Enjoying Tokyo: Liquor store and bar tips
Aug 13, 2017
Liquor stores, bars, department stores: Insider tips for good Japanese spirits in Tokyo
Anyone who has ever been to Tokyo knows what we're talking about: This city can quickly overwhelm you! Thousands of impressions, crowds of people, signs you can't read. Finding a decent drink in Tokyo is not that easy either, because you often can't even recognize the good liquor stores and bars from the outside. In addition, they are often located somewhere on the upper floors or underground, which we Europeans are not necessarily used to. That's why we at Ginza would like to give you three insider tips on how to find or enjoy Japanese spirits in Tokyo:
Liquor Store Hasegawa
Hasegawa Liquors is a real gem among the liquor stores in Tokyo. Don't be confused if you're standing in the middle of the street and Google tells you you've reached your destination: the store is literally underground: in the underground "Yaesu" mall near Tokyo Station. Here you will find a large selection of Japanese spirits, including Japanese whisky, but also beer and sake. The good thing about this store is that you can try almost everything for ¥100, which doesn't necessarily make the decision to buy any easier. In addition to Japanese products, there are also many international spirits. Be careful, risk of confusion: there is also a sake store in the mall with almost the same name - Hasegawa Saketen. But it's also worth a visit for sake lovers.
Where?
Yaesu Underground Mall
2 Chome -1 Yaesu,
Tokyo Station, Yaesu Exit, JR-Line
Daily from 10.00 - 20.00
Keio Department Store, Shinjuku
The Keio Department Store is one of what feels like 10 department stores located directly at the world's busiest train station, Shinjuku Station. You will find the entrance in the western part of the hustle and bustle. Compared to other well-known department stores such as the luxury department stores Isetan or Takashimaya, it is a little cheaper here, but by no means inferior. You can definitely pick up a bargain or two at Keio. In the drinks department, in addition to the "usual suspects" such as Nikka and Suntory products, you will also find whiskies from smaller distilleries such as Mars or Chichibu. And of course other spirits such as Japanese gin, shochu, rum and sake as well as international alcoholic beverages.
Where?
1-1-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Shinjuku Station
Daily from 10.00 - 20.00
Shot Bar Zoetrope, Shinjuku
Atsushi Horigami is the owner of the Zoetrope bar and an absolute connoisseur of Japanese whisky. In his bar on the third floor, he has over 250 different whiskies, many of which are no longer on the market. He stocks fine drops from all the well-known producers as well as smaller distilleries, so you're guaranteed to find everything you've always wanted to try here. He is also happy to pass on his knowledge to his guests and speaks very good English. If you don't like whisky, Zoetrope also offers other spirits such as Japanese rum, gin or vodka. However, the bar is quite small, so you may have to wait outside for a while. The "cover price" is ¥600 per head.
Where?
3rd floor, Gaia Building #4,
7-10-14 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Exit D5, Shinjuku Station
19.00 - 4.00, closed on Sundays
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