Best Japanese Wine Bars In Tokyo

5 minutes read time

If you’re in Tokyo and hoping to explore Japanese wine, you might be surprised to find it’s not as easy as you’d think.

While Japanese winemaking has made incredible strides, finding wine bars that focus solely on domestic wines can be a bit of a challenge.

But don’t worry—I’ve done the hard work for you. Here are my favorite spots where you can truly dive into the world of Japanese wine without leaving the city. Get ready to discover the best Japanese wine bars in Tokyo! (or at least my personal favourites)

Please note that the details in this post, such as opening hours or offerings, may have changed since I wrote it. I recommend checking directly with the establishments for the latest updates before your visit.

日本ワイン中村 (Japan Wine Nakamura)

In the quiet streets of Shinjuku’s Arakicho area, there’s a tiny wine bar that feels like a secret. It’s intimate, with counter-only seating for just eight people—kind of like stepping into a traditional kappo restaurant. The vibe is personal, relaxed, and perfect for a deep dive into Japanese wines.

The staff here really know their stuff. They’ll guide you through their selection, which includes some rare and premium Japanese wines by the glass. If you’re not sure where to start, their tasting sets are a great way to explore Japan’s wine regions.

And the snacks? Think miso-marinated cheese and shishito peppers—simple but spot-on with the wines.

What to expect: Cozy counter seating, only Japanese wines (some pretty rare ones too), light Japanese-style appetizers, and a thoughtful tasting experience. Open 5 PM to 11 PM, closed Sundays and public holidays. Just a short walk from Akebonobashi Station.

Want to know all about my visit and the wines I tried? Check this post.

Ozosakura

In the chic Nishi-Azabu neighborhood, Ozosakura is where modern Japanese style meets a love for wine. This spot is more than just a wine bar—it’s also a liquor store, blending sleek aesthetics with traditional touches like daruma dolls and ukiyo-e art.

Their focus is Japanese wine, with an impressive 95% of their 350-bottle collection dedicated to domestic producers.

If you’re not ready to commit to a bottle, their tasting flights (three glasses for ¥1,500) are a fun way to explore.

And if you’re looking for a gift, they’ll wrap your chosen bottle in beautiful artisan furoshiki cloth—how’s that for thoughtful?

What to expect: A blend of modern and traditional design, a strong focus on Japanese wines, tasting flights to explore, and gift-ready bottles. Open 12 PM to 8 PM, closed on Mondays. It’s an easy walk from Hiroo Station.

Price Range: Tasting flights from ¥1,500; bottles starting at ¥3,000.

Address: S Bldg 1F, 4-4-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato, Tokyo

Winestand Waltz

Tucked away in Ebisu, this tiny wine bar is all about natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. If you’re into cozy, intimate vibes, this is your spot.

Run by Yasuhiro Ooyama, the bar focuses on natural wines, with a solid lineup of Japanese bottles to discover. It’s standing-room only, fitting up to eight people, which makes it easy to strike up conversations with fellow wine lovers or learn more about what’s in your glass.

What to expect: A relaxed, no-frills setting for exploring natural wines, including Japanese options. It’s cash-only, non-smoking, and doesn’t take reservations—so arriving early is a good idea. Open Monday to Saturday, 6 PM to midnight.

Price Range: Glasses from around ¥1,000; bottles starting at ¥4,000.

Address: Japan, 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisu, 4 Chome−24−3 島田ビル 1F

新宿 葡庵 Bu-an: Italy Meets Japan

Bu-an, located in Shinjuku, is a delightful mix of bistro and wine bar that puts Japanese wines in the spotlight. With over 300 varieties on the menu, there’s something here to suit every taste.

The food is just as impressive as the wine, with dishes that range from casual French to Italian, all made with fresh local ingredients like pesticide-free vegetables and natural fish. Their tasting flights are a must-try, and exploring their walk-in wine cellar is an experience in itself.

What to expect: A cozy yet refined bistro atmosphere, an extensive selection of Japanese wines, and thoughtfully crafted dishes. It’s non-smoking, accepts credit cards, and reservations are highly recommended. Open for lunch and dinner.

Price Range: Tasting flights from ¥2,000; small plates from ¥380.

Address: 2-8-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

Conclusion: Best Japanese Wine Bar In Tokyo

Discovering Japanese wines in Tokyo might take a bit of hunting, but it’s so rewarding once you find the right spots.

Whether you’re diving into a tasting flight at a cozy counter or sipping natural wine in an intimate standing bar, these wine bars make exploring Japan’s winemaking scene an adventure worth taking.

Have you been to any of these places? Or maybe you’ve found another hidden gem for Japanese wines? I’d love to hear about it—share your thoughts in the comments!

Where to next?

My secret address to tasting Japanese wine in Tokyo

In this post, I take you to a hidden gem in Tokyo—a cozy wine bar specializing in Japanese wines. Discover the warm atmosphere, standout bottles like Kikuka Chardonnay, and my personal tips for making the most of your visit. If you’re curious about Japan’s wine scene, this is one spot you won’t want to miss!