Kurand Sake Market Ikebukuro was by far the most fun we've had in Tokyo. Never before have we felt so welcome as foreigners, and part of a true authentic local experience. It is well worth the cover fee, so don't even think twice! You can bring in all your own food & soft drinks and they provide cutlery, bowls, glassware, condiments, and anything else you might need, free of charge. They speak some english and have an english menu for the drinks, so if you are complete novices like we were, you'll still get by.
As a young English couple traveling around Japan, we came to Tokyo thinking it would be downright insane - lights, robots, gadgets etc. and although it is, we were pleasantly surprised to find there is a huge following for the Japanese traditions of brewing, drinking, but most importantly, appreciating Sake. This place perfectly combines ancient traditions with modern urban living - everything from the graphic design to the lighting to the sake bottles themselves are satisfying. There were so many local people eager to help us out in trying the best Sake in the land & making friends was easy, because at the end of the day, everyone in there is pleasantly stewing in microbrewed Japanese alcohol.
Some tips:
- The sake market is on the 4th floor, elevator access, look for the logo on a small signpost.
- The Japanese pair their foods with Sake, and will drink accordingly, so if you want a true authentic experience, try and get hold of the right snacks in advance (although there's a 7eleven around the corner for last minute snacks).
- BOOK A TABLE! This place is insanely popular, and space is limited to 40pax. Book in advance and get there super early to avoid disappointment (and to make the most of the all-you-can-drink!)
- Although you may be the only foreigners there, this may well be the best drinking experience you can have, remember to keep sipping on water & join in with the toasts!
- You can come and go as you please, but don't take too long! More than 30 mins absence would be considered a little rude to the owners, plus you wont feel as much of a part of it all.
- Write some tasting notes! We brought a pen and paper, which is a great way (as with any alcoholic confederation) to understand which types of drink you enjoy. Just write some basic notes on each Sake you try, be it Crisp, Dry, Fresh, Fruity, etc. This really helped us decide which to try next and makes it a lot more fun! (Plus you can see how many cups you've actually had).
- There will be a raffle which you will probably win being a foreigner. The chap asked me how to pronounce my name before 'pulling a name from a hat' then announcing we were the winners, which made us feel even more welcome and we got to keep our sake cups!
Enjoy!