Do you enjoy Japanese sake?
If you’re new to sake and unsure which one suits your taste, don’t worry—Kato Sake Shop in Hirosaki is the perfect place for you!

With over 500 varieties of sake, this shop is a popular destination for both locals and visitors from across Japan.
Let's explore what makes Kato Sake Shop a must-visit for sake lovers!

A Mission to Share the Richness and Joy of Sake

With its sleek and stylish exterior, Kato Sake Shop welcomes visitors not only from Aomori Prefecture but also from all over Japan.

Their philosophy is simple yet profound:
"To share the richness, joy, and excellence of sake with customers."

The shop owner, a certified sake sommelier and lecturer, emphasizes two key goals:

1. Expanding the sake community by introducing its charm to newcomers, including young people and women.
2. Deepening appreciation among seasoned sake lovers by introducing new ways to enjoy their favorite drink.

To enhance the sake experience, Kato Sake Shop underwent a major renovation in 2020, introducing unique services to make sake more accessible and enjoyable.

Try & Discover Sake at the Event Room and Tasting Bar

To help customers experience the joy of sake, the shop features a dedicated event room.

🏮 Events & Cultural Gatherings

This space hosts sake-related events, including:

• Art exhibitions by local illustrators
• Cultural performances in collaboration with Hirosaki University’s Rakugo Club

These events attract many visitors, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere!

🍶 Standing Bar (Kakuuchi Corner)

When no events are scheduled, the event space transforms into a casual standing bar, where visitors can:

• Chat with friends while enjoying different types of sake
• Savor each sip at their own pace in a relaxing setting

Whether you’re a sake novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this space allows you to explore new flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.

Sake Dispenser – Perfect for Beginners

For those who wish to sample different sake varieties, Kato Sake Shop offers a sake dispenser system.

• Try different types of sake by the glass
• Ideal for first-time sake drinkers who are unsure where to start
• A great way to explore new flavors without committing to a full bottle

Craft Beer Vending Machine – A Rare Find!

Adding a nostalgic touch, Kato Sake Shop has installed a beer vending machine outside the store.

This machine offers:
✔ Major brand beers
✔ Unique craft beers from various breweries

It's a quick and convenient option for those who want to grab a cold beer on the go.

Best Sake for Autumn – Recommended by the Shop Owner

As autumn arrives, Kato Sake Shop introduces sake that pairs perfectly with seasonal dishes.

With over 200 varieties of sake available year-round, choosing the right one might seem overwhelming.
Here are three highly recommended choices for the season:

🍶 Hohai Junmai Ginjo Gessyu (720ml, ¥2,150)

• A sake that maximizes the umami of Hohai rice, with a hint of Hirosaki’s famous apple aroma.
• Perfect pairing: Grilled Pacific saury or simmered eggplant.

🍶 Inamuraya Junmai Nama Genshu Hiyaoroshi (1800ml, ¥3,600)

• A rare type of Hiyaoroshi that undergoes no heat pasteurization, matured at sub-zero temperatures.
• Crisp and fresh, it pairs well with seared bonito (Katsuo Tataki) and oysters.

🍶 Mutsu Hassen Orange Label Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi (720ml, ¥2,200)

• A sake with citrus acidity and balanced sweetness, resembling a semi-sweet white wine.
• Best enjoyed in a wine glass and pairs perfectly with salmon meunière and gratin.

The Future of Kato Sake Shop – Continuing to Evolve

The owner of Kato Sake Shop shared their vision for the future:

"We aim to take our mission of sharing the joy of sake to the next level."

✨ Future Plans:

✔ Introducing richer, unfiltered sake for beginners to explore authentic flavors.
✔ Encouraging seasoned enthusiasts to try aged sake with deeper complexity.
✔ Providing more in-depth information on each sake’s characteristics, food pairings, and brewery stories.
✔ Expanding events to create more interactive experiences for customers.

The shop continues to innovate and expand, ensuring that both new and loyal customers can always discover something exciting.

Shop Information

• 🏠 Kato Sake Shop
• 📍 Address: 1-2-1 Nishimorshigemori, Hirosaki, Aomori
• 📞 Phone: 0172-32-9346
• 🕘 Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• ❌ Closed: Wednesdays (except August & December when open on holidays)
• 🔗 Official Website: Kato Sake Shop
• 📷 Instagram: @katou_saketen
• 🐦 X: @Katou_saketen

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or a first-time explorer, Kato Sake Shop offers an unforgettable experience.

From sake tastings to seasonal recommendations, this shop provides a gateway into the world of Japanese sake.

Next time you visit Hirosaki, be sure to stop by Kato Sake Shop and discover the richness and joy of sake!