Let’s get straight into it; have you found the Japanese sake to suit your tastes?

 

Japanese sake (nihonshu). It’s a reality that although Japanese people are familiar with sake, many don’t know the history or about the different types. Japanese sake is said to be a drink with a long history that relies on the changing seasons, and is a rare because it is enjoyed both hot and cold. It is said consuming sake in moderation is good for your health: protecting against dementia, by increasing good cholesterol levels and even preventing cancer. Of course only in the proper quantities!

 

With so many benefits, nowadays sake has become a “must do” item for foreign visitors coming to Japan. It is also said sake goes well with French cuisine, so the number of shops offering sake overseas has increased.

 

As a drink we can be proud of, we [Japanese people] should study up on sake so we are able to explain it to foreign friends and tourists.

 

Prior to purchasing, let’s find out about how to store sake

For sake, taste is most important – and as light degrades the quality of sake, proper storage is essential. Buying, and randomly placing it in your room would be a big mistake – but it’s likely this is what most of us do.

 

Following the below storage method is essential for enjoying good quality sake at home.

 

−Correct home storage method−

Wrap the bottle in newspaper to ensure light does not hit it.

After wrapping, store the bottle in a cool, temperature stable, dark location.

If it fits, storage in a fridge is possible. However, try to use one that isn’t opened and closed frequently as the temperature will fluctuate – causing deterioration of quality.

*Caution – storage method varies with the type of sake

 

Let’s search for sake we like!

Let’s move onto finding sake that our palates appreciate. There are hundreds of different types of sake. Sweet, dry, refreshing, full bodied, sparkling, and so on – with so many choices finding one you like is almost painful. Actually, I’m also yet to find the one I like. For those like me, I can recommend specialty shops offering taste tasting of sake made in various areas of Japan. It’s hard to choose, but with tastings and the guidance of an expert, the chance of finding the right sake for you is high. You can also gain some knowledge of sake, so it’s well worth visiting a specialty store.

 

 

Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center

Smart logo design reminiscent of the Japanese flag

 

A shop that introduces sake and awamori, etc. with the theme [watch/touch/experience]. They opened with the intention of informing not just Japanese people, but people from overseas as well. They offer tastings and have an exhibition area for learning about the history of sake.

 

 

Exhibition space – check out the ceiling!

 

An exhibition space that allows us to visualize the process of creating sake which displays: tools like hangiri-oke, oar-like paddles used in making sake, sake cups from all over Japan, and actual raw ingredients such as koji used for making sake and awamori. Sake is everywhere in the design of the space – with the wooden barrel in the ceiling, and illustrations of lacquerware using modern color tones for example – it’s a superb room.

 

 

Great deal – 3 types of sake set.

 

They have a line-up of a selection of liqueurs (from various fruits), shochu (potato, wheat, rice, brown sugar, etc) and various types of sake from all over Japan are available (Daiginjo-shu, Junmai Ginjo-shu, Junmai-shu, Koshu, sparkling Seishu, Kijoshu, etc). Just choosing one to try will take some time. I was also happy that they are available for taste testing for just 100 yen per try. They’re cheap – but be sure not to drink too much and end up sick! After all, this is a place to learn about Japanese sake, not an izakaya!!

 

＜Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center＞
Website：https://www.japansake.or.jp/sake/know/data/index.html
Nippon Sake Brewer Toranomon Building 1F, 1-6-15 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
Holidays: weekends,  public holidays, new year holiday period

 

 

Meishu Center

Around 100 varieties of Japanese sake

 

Meishu Center is located in Hamamatsu-cho, Tokyo. This shop is a showroom, with over 100 types of sake available at any given time. This is another location where you can find a variety of sake. Each bottle has an information card attached to help you find sake you like. For those who have no idea at all about which sake they might like, the staff are on hand to offer kind advice.

 

Pick 3 that peak you interest and take the bottles back to your seat

 

Taste testing is available from 200 yen a try. Taste testing 3 simultaneously receives a 100 yen discount. The staff pour the sake for you – so please be sure not to pour it yourself. They pour just the right amount in each glass for the best flavor experience.

 

Comparing the differences

 

At last, the taste testing. Let’s taste and compare different sake, and find the one for us! Taste testing is not available at many other shops, so please enjoy the experience! The sake is available for purchase, and makes for a great souvenir.

 

＜Meishu Center＞
Website：https://nihonshu.com/
〒105-0013 1F Isoyama Dai 2 Bldg. 2-3-29, Hamamatsucho, Minatoku, Tokyo, JAPAN
Holidays：4th Sat of month (Available for events), public holidays

 

Whilst trying out the various different flavors, please take the time to learn about the intrigue and depth of Japanese sake.

 

 

Editing & Text: MUGI

 

＜PROFILE＞

A girl living in Tokyo with her spoiled and chubby chi-poo (Chihuahua and poodle mix). I like unique scents and taking walks.