Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center

Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center is not just a great resource providing information, but an amazing starting point for anyone interested in Japanese Sake and it is located in the very center of Tokyo.

Their website has information in English, which we thought was great! But if you do check out their site, you will see a note to call them before visiting, this is not strictly necessary. We did give them a call and thought they were rather surprised by it. So its totally ok to just show up.

How to get there?

With its very central location, Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center is easily accessible via Shimbashi station, with many lines such as Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote stopping here.

At the same time, it is rather well hidden. We walked by it twice, as some of the outdoor pictures on google are quite misleading. There is no clear sign outside of the building, but if you see the red sign for SMBC Security, it is right on the left-hand side.

At the Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center

The center itself is cozy, but with an impressive selection of Sake from all over Japan! And the best part? You can buy them right there, after tasting them!

Another great thing about the Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center is that you can check the available sakes online. So if you are looking for a special one this would be a great place to check first.

They have a lot of information from each Region, Brewer and of course about the Sake- making-process. Again, you can find many leaflets in English, but also other languages. Furthermore, on two big screens, they show you some videos taken at the Breweries or from Rice Farms. A really great addition.

You will find about 5 tables to sit as well as the long bar counter, so it is rather small. If you arrive in a bigger group, we would suggest letting them know.

How does it work?

They are making it very easy for you. With a recommended selection of Sake-Sets starting from as little as 300¥. This is really hard to beat.

And of course, as already mentioned you can also order any Sake from their extensive Menu with prices between 100¥ and 300¥ yen per serving.

Also, the staff at the Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center is really friendly and happy to make a recommendation for you. So don’t be shy, let them know what kind of drinks or flavors you like and let them choose for you.

What did we order?

Well, we had a few Sake in mind when we came. Senkin Brewery is one of our favorites, so of course, we ordered this. But also wanted to share some more unusual Sake with our friend. So we also ordered an aged Sake, a sparkling Sake, and Amazake (this is without alcohol).

Our big surprise was the “NeNe” sparkling Sake! It was fresh, sweet, but not too overbearing. It reminded us of a light Prosecco and with only 5% Alcohol content makes it a great aperitive or a good choice for a hot summer day. If you go this is definitely one you should try!

Good to Know!

Although this place is all about tasting Sake, be aware of their opening hours. As they already close at 6 pm. We were surprised it was not busier closer to closing time, but that may just have been that day. So we would still recommend arriving not too late.

Website

http://www.japansake.or.jp/sake/english/goto/jssic.html

Address

〒105-0003 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishishinbashi, 1 Chome−6−15 日本酒造虎ノ門ビル

Opening hours