How to Taste Sake?

Japanese people enjoy sake both chilled, from 5°C, and hot, up to 55°C, but not all sake can be drunk at every temperature. Normally, the ideal tasting temperature is mentioned on the bottle. You can enjoy it as an aperitif, but Japanese people primarily drink it during meals, and like wine, it should pair well with the dishes!
Sake is traditionally served in a set called Shuki. It consists of a pitcher, the Tokkuri, and small cups traditionally made of ceramic, the Chokko. The host will serve their guests by holding the pitcher with both hands, but should not serve themselves. Once all friends are served, the host will set down the pitcher and wait to be served in turn. So be sure to never serve yourself, and more importantly, remember to serve your host!

Depending on the season or the occasion, you will be able to taste completely different sakés

When to Taste Sake?

As you might have guessed, sake consumption is very widespread in Japon, and occurs at every occasion, especially during celebrations.

During a trip to Japon, you won't miss opportunities to taste it, whether by visiting breweries where you can sample a wide variety of different sakés, or simply by going to an Izakaya, a traditional Japanese bistro. Japanese people frequently gather in these establishments after work, which are open from 5:00 PM to midnight, easily recognizable by their red lanterns.

It's worth noting that sake is traditionally the centerpiece of the meal. Food is served in small plates, similar to Spanish tapas, and serves to complement the drink.

If you dine at a restaurant, you'll have a dedicated sake menu. If you'd like to taste a wide range of flavors, order Kikizake, an assortment of different sakés chosen by the establishment or composed by yourself, which will give you a good overview of the different flavors

If you decide to bring sake back home, know that it pairs very well with fish and more generally with Asian cuisine. Some will pair perfectly with white meats, while others will accompany foie gras, cheese, or even chocolate beautifully. To do this, why not visit a shopping mall? On weekends, you'll frequently find tasting stands where staff will happily let you sample their different spirits.

Where to Visit Breweries and Drink Sake?

If you're interested in sake production and tasting, or if you're simply curious, you'll have many opportunities in Japon to visit breweries.

You may particularly be interested in the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum southeast of Kyoto, in the Fushimi district which is home to many breweries. The museum will allow you to trace the history of the Gekkeikan Brewery, which is over 360 years old. You'll discover the production process, and you'll be offered a tasting of the beverage.

Similarly, in Kobe, the Hakutsuru Museum offers you the chance to relive the brewery's history and taste the local production.

During your stay in Tokyo, we recommend the following establishments that will allow you to taste quality sake at a reasonable price.

Kurand Sake Market

Tasting across multiple floors with over 200 types of sakés. Here you pay by time, and the standard package is 90 minutes for 4000 yen. Several locations are scattered throughout the city, notably in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikeburo, and Shimbashi.

Nihonshu Tada

This Izakaya is favored by Japanese people for the quality of its dishes and the warmth of its owner, who is a great sake enthusiast and will offer you selections discovered in small local breweries.
Address: 15 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, near Nezu Station.

Kengyo

Both a bar and boutique, you can taste here nearly 150 types of sake from all over Japon. If you particularly like one, you can buy the sake bottle directly from the shop. "Tapas" are also served to complement your Japanese beverage.
Address: 3-8-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku

Nihonbashi Hasegawa Saketen

Another bar/shop that we love. 17 carefully selected types of sake to enjoy on the premises or to take away. A must-do experience during a trip to Japon!