How many places can say that they've been in business since just after World War II? Liquor and sake specialist Minatoya can: having originallly opened on the ground floor of the same Shinjuku building, they were eventually moved to the third floor by virtue of an Ikinari Steak usurping their place downstairs. Their selection of whiskies, both Japanese and international, is very impressive, with everything from old hands to unknown bottles lined up on the sleek shelves.
They also offer Japanese gin and rum as well as sake, and an eclectic selection of booze from foreign shores. If you're lucky enough for the shop manager to be in, you're in for a treat: having worked at Minatoya for a few decades, he likes to chat to his customers about everything alcohol-related. Even if you're a novice and don't quite know what to buy, he'll happily guide you through what might be a right fit for you by asking a gazillion questions. And if you prefer to taste before you buy, head to the basement, where Minatoya's stock is sold at Harry's New York, a speakeasy-esque whisky bar. After a well-crafted drink (circular ice cubes...), head back upstairs to buy whatever bottle tickled your fancy.