Sake Girls' Night Out (^ω^) Theme: Rice Comments Thank you (⌒▽⌒) The other day, I went to a sake bar where you can drink at cost price (^Ｏ^☆♪ It was Sake Genka Sakagura Ueno Okachimachi store! We had a girls' night out there♪(´▽｀) They had a wide variety of premium brands like Juyondai, Taisho, Toko-Ki, Dassai, as well as less expensive ones like Nabeshima, Shinsei, Murayu, Taka, etc., carefully selected from all over Japan. We enjoyed all the sake at "cost price" of course! It was so much fun! My favorite was Tamagawa (*^o^*) It has a strong taste and goes well with snacks! Can you believe we spent over 4 hours enjoying sake with just the four of us (#^.^#) It was so much fun! I love sweet sake! I also tried Iburi Gakko for the first timeヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ It has a great texture and goes well with sake! I enjoyed some delicious ikura as a snack too (o^^o) The girls' night out was so enjoyable, the conversation flowed and we kept trying more and more delicious snacks (*☻-☻*) We had a huge Kishu Nanko Ume plum (＾ー^)ノ both grilled and ungrilled (＾◇＾) They were perfect with sake! It was amazing! The sashimi was also wonderful (*^o^*) There was caviar and sea urchin! Delicious!! And there was sea urchin on top of onsen tamago! Caviar too (((o(*゜▽゜*)o))) Enjoying happiness to the fullest (^Ｏ^☆♪ The tofu salad was also delicious! The edamame kept disappearing too! Oh, girls' night out and sake are truly wonderful♪(*^^)o∀*∀o(^^*)♪ And oh, there was Taimeshi from Uwajima at this place! It was so delicious! And also matcha soba! Sake and snacks were so delicious, we had a great time (^.^) Sake is all you need! And the grilled sea urchin sushi was also perfectly done *・゜゜・*:.。..。.:*・'(*゜▽゜*)'・*:.。..。.:*・゜゜・* Finally, we enjoyed dessert too! French toast with taiyaki (＾＿＾)☆ It went well with sake! We kept drinking with chasers and had a fun night! Have a wonderful long holiday, everyone (^ω^)

During the day, I wandered around the hotel area and noticed a place called Hitoroki and Oshichi, so I decided to check it out at night. It seemed like you had to register on an app before ordering, which was a bit confusing. They charged a 540 yen entrance fee, but there was no cover charge. The sake was really cheap compared to other places. I ordered the Jukusei Kuhachiji's Omachi (Junmai Daiginjo) and Hitoroki (Special Junmai). They were served in a unique glass container of about 100ml, equivalent to three small cups. The Jukusei Kuhachiji (Omachi, Junmai Daiginjo) had a beautiful aroma but lacked the characteristic lingering aftertaste of Omachi sake, with a sharp finish. Hitoroki, on the other hand, had a softness typical of Junmai sake but with a sharp finish. Personally, I prefer enjoying the lingering aftertaste over the sharp finish. For snacks, I ordered a cheese assortment, seared mackerel, clam soup, and skewers (beef skirt with shiso, chicken thigh, and negi-toro). The cheese assortment was mainly cheese cream-based, with unique combinations like seaweed, changja, and miso. The chicken thigh skewers were topped with honey, which was interesting and delicious. Lastly, I ordered Kisen and negi-miso. Kisen had a strong aroma similar to Chinese baijiu or sake lees shochu. The negi-miso was quite salty. I think this place is enjoyable and satisfying for sake lovers. I would like to come back with friends next time and try the all-you-can-drink option for 1,500 yen.

We headed to this shop that is a paradise for sake lovers! It's great that you can drink a small amount of sake at a reasonable price! (Although we chose all-you-can-drink. lol) The staff are very polite, the food is delicious, and they recommend a variety of sake. We drank too much, missed the last train, and had my sister come pick us up. But let's keep that a secret! lol

#Sake at Cost Price Sake Brewery in Ueno Okachimachi While strolling around Ueno Okachimachi, I came across a shop that caught my attention just by its name, making me think that I could enjoy sake at a reasonable price. The building was three stories high, and it seemed that only the second and third floors were being used as the first floor was not in use during my visit. The second floor was full, so we were guided up to the third floor. Surprisingly, even people in their early twenties were enjoying sake, so there was a wide range of age groups present. Towards the back of the third floor, there were semi-private rooms where large groups were seated. The system here is that they offer sake at cost price, so an entrance fee is added. While they also have other types of alcohol available, sticking to sake might be the best way to fully enjoy without losing out on savings. They have over 50 types of sake available, and they serve it in 100ml small bottles. You cannot bring your own sake bottles, but they provide laminated cards with images and details of the sake you order, so you can keep a record. It may be challenging to take pictures of the bottle labels due to space constraints on the table and the system in place. The food here, being a sake shop, was all perfect for pairing with sake! With a wide variety of dishes available, it was enjoyable to get lost in the choices. It's advisable to order slowly as the dishes arrive fairly quickly. The sake here, starting with the Junmai Ginjo, is complete on its own, with a smooth richness that makes it easy to drink even for those who are not fond of sake. The aroma of sake may be a challenge for those who do not like it. The 81 was light and easy to drink, but for me, it felt a bit too light. It might go well with dishes like tofu or tamagoyaki. The smoked potato salad was a delightful combination of the crunchy texture of smoked potato and the salad. The smoked trout sashimi was delicious but required a dry sake to complement it. The cheese platter with five varieties was a great option to pair with different types of sake. The salted mackerel was incredibly tasty, with a rich fatty flavor that paired perfectly with sake. The ochazuke I ordered as a finish was an excellent match with the salted mackerel. The exotic delicacies like beef tendon yukke, ume suisho, and wasabi-marinated tsubugai offered a choice to select one to accompany the ochazuke. Overall, it was a delightful experience, and I would recommend visiting with a group to enjoy a wider selection of sake and dishes. The search for your favorite sake here might be worth it, as the variety and quality of sake available make it a great place to explore and enjoy. [Ordered Menu] - Vegetable Set ¥430- - Negi Miso ¥320- - Moromi Miso ¥320- - Cheese Platter to Pair with Sake ¥760/per person- - Smoked Potato Salad ¥650- - Smoked Trout Sashimi ¥760- - Salted Mackerel ¥870- - Exotic Delicacies Ochazuke (Beef Tendon Yukke) ¥ ==========

On the fourth Monday of every month, it's Junmai Ginjo Day at all stores, so I went to the nearest Ueno store. The selection of sake varies by store, and on this day, the Ueno store only had one type called "Ryuu no Otoshigo" (Junmai Daiginjo). I'm not sure if it's really at cost, but at 720 yen for 100ml, it's not bad. By the way, at a certain famous place where Junmai Daiginjo is really cheap, the nama-zake of this was about 180ml for 3,500 yen. I was told it was limited to one person for 100ml and had to order two items like a quota before leaving: - Firefly squid marinated in seaweed: 550 yen - Butter-steamed spring cabbage with sake lees: 540 yen Both of the above items were not bad in taste. I got free admission with a coupon. The total cost was around 1,800 yen. I feel bad for the store this time, but I plan to come back and take my time next time.

This place seems to be suitable for those who want to enjoy a variety of sake in small quantities. For example, at Sake Lab, there is a limit of one glass (45-60ml) per brand, but at Genkashuzo, there doesn't seem to be such a restriction, making it more convenient. Sake is served in 100ml bottles per order, which is just the right amount for those who don't want to feel like they want more after a glass or a small cup. Orders are placed through a web site accessed by scanning a QR code, which can be a bit inconvenient. The restaurant has labels of the brands available and paper menus on the tables, but it seems that the selection of brands you can order varies depending on the course, making it a bit confusing to know what you can order. The interior of the restaurant has the typical slightly messy and dirty look of cheap chain izakayas, but the staff are friendly and cheerful (perhaps due to the tipping system in place). This time, I only tried three types of sake and two appetizers. The food wasn't very tasty.

Day drinking at the second bar. - Tanosake Special Junmai (Aomori Prefecture) - Gakki Masamune Junmai (Fukushima Prefecture) - Isojiman Bessaku Honjozo (Shizuoka Prefecture) - Iburi Gakko + Cream Cheese - Some Cucumbers - 3 Types of Miso + Vegetables - Egg Omelette with Lots of Green Onions Miso goes well with sake...haha

A shop where you can challenge delicious sake at a reasonable price! The staff are friendly and cheerful, creating a lively atmosphere. They also provide behind-the-scenes stories about the sake, making it even more enjoyable to drink! With sake tasting sets and detailed cards available, you can find the perfect sake to suit your taste!

The variety of sake was abundant and very delicious! There are sakes from various regions, allowing for a comparison of flavors. The appetizers were also of high quality, complementing the sake well. The clam soup, in particular, was exquisite and definitely worth trying. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is typical of a casual izakaya, with counter seats on the first floor and table seats on the second and third floors. *All seats are non-smoking.

I came here after a long time and found that the first floor had become a different store, with the second and third floors now being used. The menu can be accessed by scanning a QR code. The food is still delicious as always. I especially like the tamago kake gohan. It's a nice place where you can relax even if you're dining alone. I will visit again.

I went to a limited-time sushi restaurant. I made a reservation on Twitter just before. 15 pieces for 3500 yen. The sushi with red vinegar was indeed addictive. The chef was still relatively new, but his work was meticulous. The clam soup was, well, it tasted like store-bought dashi.

A project to train young sushi chefs has started at this shop from September 1st to November 10th, offering sushi at cost. I decided to try it out since the 15-piece course was a good deal at 3,290 yen. The sushi was decent overall, with the standout being the spring snapper. The rice vinegar was a bit weak, and some pieces could have used a bit more acidity. The sushi was a bit firm, but could benefit from being a bit softer and more airy. Some pieces felt a bit watery, considering the 20% cost markup. The shop also offers a variety of sake at cost, with cards provided for each selection. I tried Sosu, Kameizumi, Shinsei Cryu, and Toyo Bijin, but the small servings made it easy to accidentally drink too much.

This is a special offer I found online for a limited time apprenticeship sushi course of 15 pieces for 3,290 yen at a sushi restaurant under the management of Creative Place, which operates a sake brewery at cost. The restaurant is located near Ueno Station, just a short walk from the station. The sushi is made with slightly softer rice seasoned with red vinegar and a mild amount of salt and vinegar. The course consists of 15 pieces of sushi without any side dishes, providing a satisfying sushi experience. The restaurant also offers a variety of sake starting from around 300 yen for 100ml, allowing for an enjoyable sake tasting experience. The course includes various sushi pieces such as octopus, red snapper, tuna, amberjack, flounder, and more. We paid a total of 11,470 yen for two people, including additional servings of fatty tuna, flounder, beer, and sake.

I used to go once a month, but since the pandemic, it's become more like once a year. The last time I went, I had to register on a new app instead of using my membership card, which was a bit of a hassle. However, the staff who explained the system to me was really cute, so it was a lucky encounter. The value for Japanese sake is really good (4.5), but the value for snacks is not so great (1.5), so I recommend eating beforehand.

I visited "Nihonshu Genka Sakagura" for the first time to enjoy sake. I had read about it in the Nikkei or somewhere before, but this was my first time using it, so I wanted to find out the reasons for its popularity. When I arrived, the explanation of how to use it began, and I registered on the app without hesitation. Otherwise, the enjoyment of trying different kinds of sake would be reduced. I ordered a few different types and enjoyed comparing them through a quiz format, while also increasing my orders naturally through the explanations of the staff. The system they had thought of was clever, and both the staff and customers were happy. The food also had a wonderful combination of saltiness that paired well with the sake, giving a glimpse of the reasons for its popularity. I enjoyed it deliciously, and thank you for the meal.

A place to enjoy Japanese sake. This is my first review, but I have already been there 10 times. You must install the app because they have one. You can compare various types of sake by drinking 100ml of each. To be honest, the selection of snacks is limited. But the main attraction is the sake. You can drink premium sake at unbelievable prices. Highly recommended!

There is a restaurant located close to Ueno Station. There is an entrance fee. They have a wide variety of sake, and you can try different types in small amounts, which is nice. The food itself wasn't that delicious and seemed a bit expensive, but the sake prices are affordable. If the food quality improves, the restaurant will be even better. They make it easy for beginners to choose sake by clearly indicating sweetness, spiciness, and drinkability. There are many female customers, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

- Seaweed tsukudani cheese 3.6 - Honey vanilla 3.5 - Kitasei Shuzo Ayame Hanasumi Special Junmai Unfiltered Namazake 5.0 - Akabu Shuzo Akabu Junmai Hiyaroshi 3.5 - Shinsei Shuzo Colors Lapis Lazuli 4.0 - Okiyoshi Motodana Honjozo Nakadori 4.0

I had some errands in Ueno and decided to have dinner on the way back. Unfortunately, the nearby sake brewery that I used to frequent had closed down, so I ended up at a new place called Gankoba Ueno. This place offers a variety of Japanese sake at affordable prices and is highly recommended. The food here also pairs well with sake, making it a favorite of mine. The manager started by explaining the different types of sake, showcasing impressive knowledge. I started with a refreshing sparkling sake called Mizubasho, and then enjoyed dishes such as the luxurious potato salad with ikura, creamy uni cream croquette, and delicious shirako with ponzu sauce. The highlight was the sashimi platter featuring a combination of raw and seared fish, which was truly satisfying. The sake recommended by the restaurant, Echigo Shinkidai, was a recent favorite of mine. The tempura dishes, including the crispy shirako and flavorful mehikari, were also exceptional. The meal ended with a dessert-like sake called Doburoku, which was sweet and rich. Overall, the food and sake were delicious, and I felt grateful to be born in Japan. This wonderful restaurant has inspired me to visit all their branches in Tokyo!

The other day, I tried some local sake from Hokkaido and Aomori and became interested in Japanese sake. Just then, I received an invitation to try some rare sake at cost price. It seems there is a special system in place to offer these rare sakes at cost price, which piqued my interest even more. I haven't had premium sakes like Echigo Juyondai or Tatenokawa since a long time ago, so I'm looking forward to it. Despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo, I walked from Akihabara to Ueno to see how the bars and restaurants were doing. While the area around the stations was crowded, I noticed many empty seats along the way, except for a place called Moto-Okachimachi store. They were heavily promoting Japanese sake at cost price. The first floor had a spacious counter area, which was different from the outside image. Since there were two of us, we were guided to the second floor. The manager explained the system, the sake, and the food specialties. There was a small entrance fee of around 500 yen, and then you could enjoy the sake at cost price. It turns out they have built a special relationship with the sake breweries by visiting them regularly, ensuring a stable supply of these rare sakes. The manager is really working hard to provide special events and unique sake offerings. I admire their efforts, especially during this pandemic. The sake was served in 100ml bottles to maintain freshness. Today was a special day featuring Echigo Juyondai, which was smooth with a slight acidity, Tatenokawa Ginjo, which was mellow, and No. 6 Shinsei Type, which had a complex mix of acidity and bitterness. It was interesting to taste the differences. Dassai Junmai Daiginjo had a well-balanced flavor, making it easy to drink, while Echigo Shinko Junmai Ginjo was heavier in taste. I learned a lot about sake terminology and flavor profiles. I also enjoyed some local specialties like Iburi Gakko potato salad with salmon roe, and fresh sashimi with various cheeses. The meal was topped off with Itoigawa-sourced dried horse mackerel and mackerel, along with a delicious egg dish. Overall, it was a great experience at this Japanese sake bar, and I look forward to visiting again.

Hello everyone! Nice to meet you all! I am World Wide Schwarz Nessie XVI. Today, I would like to introduce a restaurant in Ueno, which has an incredible variety of Japanese sake that will excite any sake lover. The restaurant is called "Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Ueno Okachimachi Store" and is located near Okachimachi Station, just a 2-3 minute walk away. I personally walked from Ueno Station and arrived in about 7-8 minutes. I have recently become interested in Japanese sake after learning a lot about it from my knowledgeable boss. He recommended this restaurant to me, and I was impressed by the information about sake displayed outside the restaurant. Upon seating, a friendly staff member explained the system of the restaurant for enjoying sake. The most surprising thing was that all the sake at the restaurant is served at cost price, which was very much appreciated. To enjoy the aroma of sake, the seating area was completely smoke-free, which was great for a non-smoker like me. Sake was served in small bottles to maintain freshness and came with a small personal glass, allowing for easy sharing with companions. I tried the "Uguisuin Doburoku" sake, recommended to me as similar to my favorite Sanuki Kuroudi from Kagawa Prefecture. It had a unique acidity and richness of rice flavor, making it easy to drink and enjoyable for both men and women. I also tried the natural soft water from Minami Uonuma, served to prevent getting too drunk between sake tastings. The water had a great taste and was a thoughtful touch by the restaurant. I ordered the Honey Yogurt, which was recommended to me as a good starter before drinking sake. It had a rich and sweet taste, and mixing it with a light and sweet sake was a delightful combination. The Warm Fried Eggplant was a comforting dish with a gentle flavor that served as a great accompaniment to the sake. The best sake I had was the Katsuyama, recommended to me as a sweet and easy-to-drink option. It had a melon-like flavor and was perfect for pairing with cheese. Overall, the restaurant had a great selection of sake and thoughtful touches that made the experience enjoyable. I highly recommend it to sake enthusiasts looking for a unique and enjoyable experience.

Yesterday, I went to a specialty store with a friend who loves sake and had always wanted to try. The location was conveniently close to Ueno Station. They offered rare sake at cost price, so we decided to enjoy some unique sakes that we don't usually get to try. For the first glass, I had the Lapis from Shinsei, which had a pleasant acidity similar to a mix of sake and white wine. I immediately felt the benefit of the cost price for sake. We started with a Wasabi Namul, which was a bean sprout namul with a hint of fragrant wasabi that paired perfectly with the sake. The second glass was the Dassai Sparkling, which was different from regular sake sparkling with a strong sake flavor coming from the cloudiness and a dry taste. It was quite an interesting flavor and, of course, delicious. We paired it with chicken breast, which was moist and tender, unlike the usual dry salad chicken. The Wasabi soy sauce was also good, but it was especially delicious with salt and olive oil. Next, we had a sashimi platter with tuna and saury sashimi, which was exactly to my liking. The tuna was prepared in three different ways and was very delicious. The saury was fresh and had no fishy smell. It was a delight to have saury sashimi for the first time this year. We then tried the famous Juyondai. It started with a vibrant sweetness that was followed by a rich spiciness, truly the king of sake. While enjoying the sashimi, we drank the Hana no Mai Abyss, which was made with wine yeast, giving it a red wine-like acidity. This wine-like acidity would probably pair well with cheese rather than fish. I was amazed by the depth of sake. Finally, we had a non-alcoholic sweet sake as a dessert. It had a gentle sweetness and a kind taste that felt good for the body. Sake often leaves a lingering effect the next day, but this restaurant provided 2-liter bottles of water, specifically delicious water from Minamiuonuma, at the table. Drinking this natural water helped alleviate any aftereffects, and I felt perfectly fine the next day. I truly appreciated this initiative. The high-quality food and wide range of sake options were truly amazing, and I thought it was a perfect place to deepen knowledge and enjoy sake with friends who love it. I will definitely visit again.