KKyoto

Sake shop with English speaking staff

  • November 5, 2023

Hey guys! Wondered if anyone can recommend a good sake shop, but with good English speakers working there who can recommend different types/profiles? We want to buy a good range and our Japanese is shoddy so any advice hugely appreciated. Thank you!

by sliceoftimbo

5 comments

  1. https://maps.app.goo.gl/C8Vux395pBTuRy4H8

    They have some staff who speak basic to mid level English, depending on who is working. You will have a good time. They do a little tasting service at the bar there. Very nice little experience.

    This part of town is good for sake. Look up Fushimi sake district. Nearest stations are Fushimi Momoyama on Keihan line and Momyama Goryomae on Kintetsu. Walk down Otesuji shopping arcade, stop at the store mentioned above, then turn left at the end and go down Nayamachi shopping arcade, then also go down Ryomadori street, a really charming old style shopping street. Good places for lunch or walking snacks there. When you hit the little river, cross it and immediately turn left. Walk along the river to the Gekkaikan museum. Gokogu shrine near the station when you arrive is worth seeing before you start walking. Drink the spring water just to the left of the main altar. That’s the secret to this district’s good sake! Wonderful little area.

    I like this one too, but Nishiki market is a little ugh no thank you these days. Basic English at best but lots of free samples. Interesting range from traditional to fruity and sparkling. Very nice people. https://maps.app.goo.gl/n5QXLC6PP6t5mCdV7

  3. You might try visiting Yoramu in the evening for a carefully guided tour of sake, then when you find what you like he can tell you where to buy it in town

  4. Bar Windmill [https://maps.app.goo.gl/y9Z7eHZKLo1HZNSV9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/y9Z7eHZKLo1HZNSV9)

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    Not a shop, but I spent a few hours in here sampling different sakes and it’s a fun, less traditional way of doing it, the guy is charming and will recommend more if you have a preference. I had eight in the end and found my favourite so he sent me to a shop where I’d be able to buy that sake.

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