If you’re in Tokyo and want to immerse yourself in Japan’s sake culture, there’s no better way than a proper sake tasting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a complete beginner, tasting multiple varieties in one sitting offers a fascinating insight into how subtle differences in rice polishing, brewing techniques, and temperature can transform flavors.

Tokyo is home to two fantastic sake tasting venues that cater to international visitors: whether you're searching for 'sake tasting near me' or planning a dedicated 'Tokyo sake tasting' experience, SAKE MARKET in Akihabara and WASAKE Sake Experience in Asakusa. Each offers a distinct approach—one focusing on unlimited, self-serve exploration, the other providing a curated, interactive tasting. Both venues have multilingual menus and knowledgeable staff, making it easier for visitors to appreciate sake beyond just drinking it.

Tokyo Sake Tasting Basics: Enhancing Your Experience

Before jumping into your sake adventure, here are some tips to help you make the most of your tasting experience. Sake can be enjoyed at different temperature ranges—cold (reishu), room temperature (jouon or hiya), or warm (kanzake)—each bringing out unique flavors. Pay attention to the aroma, texture, and aftertaste, just as you would with wine. When sampling multiple varieties, start with lighter, more delicate sakes before moving on to richer or aged options. Pairing sake with food can also enhance the flavors, so don’t hesitate to ask staff for recommendations!

The type of cup you drink from can also have a surprising impact on the flavor and mouthfeel of sake. Traditional ochoko sake cups concentrate aromas, while larger wine-style glasses highlight delicate notes. Some vessels enhance smoothness, while others emphasize sharpness. Experimenting with different cups can be a fun way to deepen your appreciation of sake and discover new favorites.

If you find a sake you love, you may be able to purchase a bottle on-site or through an online shop. However, keep in mind that delivery within Japan can take a few days, so it's best to plan ahead if you're traveling. International shipping for alcohol beverages with an alcohol content of 24% or less might not be available for shipping to certain countries, so consider your timing if you want to bring home a special bottle.

💡Caution: While exploring Tokyo’s sake scene, remember that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. Bars and tasting venues may ask for identification, so be sure to carry a valid ID with you. It’s also important to drink in moderation—sake is smooth and easy to enjoy, but it can be deceptively strong. Stay hydrated, take your time, and savor the experience responsibly.

Unlimited Sake Tasting at SAKE MARKET (Akihabara)

For those who want to explore sake without limits, SAKE MARKET in Akihabara is the perfect destination. This all-you-can-drink sake bar offers around 100 different varieties of sake, as well as spirits like shochu, umeshu (plum wine) and even beer, all available in a self-serve format. The experience here is relaxed and interactive, allowing you to discover your own preferences at your own pace.

Upon arrival, guests pay a flat fee, starting at ¥1,500 for 30 minutes, ¥2,500 for 90 minutes, ¥3,600 for unlimited time betwen 6pm and 11pm, or ¥2,500 for daytime from 12 noon to 4pm on weekends and holidays. After that, the adventure begins. The venue follows a simple system—choose a sake cup from the available selection, then browse the refrigerators, each filled with bottles from all over Japan. The beauty of SAKE MARKET is its flexibility. You can taste freely, experiment with different combinations, or even try making your own warm sake using the heating station provided.

Unlike many bars, SAKE MARKET allows guests to bring their own food or even order deliveries to the venue. There’s a microwave that visitors are free to use, as well as plates and basic cooking utensils. This setup, together with the venue’s warm, wood-accented interior, makes it an ideal place for a laid-back evening with friends, where you can enjoy sake alongside your favorite dishes. You’ll also find a small selection of snacks for sale, including fried rice, edamame beans, iburigakko (smoked radish pickles) and more.

Guests are welcome to experiment by making their own cocktails—or even their own desserts. A standout combination is a scoop of vanilla ice cream (included in the main fee) with a generous pouring of Kuraka’s sake-based matcha liqueur from Nara Prefecture for a decadent affogato-style dessert. Other popular options include fruit beer, where you mix three parts beer to one part fruit wine, and original cocktails. There are recipes posted around the bar, so it’s easy to get inspired as you search for your next tipple.

Experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun at SAKE MARKET, offering an experience that goes beyond simple sake tasting.

How to Get to SAKE MARKET (Akihabara) from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa

SAKE MARKET is located in Akihabara, about 15 minutes from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa. The easiest route from HOTEL TAVUNOS Asakusa is to walk 1 minute to Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, take the train for one stop to Akihabara Station, and then walk for about 7 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Asakusa Station to Suehirocho Station, which is a 10-minute ride. From there, it’s just a 2-minute walk to SAKE MARKET Akihabara.

SAKE MARKET Akihabara

Address: 10F, HULIC & New Akihabara, 4-4-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
• Weekdays: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Last order 10:30 pm)
• Weekends & Holidays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Last order 3:30 pm) & 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Last order 10:30 pm) Closed: Open all year round
Access: 2-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station, or 7-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station
Website: https://sakemarket.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakemarket

A Curated Sake Tasting at WASAKE Sake Experience (Asakusa)

For a more structured and immersive tasting, WASAKE Sake Experience in Asakusa is the perfect choice. Situated in one of Tokyo’s most historic districts—and just a short walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa—this venue offers a thoughtfully curated selection of over 50 different sakes, including exclusive, hard-to-find varieties.

WASAKE follows a coin-operated token system—you purchase tokens (¥600 for 1, ¥3,400 for 6, ¥6,600 for 12 and ¥9,700 for 18) upon entry and use them to sample different sakes at the temperature-controlled self-service stations. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tasting at the counter, where expert staff introduce different brewing regions, techniques, and flavor profiles.

WASAKE is an excellent place to deepen your knowledge of sake, offering an educational yet interactive experience. One of the highlights is the Dassai tasting flight, where guests can try Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 23, 39 and 45—each number representing the percentage of rice polishing, showcasing how this process affects the sake’s flavor profile.

The venue also features sake like Daiginjo Method2, a unique and hyperlocal sake that you won’t easily find elsewhere. Beyond the drinks, WASAKE’s sleek and stylish interior adds to the appeal, providing a sophisticated setting that enhances the tasting experience. Sake-related items, such as artisan-crafted Edo kiriko glasses, decorated porcelain cups and more are also available for purchase.

Additionally, guests can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks such as amazake and sake lees ice cream, showcasing sake's versatility. There’s also a fun gachapon (capsule toy) machine, where guests can try their luck for a chance to win anything from a small sake can to a premium bottle of gold leaf-infused sake.

How to Get to WASAKE Sake Experience (Asakusa) from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa

WASAKE Sake Experience is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa. Simply head south along the main thoroughfare from the hotel, which is lined with traditional shops and eateries. It’s an easy stroll, making it a perfect stop before or after exploring Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Yokocho and other surrounding cultural spots.

WASAKE Sake Experience

Address: THE ASAKUSA RESIDENCE 101, 1-11-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 1:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed: Open all year round
Access: 3-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, or 4-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station
Website: https://www.wasakexperienceeg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasake_sake/

Whether you prefer the self-paced variety of SAKE MARKET or the immersive experience of WASAKE, both venues offer a wonderful opportunity to expand your appreciation for this iconic drink.

Cheers to discovering your new favorite sake in the heart of Tokyo!

Writer
Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.