Savor the Spirit of Japan at Fujita Liquor Store

During our recent trip to Kanazawa, a charming city nestled on the western coast of Japan, we had the pleasure of visiting Fujita Liquor Store, a true haven for sake lovers like us. Our introduction to this gem came courtesy of the owner of Wanaka, a popular local izakaya that’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. He recommended Fujita Liquor Store as the perfect spot to dive deep into the world of Japanese sake, and he wasn’t wrong!

Kanazawa isn’t just known for its stunning Kenroku–en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan; it’s also a hotspot for cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and, importantly for us, sake. Nestled conveniently close to Kenroku-en, Fujita Liquor Store offers an exceptional opportunity to not only indulge in local sake flavors but also explore rare and exquisite bottles sourced from all corners of Japan.

When we first stepped into the store, the warm welcome by the knowledgeable staff set the tone for what turned out to be a fantastic sake exploration. The folks there are not just employees; they are passionate sake enthusiasts who pride themselves on their deep understanding of sake from various regions and breweries across Japan. They guided us through an impressive selection, pointing out the subtleties in flavor and brewing techniques that make each bottle unique.

Here’s what stood out to us during our visit:

1. Regional Sake Selection: Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is located, is renowned for its high-quality sake. Fujita Liquor Store showcased an impressive array of locally produced sakes. Each bottle offered a taste of the region’s unique flavors and characteristics, providing us with a delicious insight into the local culture and traditions. We loved how each sake told a story of its origins.
2. Rare and Exclusive Bottles: As seasoned sake enthusiasts, we were thrilled to discover a variety of rare and exclusive bottles. This selection included limited editions and seasonal releases from some of Japan’s most renowned and historic breweries. It’s always a treat to find bottles that you know are only available in specific shops, and Fujita did not disappoint.
3. Knowledgeable Staff: I can’t emphasize enough how much the staff’s enthusiasm added to our experience. They were eager to share their knowledge, offering detailed explanations about the sakes, including their brewing processes and flavor profiles. Their tips on food pairings were particularly helpful, making it easier for us to choose bottles that would suit our tastes and culinary plans.
4. Unique Souvenirs: Choosing souvenirs can often be a mundane task, but not at Fujita Liquor Store. We picked up a half dozen bottles of sake to bring back home for friends and ourselves. The store is equipped to ship nationwide at a reasonable price, which is a huge relief when you’re buying multiple bottles. There’s something special about bringing a piece of your travels back home, and these bottles of sake are just perfect for reliving memories of our Kanazawa adventure.

Some of our favorite labels from this region include Tengumai from Shata Shuzo Brewery, Kagatobi from Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery, Jokigen from Kano Shuzo Brewery, and Gorin from Shata Shuzou.

In conclusion, our visit to Fujita Liquor Store was not just a shopping trip; it was a cultural and educational journey into the heart of Japanese sake. The store offers a delightful experience for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious travelers eager to learn about and enjoy sake. If your travels take you to Kanazawa, don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity. Let the experts at Fujita guide you through a memorable tasting journey, and who knows? You might just find your new favorite sake!