A Hidden Gem for Sake Lovers in Hiroshima: An Interview with SAKE Bar Yuu

In recent years, Japanese sake has garnered attention even overseas. In Hiroshima, there's a place known as SAKE Bar Yuu, where the deep charm of sake can be fully savored. Now in its seventh year, this bar has a hidden gem ambiance, specializing in sake. It's highly recommended for both sake enthusiasts and those who have never tasted it. This interview with the owner, who has over 12 years of experience as a chef in top hotels and a deep knowledge of sake gained from interactions with brewers, invites us into the world of sake.

Let's explore the charm of SAKE Bar Yuu through this article.

Q1: What is the concept of your bar?

The bar is dedicated to sake. It was started with the desire to introduce various flavors of sake and offer dishes that pair well with sake, using local ingredients. Unlike typical izakayas that serve beer and shochu, we exclusively offer sake.

Q2: Can you tell us about the sake you offer?

We have about 30 types available at any given time. We stock popular brands and can also fulfill customer requests or host events. We particularly focus on local sake. Our selection changes frequently, so customers can enjoy trying different varieties whenever they visit. For example, even within the category of Junmai Daiginjo, there are many unique types, from traditional to wine-like flavors and aged varieties. While aged sake, similar to wine, is available, fresh sake tends to be preferred overseas. However, do try it when visiting our bar.

Q3: What kind of dishes do you serve?

We offer course meals tailored to the sake and the season. As the sake changes, so does the food, allowing customers to experience pairings where sake is the star.

Q4: Do you help customers choose sake according to their preferences?

Absolutely. By understanding what they usually drink, we can recommend similar sake or help make new discoveries.

Q5: Do you have any sommelier qualifications?

No sommelier qualifications, but years of culinary experience and conversations with brewers have deepened my knowledge.

Q6: What is most important in your daily operations?

Besides offering dishes that complement the 30 types of sake, we cater to non-alcoholic customers with options that mimic the aroma and flavor of sake, ensuring everyone can enjoy their experience.

Q7: What has been the most challenging aspect since opening?

Operating during the COVID-19 pandemic was very challenging. We bought a food truck and tried to operate in various locations.

Q8: Do you have foreign customers?

Yes, despite being a bit away from Hiroshima City, many find us through internet searches and come out of interest in sake and local breweries. About one or two in ten customers are from abroad, including Asia and Europe.

Q9: What makes the bar welcoming to foreign customers?

While we don't have English menus or staff, we use translation apps to communicate with foreign customers. We can manage basic communication with simple words.

Q10: Are there any memorable experiences with foreign customers?

There was a European customer who visited before a piano concert nearby. It was memorable seeing them enjoy our food and sake before the event.

Q11: Are there any perks for foreign customers who mention "Pleasure in Japan"?

Of course! We offer a sake masu (square wooden cup) with our logo as a gift.

Q12: Have you had any touching experiences with foreign customers?

Their strong interest and curiosity about Japanese culture and sake, along with their eagerness to ask questions and enjoy the experience, is always heartwarming.

Q13: Finally, is there a message you'd like to share with customers planning to visit Japan?

Sake is enjoyable and delicious! Please come and drink with us. This is a place where you can experience Japanese culture, so feel free to visit.

Important Information for Enjoying SAKE Bar Yuu

Here are some important points to understand in order to fully enjoy your experience at SAKE Bar Yuu.

Custom Orders via Phone Consultation with the Owner

They offer a custom course menu tailored to customer preferences. Please feel free to consult with them by phone. Reservations a day in advance are appreciated.

Lunch by Reservation Only

Lunch service is available only by reservation. Enjoy a refreshing tea soba lunch set. Sake is also available during lunch, so please take advantage.

Time Limits for All-You-Can-Drink Plans

There is no time limit for course meals, so you can enjoy food and sake at your leisure. However, all-you-can-drink plans have time restrictions, so please be aware.

Store Information

Image Source: Google Street Map

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[Store Name]

• SAKE Bar Yuu

[Operating Hours]

• Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (Last Order 2:00 PM) *Lunch is by reservation only, made by the day before.
• Dinner: 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Last Order 11:00 PM)
• Closed: Tuesdays

[Address]

• 731-0221 Hiroshima, Hiroshima City, Asakita Ward, Kabe, 2-36-13

[Prices: Lunch]

• Lunch: From 1,350 JPY (tax included, reservation required)

[Prices: Dinner]

• Seasonal Ingredients Course From 3,300 JPY: This course, offering only dishes, is ideal for dining parties and business entertainment. An all-you-can-drink plan can also be added as an option.

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• Custom Course From 3,300 JPY: This price is for food only. The situation and contents will be adjusted according to the customer's preferences. This plan can be arranged directly through consultation with the owner by phone.

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• SAKE Salon From 8,800 JPY: This set includes both food and sake. Additional drinks are available for an extra cost, and requests for limited edition sake are accepted. As it is our premium plan, it features carefully selected limited edition sake from across the country, paired with dishes that enhance their flavors. Exclusive reservations for groups of four or more are available from Monday to Thursday. Each dish is paired with sake for your enjoyment.

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Pricing: https://www.sakebar-yuu.com/course.html

(*Please note that this page is only available in Japanese. Please use automatic translation tools as necessary.)

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[Reservations]

• Phone Reservations: 082-554-6488 (primarily in Japanese)
• Online Reservations via PayPay Gourmet: https://paypaygourmet.yahoo.co.jp/place/g-BKyBGXVCfSQ/course?sc_e=ptnp_s000346021_btn&sc_type=1

(*The website is available only in Japanese. Please use automatic translation tools as necessary.)

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• Online Reservations via Hitosara: https://hitosara.com/0006101345/

(*The website is available only in Japanese. Please use automatic translation tools as necessary.)

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[Social Media]

• Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/sakebar_yu/
• Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/sakebaryu/

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[Website]

• https://www.sakebar-yuu.com/

(*The website is available only in Japanese. Please use automatic translation tools as necessary.)

Conclusion

If you want to indulge in sake in Hiroshima, "SAKE Bar Yuu" is the place to go. The owner's words reflect a deep love for sake and a sincere desire for customers to have the best experience. Enjoy 30 varieties of sake paired with exquisite dishes in a serene adult atmosphere. It's the perfect place to explore the world of sake, whether you're a beginner or an expert. Visit and discover the profound charm of sake.