I made a reservation on a regular night. Since it was a Monday, we were the only customers, but as soon as we entered, the chef's charisma was irresistible. It felt like he wasn't just in it for the money, but truly wanted to provide delicious food in a cozy setting. The assorted sashimi and grilled tuna collar were delicious, but the highlight was the exceptional selection of sake. Listening to the chef's deep knowledge about sake while enjoying the top-notch sake was an amazing experience. ◆Food 3.5 - Assorted sashimi 3.5 - Grilled tuna collar 3.5 ◆Atmosphere/Service 4.0 ◆Price around 3,500 yen per person

A shop specializing in sake and onions. The owner is so passionate about sake and knowledgeable, it was really educational! The sake was delicious and we had a great time getting drunk. The food was also carefully prepared and tasty. The sashimi platter was so luxurious. The onions underneath the sashimi were surprisingly delicious and amazing!

I finally visited Tanemori-ya in Kagurazaka, a hidden gem that looks like a home at first glance. I had been curious about it for a while. I entered while carrying my daughter in a baby carrier, and they warmly welcomed us. Although it's not really a place for children, the owner used to run a shop in Waseda before moving to Kagurazaka. It's truly a bar meant for drinking alcohol! They don't have much food, just some snacks to go with drinks. It's better to go there as a second stop. They have a wide selection of wines that they have collected over the years, some of which are not even on the menu. The kind owner, who clearly loves alcohol, served us some delicious fruits and tomatoes as a treat. I would love to go back once I can drink alcohol properly again.

I visited a sake bar called Saketamanegi in Kagurazaka. The atmosphere was unique and I hesitated a bit before entering. There are some rules to follow: if you want shochu, beer, or wine, go elsewhere. Loud or drunk customers are not allowed. Also, be mindful of the smell. The place may seem a bit unusual, but if you enjoy sake, you can have a pleasant conversation with the owner. We were served edible ground cherries and cherry tomatoes as a complimentary starter. I only ordered tuna, fish roe, and ginger as I was on my second stop. I drank quite a bit, but I wasn't drunk, so I ordered more sake. The labels on the bottles were interesting, featuring characters like a master. The sake selection was impressive, and if you enjoy sake and this kind of atmosphere, you will have a great time.

It seems to be a rumored restaurant. Its unique website has also been a topic of discussion. However, the essence of this restaurant lies in the owner's knowledge and love for sake. Without understanding or trying to understand this, you won't appreciate the greatness of this restaurant. For example, their collection of sake is outstanding, including rare ones like Higashi. I have visited many sake bars in Japan, but unique owners who are passionate about sake and food are common. It's necessary to have such dedication. The owner of this restaurant puts his heart and soul into sake and sashimi. If you visit even once, you will be amazed by the quality of their sake and sashimi. In Tokyo, there are many renowned sake bars, but this one exudes a sense of dignity. Even before the revival of sake to this extent, they have been persistent and dedicated. The owner's sincere feelings have gained support from many sake breweries and fans, making it a representative sake destination in Tokyo, and even in Japan. It is now very popular among sake enthusiasts. However, the cost can be quite high depending on how you order your sake. There are also reasonably priced options, so be sure to check the menu before deciding.

I had about 5 cups starting with the original sparkling Japanese sake "Akagisaka" at this shop. The label features an illustration from a novel set in this shop. The second cup was "Ranshakai" and it was the most delicious. I don't know the name of the third cup but it was also delicious. The fourth and fifth cups were "Hiroki". The snacks were sashimi and tuna collar, which were also delicious. Both the sake and snacks were just delicious. I might like light Japanese sake with a good aroma. It's a unique shop with different rules, but I want to go back again.

A hidden gem known for its delicious sake in Japan.

The visit was in late autumn, the perfect season for delicious sake. However, new sake is not available until February of the following year. During this time, cold sake is enjoyed, made in the early spring when the outside temperature drops. This period's sake is also wonderful in its own right. Our shop in Tokyo is known as the "sacred place of sake," located away from Kagurazaka's Akagi Shrine, in a quiet residential area. The exterior and interior exude a sense of history and tradition, with a lineup of prestigious sake brands like Isojiman and Toichi. The owner, who has dedicated his life and soul to sake for many years, never compromises on quality. In 2017, the first sake competition in France was held in Paris, where top sommeliers chose Nanaida's Junmai Daiginjo Otokomachi 50 from Tenzan Shuzo. This delicate and elegant sake received high praise for its versatility with meat, fish, and vegetables. This event marks a promising future for the development of sake culture, and I purchased it for my collection. It is expected that sake will continue to increase in value overseas in the near future. Menu items included Toko-Tori Junmai Daiginjo selected sake, Isojiman Junmai Daiginjo, appetizers of simmered tuna and tomatoes, mackerel sashimi, and miso-marinated eggs.

For those who love sake, this restaurant is likely to have a clear divide in terms of preferences. There are many valuable sake selections available, but they are not easily enjoyed due to the high prices. Those who simply label it as "expensive" may not find it suitable. Personally, I am the type who enjoys comparing various types of sake, but it seems difficult to casually visit this place. The collection of sake stocked here is truly unique, so it may be worth passing through the entrance at least once.

The owner of the restaurant is a patriotic person with a tough appearance, but he is actually kind and helpful when it comes to food and drinks. I made a reservation with two ladies who love sake. We requested anglerfish dishes, but due to the availability at Tsukiji Market, we ended up having a different menu - a delicious dish made with cutlassfish. We enjoyed various sashimi, followed by a flavorful cutlassfish hot pot. The sashimi quality was excellent, especially the cutlassfish and tuna. The hot pot was also delicious, and we couldn't resist having seconds of the rice porridge at the end. The bill came out to around 9000 yen per person, which we found to be a good deal considering the quality of the cutlassfish. The sake menu may seem expensive, but the rare and hard-to-find sakes are actually priced fairly. It would be nice to see more moderately priced sake options for those who enjoy drinking with good food.

When you hear the name Kagurazaka, you might imagine a stylish and sophisticated restaurant, but it's just located in Kagurazaka by chance. It's not even located along Kagurazaka street. It's nestled in a residential area after climbing up Kagurazaka. The menu is displayed outside, so it's not hard to find, but be prepared to get a little lost. Since it's a place for drinking, the food options are limited. The appetizer seems simple and easy to make. The sashimi assortment includes mackerel marinated in vinegar and vegetable juice. It has a gentle flavor, almost to the point where you might not even realize it's marinated. The tuna is a mix of Indian tuna and regular tuna, with the regular tuna surprisingly not tasting very good. The grilled tuna collar is incredibly delicious and spicy, complemented by wasabi and soy sauce. It's a good dish to have with drinks. The atmosphere is like a run-down izakaya or a cheap bar, very rustic. There are no hostesses, just the owner (master). It's quite different from Fushikino, another Japanese sake bar in Kagurazaka. It's not a place for a date, but each has its own charm and can be enjoyed for different occasions. The owner seems to have strong beliefs, but he doesn't show that side when talking; you can just feel his deep love for Japanese sake. He's a really nice person. It's best to avoid discussing his beliefs and just enjoy the sake.

Delicious sake can be found here, with good ratings on Tabelog. However, it's important not to get too excited and talk loudly. We made the mistake of laughing a bit too loudly with our group of six during a meeting, and were scolded by the staff since there was another couple dining. The atmosphere became tense and we felt defeated. We appreciate the quality of the sake here, but it's best enjoyed quietly. Lesson learned!

I was invited by a client's company executive to a hidden gem of a restaurant nearby. At first, I was surprised because the place seemed unlikely to have a restaurant - even the taxi driver was hesitant to enter! The restaurant was located in what looked like a normal house in a run-down neighborhood. Inside, I was even more surprised. There was an impressive array of high-quality Japanese sake lined up behind the counter, indicating that this was no ordinary place. I ordered a beer, not knowing what to expect, only to be told that this was a sake-only establishment. Feeling parched, I reluctantly tried a premium sake called Isojiman Daiginjo. To my surprise, a large bottle of water was served - it turned out to be the water used in making the sake. The owner was said to be acquainted with prestigious sake brewers, adding to the allure of the place. The sashimi platter was impressive, but the rest of the food was mainly meant to complement the sake. Overall, it was a unique experience, albeit a bit challenging for a first-timer.

After work, I headed to Kagurazaka. I visited a sake bar called Saketamanegiya, which was one of the few places I had been checking out. I didn't do enough research beforehand, and on the train to Kagurazaka, I found out that it wasn't the first place I should have gone to, but I decided to go ahead since I was in the mood for sake. It turned out to be a fantastic discovery. Kagurazaka Station on the Tozai Line led me into a residential area, and after a while, I arrived at Saketamanegiya. When I entered the shop, it seemed like I was the first customer since it had just opened. The shop is run by the owner alone. As I sat at the counter, some complimentary tomatoes and tuna tsukudani were served. The shop only serves sake. I ordered a glass of Kochi's Bijo Otoko Sparkling as my first drink. While sipping on the sake, I looked around the shop. The interior, which used to be a cafe, had a counter and tables by the window. Behind the counter, there was a refrigerator filled with sake. This shop has many aged sakes, not only those aged by the breweries but also those aged in the shop itself. I was intrigued by the sake made with Yamada Nishiki rice from the special A region in Hyogo, which is divided into different fields for brewing. The Junmai Daiginjo 40% and the sake brewing year (e.g., 24BY) were followed by three names of fields. Although the shop serves sake in 90ml glasses, I asked for smaller portions and tried all three types. I learned that even with the same year and brewing method, the taste can vary significantly depending on the field. I was impressed by the concept of terroir in sake, which I had never thought about before! Of course, the sake was delicious. After finishing the complimentary dishes, I ordered grilled mackerel as my last dish. The acidity of the grilled fish paired well with the sake, but I wish the portion was smaller. I also tried Takimiman, Bijo Otoko, and Mitsui no Kotobuki. The owner provided detailed explanations for each sake, making the experience enjoyable. The price of the sake was high, but the selection at this place is usually too expensive for me to afford, and I rarely see them in liquor stores, so being able to try them in small amounts was a treat. With the explanations, it was worth it. However, this place might be a bit surprising for regular people due to the prices of the sake. Considering the cost and the effort put into aging the sake, I wonder if they make much profit. I paid a little over 7,000 yen that day. I went on an empty stomach, so I got a bit tipsy. Next time, I'll eat something before coming. I enjoyed tasting many unique sakes and listening to the owner's stories. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Kagurazaka is a stylish and not-so-stylish drinking spot, as they claim. And it's true (laughs). It's very hard to find, located in a residential area, and during my second visit (a long time ago), I wandered around for about 30 minutes. I didn't have a smartphone back then. How many years have passed since then? The unassuming appearance remains the same. It feels like time has stopped in the Showa era. But, strangely enough, it's quite calming for someone like me. Sitting at the counter, casually looking at the various decorations and ornaments, it becomes like a side dish for the alcohol. If you love sake, then this is a worthwhile place to visit. However, only those who understand its value can truly enjoy this place. In a way, it's a place that chooses its customers, and it's not guaranteed to suit everyone's taste. The owner has a good physique and looks intimidating (laughs), and may not seem approachable at first glance. However, he is extremely sincere when it comes to sake and is actually a gentleman. I recently visited after a long time and had a very enjoyable time. Here are the sakes I drank that night: - Kisyo Gold Award-winning sake, limited Daiginjo - Toyo Bijin Junmai Daiginjo Ichiban Matoi - Isojiman Junmai Daiginjo Tokuda, 24 and 25 years old, how can they do this? - Yahiko Aikoku, first time trying it - Juyondai - Bijo Otoko Akagizaka (original from Tamanegiya) A refreshing and lively sake with a slight cloudiness and a hint of gas. I can confidently say that this is a rare place where you can drink good sake in good condition at a fair price.

【Revisit】After visiting Ishibashi, I stopped by here. This time, I ordered: ・Isomansaku Junmai Daiginjo (40%) Yamadanishiki (Tokuda) 23BY (\1,380) ・Kuhei-Ji Betsucho Junmai Daiginjo (35%) Yamadanishiki 18BY (\1,580) **********************************************************【2012/11】It's been a while since I visited the Kagurazaka area. I only occasionally go to Amoroso and Casterina. On my way back from a soccer game at Saitama Stadium, I got off at Iidabashi on the Nanboku Line. First, I went to Agezuki and was disappointed. Gathering myself, I braved the heavy rain and visited Tamanegiya. Is there really a shop in such a quiet residential area? Upon entering, I was amazed by the huge amount of aged sake in the refrigerator. I tried: ・Isomansaku Daiginjo (\900) ・Isomansaku Junmai Daiginjo Aiyama (\1,380) ・Isomansaku Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki (Nishiyama) (\1,380) ・Juyondai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki (\1,500) ・Ressenshuzo Junmai Daiginjo 19BY (\1,180) The BY in the menu stands for Brewery (Brewing) Year, which indicates the brewing year. The numbers used here are not in AD but in the Japanese era system. I learned a lot from the owner's talk and would like to visit again to hear more.

This is a shop that specializes in Japanese sake, with a particularly impressive variety of aged sake. The inventory is so extensive that it feels like a liquor store, and managing it must be quite a task. There are some quite old ones as well, with some being over 10 years old which makes them quite rare. It seems like the owner's preference leans towards sake from the western regions of Japan. The sake is priced per 90ml, and the food service is a bit slow-paced, so it may not be suitable for those in a hurry. There are two types of appetizers: a tomato dish from Kochi and ginger-stewed buri (yellowtail). The tomato dish is mildly acidic with a strong sweetness, while the ginger-stewed buri has a rich flavor that goes well with sake. The "Miso-marinated tofu" for 380 yen tastes almost like cheese, with a rich flavor that is perfect for those who want to savor it slowly. Sake and cheese go well together, making it a great snack. The "Mackerel sashimi" comes in two types: one as is and the other lightly seared with yuzu liqueur and vinegar. Both are fresh, with a good amount of fat and a hint of yuzu fragrance. The price is unclear, but it should be around 1500 yen. The "Nakadori Daiginjo Harima Yamada Nishiki" for 1780 yen has a fruity aroma and a sweet, refreshing taste. It focuses more on the aroma than the umami, with a clean finish that doesn't linger in the mouth. It doesn't taste very much like sake, with a subtle umami from the rice. The "Toyo Bijin Ichiban Shibori Junmai Daiginjo 40%" for 800 yen has an elegant impression with a mild umami, making it easy to drink. The flavor doesn't expand much and slowly fades away. The "Kuhei-ji Betsu Atsura 6-year-old Aged Junmai Daiginjo Sake 35%" for 1580 yen has a unique twist to the taste, with a strong umami from the rice. I have tried non-aged sake before, which had a refined taste, but this one has a good twist to it. It's a hidden gem in a quiet residential area in Kagurazaka, with a knowledgeable owner who is willing to share information about sake. The small serving size allows for a variety of tastings, which is great.

Arrived at the third bar while drinking with friends. Searched on Tabelog on my smartphone at the second bar. Chose a highly rated restaurant within walking distance. As of 5/30, the Tabelog rating is 4.05. It's a prestigious restaurant. However, the fact that we decided to go there without a reservation and without even considering if we could get a table shows the amazing courage of drunk people. We walked from Kagurazaka and, being a little drunk, we got lost along the way in this residential area, almost giving up until we found it. When we opened the door, we saw two seats available at the counter in the back. We were warmly welcomed and took our seats. Looking back, it was probably very lucky. Shortly after sitting at the counter, we were served a complimentary dish. It was a cute tomato and amberjack ginger simmered dish that I had seen in other reviews. Having eaten a lot already, this was enough as an appetizer. The tomato was sweet and delicious. The amberjack was well flavored and perfect as an appetizer. Now, let's have some sake. Behind the counter, there was a refrigerator filled with various types of sake, each carefully stored at the appropriate temperature and method. The policy of this restaurant is to provide carefully selected sake with great attention to detail. The first sake we had was Juyondai. Hmm, delicious. However, it was a waste of good sake for a drunk person on the third bar of the night. As my memory gradually fades, I remember wasting more good sake one after another. I recall taking photos of the sake that was served to other customers as a kind gesture. I must have been completely wasted after drinking so much (^_^;) I am grateful for the kind service provided to such a drunk person and I hope to visit again in a better condition to truly enjoy the sake and food. Thank you for the meal.

Malt and grappa are preferred when they are young. I've recently started exploring sake, and had the opportunity to visit Tanemasa, a famous store known for its aged sake. Despite my poor sense of direction, I believe that with the address in hand, I can find my way to the destination without using an app. However, this place has few passersby and is dimly lit, which can be intimidating and cause one to get lost. Upon entering the store, I was greeted by the owner, who seemed to be a master of aging sake. I was unsure, so I let him choose the sake for me, along with the tofu miso pickles that I had been wanting to try. I tried the "Toichi" sake (1,180 yen), tomatoes (300 yen), and tofu miso pickles (380 yen). I wonder how sake tastes after aging. Since I don't know the taste before aging, I can't say much about it, but it does have a rounded flavor. The tofu tasted like cheese, making the sake dangerously easy to drink. The taste of the sake and the food was not bad, but the atmosphere of the store was not to my liking. It gave me goosebumps, so if I were to visit again, I would wait a little longer.

After enjoying pasta at Kudan, I drove a taxi to Kagurazaka. I visited a sake haven hidden in a quiet residential area. It was a joy that they were open even on holidays, so we had the place to ourselves. When you come here, you must try the aged sake. The prices may not be cheap, but the happiness of drinking authentic sake is priceless. While Sake no Tamanegiya and Tsukushi no Ko are wonderful sake specialty stores, this place exudes a sense of tradition. I can feel the dedication and craftsmanship that have been continued since before the revival of sake to this extent. The sincere feelings of the owner have gained support from many sake breweries and fans, making it a representative sake sanctuary in Tokyo, and even Japan. On this day, we started with Higashiichi Junmai Ginjo, made from Saga prefecture's Yamada Nishiki rice polished up to 39%. It has a fragrant ginjo aroma, and the natural umami of the rice leads to a rich and blissful experience from the first sip to the finish. Delicious! Next, we tried Hatsugame Junmai Daiginjo 3-year aged sake. It's a super limited edition. It's so popular that it disappears instantly. Just being able to drink it is a blessing. The brewmaster, dedicated to improving his skills, brewed this sake with the intention of not selling it, and aged it at a low temperature for 3 years at -7 degrees. Even after 3 years, it maintains a fresh taste, elegant aroma, and a well-balanced richness, truly a work of art. For snacks, we had tofu miso pickles, tomatoes, edible chrysanthemum leaves, and dried conger eel in sweet mirin sauce. *The photos in this post are the first 5 images.