Akaoni

Akaoni is a legendary izakaya, often described as a sacred place for sake lovers. Locals will tell you that if you want to enjoy sake in Tokyo, this is the place to start.

The shop is famous for helping bring the now world-renowned Juyondai sake into the spotlight. Behind the counter, you’ll find a chilled case filled with over 100 handpicked bottles from across Japan. Some of these are extremely rare Juyondai varieties that can’t be found anywhere else, along with private-label sake brewed specifically for Akaoni.

While most izakaya diners begin with a beer, here it's better to follow the house tradition and start with the Chokaisan nigori nama genshu, also known as the Akaoni Special. The moment it hits your palate, the soft sparkle and deep umami instantly stir your appetite.

Every dish on the menu feels like it was created with one purpose in mind: to make sake even more enjoyable. The sashimi platter showcases the best of the season, with selections like hotate (scallop), maguro (tuna), uni (sea urchin), tako (octopus), Suzuki (sea bass), hirame (flounder), shima aji (striped jack), and kawahagi (filefish). The quality easily satisfies even those who usually dine at high-end sushi restaurants in Ginza. Signature items such as uni imo, which combines freshly grated yam with sea urchin and wasabi, and the classic pairing of myoga and abura-age, are both simple and sophisticated. Each dish reflects the experience and pride of a long-established eatery.

As your meal winds down, you’ll be happy to find options like perfectly made onigiri and freshly prepared soba noodles. These final touches make the experience feel complete in the most comforting way.

One word of caution: the food is so good that you might end up drinking more sake than planned. But even if you’re not familiar with sake, there’s no need to worry. Just let the staff know your taste preferences, whether you like something dry, sweet, rich in umami, or with a touch of acidity. They’ll guide you to something that fits.

The space includes counter seating, a few tables, and a small raised tatami area in the back. It holds about 30 people in total. No matter the day, the restaurant is almost always full, so booking ahead is essential.

If you're visiting Japan, you owe it to yourself to experience izakaya culture firsthand. And if you're going to choose just one, this is the place to do it. Akaoni offers outstanding Japanese cuisine along with exceptional sake. TableEX proudly recommends it to all travelers coming to Tokyo.