Series: Wa-jo Wa-raku | Part 23: Delivering to You Without Losing the Brewer's Intentions at Yukinoya Kogure Sake Shop
Without Losing the Maker's Passion, to Your Hands
Yukinoya Kogure Sake Shop
When you think of Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture, perhaps you picture the Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team. The Seibu Dome, their home ground, sits near Sayama Lake and Tama Lake, right on the border with Tokyo. About a five-minute drive north of the Seibu Dome, at the Kitano Tenjinmae intersection, you'll find Yukinoya Kogure Sake Shop. This establishment has been a sake retailer for four generations. In 1993, it shifted its focus to become a specialist in sake, now offering a curated selection of regional sakes, authentic shochu, domestic wines, and fruit liqueurs, each chosen with deep personal affection.
Text and Photos by Wajo Waraku
The Joy of Discovering Fine Sake Lies in Specialty Shops
Sayama Lake in Summer
Have you ever visited a specialty sake shop?
"Sake is sake, no matter where you buy it, right?"
"Is it a place that sells popular or rare sakes at exorbitant prices?"
"I don't even know what kind of shop counts as a specialty store."
"Do you have to be knowledgeable about sake to go there?"
Perhaps many of you feel this way.
Distant view of the Seibu Dome
What defines a specialty sake shop like those within the "Wajo Waraku" community?—
They possess expert knowledge of sake and maintain appropriate storage conditions.
They have built trusting relationships with breweries and conduct legitimate business, selling at fair prices.
They can offer informed advice to customers.
These are shops that embody these principles.
We highly recommend visiting, not only for sake connoisseurs but also for those who know little about sake but wish to enjoy high-quality drinks or find a thoughtful gift. You are sure to discover value, exquisite taste, and the fascinating world of sake culture that far exceeds the price.
Saitama's Promising New Star: "Hana-abi"
There's a local Saitama sake we'd like to bring to your attention: "Hana-abi" from Nanyo Brewery in Hanyu City, Saitama. It's brewed by a team of three brewers, all in their thirties, and it's a sake we're excited to watch grow in the future.
The sake, crafted with meticulous care, offers a captivating flavor profile while still hinting at great potential for further development. If you have the chance, please do try it.
New Store Concept
Our New Store Will Deliver Fine Sake with the Same Spirit
Next year, we plan to open a new store in Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture, separate from our current location. We aim for the new store to be a place where customers feel, "I'm so glad I shopped here!" We would be delighted if you could visit us when you are in the neighborhood after its completion.
Yukinoya Kogure Sake Shop
1-1-6 Kitano Minami, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture
Tel. 04-2948-1639
Fax. 04-2949-9069
http://sake-kogure.jp
From the South Exit of Kotesashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Approximately 10 minutes by Seibu Bus bound for "Tsubakimine New Town"
Immediately at the "Kitano Tenjinmae" bus stop