Deguchiya

Originally opened in 1933, Deguchiya added a kaku-uchi (stand bar) counter when it was renovated in 2008. Although wine is the speciality here, you’ll also get to choose from a great selection of sake and shochu, craft beers and a small lineup of pub grub. The grape-loving owner focuses on bottles from smaller-scale vineyards and favours organic and natural wines. The bar offers the opportunity to sample wines from ¥400 per glass, alongside slices of ‘the cheese of the day’. Look out for guest bottles, too: one recent offering was Tamagawa sake, created by Oxford graduate-turned-sake brewer Philip Harper, the only Westerner to date to earn the title of toji (master brewer). Deguchiya is a great spot for learning more about the origins and producers of your favourite tipples.