake in a relaxed and flexible setting.
Address
6F Shinjuku Watasei Tamabiru Building,
3-9-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 6:00pm–11:00pm (Last order 10:30pm)
Weekends & National holidays:
12:00pm–4:00pm (Last order 3:30pm)
6:00pm–23:00pm (Last order 10:30pm)
Official Website: SAKE MARKET Shinjuku
Easy-to-Visit Sake Breweries and Sake Experiences Near Tokyo
While the number of sake breweries in central Tokyo is limited, there are several well-known breweries in the surrounding areas that are easy to visit on a day trip.
These breweries are popular with international visitors and offer a chance to experience Japanese sake culture through history, craftsmanship, and local scenery.
Below are some representative sake breweries near Tokyo where visitors can enjoy both learning and tasting experiences.
1. Ozawa Shuzo
Ozawa Shuzo is one of Tokyo’s most historic sake breweries, with a history spanning over 170 years.
Located along a scenic valley surrounded by nature, it is also a popular sightseeing destination.
The brewery grounds include a tasting area and a sake museum, where visitors can learn more about the background and culture of Japanese sake.
Sake Brewery Tour
A brewery staff member guides visitors through the brewery, explaining the history of the company, the sake brewing process, and the products.
The tour also includes a visit to the well used for sake brewing.
Language: Japanese only (English brochure available)
Duration: About 40 minutes
Fee: ¥700 per person (tax included)
Group size: 1–10 people
Tour schedule: Please check availability via the reservation form
Reservations: <Sawanoi> Sake brewery tour reservation site
2. Toshimaya Shuzo
Founded in 1596, Toshimaya Shuzo is one of the oldest sake breweries in Tokyo.
In addition to sake, the brewery also produces mirin and shirozake, preserving traditional brewing techniques.
Their award-winning sake “Kinkon” is served as sacred sake at major shrines such as Meiji Jingu and Kanda Myojin, reflecting the brewery’s long-standing reputation.
Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience
During this guided tour, an English-speaking local guide leads visitors through the brewery, explaining the entire sake brewing process—from rice and water to fermentation and aging.
After the tour, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-drink tasting session, sampling various types of sake, including junmai, origarami, and mirin.
This experience is suitable for both beginners and sake enthusiasts who wish to deepen their understanding of Japanese sake.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Language: English
Price: From ¥14,000 per guest
Group size: 2–20 guests
Reservations: Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery Tour (byFood)
Enjoy Sake with Food
Chanko Nabe Cooking Class with Sake Tasting
For travelers who would like to experience Japanese sake as part of Japanese culture — not just as a drink — a chanko nabe cooking class with sake tasting in Tokyo is a highly recommended experience.
What is Chanko Nabe?
Chanko nabe is a traditional hot pot dish eaten daily by sumo wrestlers.
It is known for its balanced nutrition and for being shared from a single pot, reflecting the Japanese culture of eating together.
Highlights of This Cooking Class
Learn about sumo food culture while preparing chanko nabe from scratch
Taste several types of Japanese sake paired with the dish
Japanese sake can taste very different depending on the food it is paired with.
By enjoying sake alongside the rich flavors of chanko nabe, participants can naturally experience the joy of sake and food pairing.
The class is held in a small-group, hands-on setting with guidance from the instructor,
making it a popular choice for sake beginners, travelers interested in Japanese culture, and those visiting with friends or family.
Experience Details
Price: ¥16,500 per person
Start Times: 11:00am / 2:30pm
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Minimum Participants: 2 people
Minimum Age: 20 years old
Book here
Experiencing Japanese Sake with Food in Tokyo
In Tokyo, Japanese sake can be enjoyed not only as a drink, but as part of a broader cultural and culinary experience.
From restaurants that pair sake with thoughtfully prepared dishes, to brewery visits that reveal the craftsmanship behind each bottle, and hands-on cooking classes that bring everything together, there are many ways to explore sake beyond the glass.
Each experience offers a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture and the role sake plays within it.
During your time in Tokyo, you may find that experiencing sake alongside food and tradition adds an especially memorable layer to your journey.
