Visit a Sake Enthusiast’s Paradise, Inuwashi Sake Bar, in Kanazawa

We stumbled upon Inuwashi Sake Bar on our way back from a lively evening at an Izakaya near our hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel. What initially caught our eye was the bar’s uniquely inviting interior. I couldn’t help but admire the creative seating made from old sake casks. The whole vibe was simple yet welcoming, pulling us in almost immediately.

As we stepped inside, the first thing that struck us was the large refrigerator stocked to the brim with an array of sake bottles. We were particularly drawn to their sake tasting set—a chance to pick three different bottles from a varied selection. The prices varied, depending on our choices, but the setup was perfect for a couple of sake enthusiasts like us eager to explore different regional flavors.

Once we explained our usual preferences in sake to the bartender, he expertly selected a few bottles for us to try, focusing on regional varieties we could potentially take home with us. It was a personal touch that we really appreciated. We purchased a few regional sake bottles the next day based on our experience at this bar!

Around us, the bar was lively with chatter, several from foreign tourists. The staff, fluent in English, did a fantastic job explaining the bar’s system and suggesting orders. This was super helpful and made the whole experience feel more inclusive for them.

The food menu at Inuwashi Sake Bar was just as thoughtful as the drink selection, ranging from traditional sake snacks to some Western-style dishes. This ensured that everyone at the bar found something they could enjoy alongside their chosen sake.

Inuwashi Sake Bar truly is a haven for sake lovers. It boasts an impressive collection of sake from all across Japan, featuring everything from the crisp junmais of snowy Niigata to the fragrant ginjos of lush Kyoto. Each bottle in their extensive collection was selected to represent the diverse flavors and sophisticated brewing techniques Japan is renowned for.

What makes Inuwashi Sake Bar stand out even more is its selection of rare and limited-edition sakes. These exclusive finds are sourced directly from renowned breweries and local artisans, adding a thrilling element of discovery for anyone eager to explore uncommon and exceptional sakes.

The bar’s decor was another aspect that resonated with us. It was a thoughtful tribute to sake culture, with barrels cleverly used as part of the decor, sake cups neatly lined up on shelves, and walls adorned with sake labels. The overall ambiance was authentic and perfect for those of us looking to immerse ourselves fully in the sake-tasting experience.

Adding to the appeal was the Inuwashi Sake Bar’s prime location, conveniently situated walking distance from the Ōmichō Market making it an easily accessible spot for both locals and tourists. Its welcoming atmosphere was evident in the lively buzz that filled the room, creating a vibrant setting where people could connect and share their passion for sake.

The staff’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment was clearly a big part of why Inuwashi has such a loyal following. Every visit offered a new opportunity to deepen our understanding of sake and its rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Inuwashi Sake Bar turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip to Kanazawa. It wasn’t just about tasting sake; it was about experiencing a piece of Japanese culture in a setting that was both authentic and inviting. Whether you’re a seasoned sake connoisseur or just curious about this traditional Japanese drink, a visit to Inuwashi promises a delightful journey into the world of sake where tradition, flavor, and camaraderie blend seamlessly together.

Instagram