The Best Spots in Chūō Ward, Tokyo,According to an Expert
Seiji Sasaki
Shinkawaya Sasaki Sake Store
Founded in 1915, we are a sake shop with a proud history of 110 years. Since we purchase directly from sake breweries, we offer a wide selection of exclusive premium sake that can only be found at our store. This unique range of products is something we take great pride in.
- web site
- https://sasas.jp/
- address
- 2-20-3 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku
- telephone number
- 03-3666-7662
Amazake Yokocho
The name “Amazake Yokocho” is believed to have originated from the early Meiji period when there was a sweet sake shop called “Owariya” near the entrance of the alley. This small street was referred to as “Amazake Yokocho” (Amazake Shop Alley). At that time, the area was bustling with people who came to watch performances at the traditional comedy theater (yose) and the Meijiza theater. Back then, it was a narrow alley, but even after the road was widened, it continued to be affectionately called “Amazake Yokocho.” Now, let’s take a walk through this alley, enjoying a food stroll along the way.
As you walk through this alley, you’ll quickly notice that each shop has a very narrow frontage. This narrow layout makes it unsuitable for large convenience stores or chain stores that require wide entrances, which contributes to the unique charm of the alley. Now, let’s start by tasting the sweet sake, which is the origin of the alley’s name. You can enjoy amazake at the storefront of “Futaba,” a shop known for its homemade tofu and ganmodoki (deep-fried tofu). How about pairing it with some soy milk doughnuts? In addition, you can enjoy amazake at “Kyogashi-shi Hikokuro” or our store (Shinkawaya Sasaki Sake Shop).
Let’s speed things up a bit. Next, how about trying taiyaki? The long-established “Yanagiya” is a popular shop that always has long lines. The chewy, thin dough is filled with sweet red bean paste all the way to the tail. Now, I’m feeling a bit thirsty, so let’s head to “Morinoen,” a shop specializing in self-roasted hojicha (roasted green tea). After purchasing caffeine-free hojicha made with ingredients like mugwort, dokudami, and mulberry leaves on the first floor, head upstairs to the sweets shop. Here, you can enjoy freshly brewed hojicha along with hojicha parfait, hojicha anmitsu, hojicha zenzai, and even hojicha beer.
How about some rice crackers as a souvenir? Sokaya was the location for the first episode of “Shinzanmono,” a dramatization of Higashino Keigo’s novel. The hand-baked rice crackers, carefully baked over charcoal, are exceptional. Finally, we’d like to introduce a recommended spot for those who want to experience the history and culture of Amazake Yokocho. Iwai Tsuzuraya was founded at the end of the Edo period. “Tsuzura” was used for costume boxes, but in recent times, it seems to be used for document holders because it is light and breathable. This is apparently the only store in Tokyo that manufactures and sells these “Tsuzura.” The presence of people who pass on ancient techniques to the present day may also be what creates the unique atmosphere of this alley.