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TOKYO | Maishin is one of those places where, upon actually finding it an entering, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled across a real local’s gem. The reason for this, is because that’s precisely what it is. Maishin is hard to find but your patience will be rewarded if you’re willing to make the effort. Walk down the street until you spot the NTT Docomo store. Next to it is a little walkway. Go down the walkway and you’ll notice a sugidama, a large ball of cryptomeria needles hanging above the stairs, which is traditionally used to indicate good sake is being either brewed or sold. Walk down the stairs, then duck under the half sized door on your left and you’re there.
Be aware that there is no English (spoken or written) here, but that the friendly staff do their best to ensure that you have a good time. We first visited after hearing of Maishin’ legendary sake selection and venue manager Takeuchi-san (an award winning sake expert) was able to take us on a journey from our original request of “dry sake”, through to some very tailored and tasty drinks. All with no English being spoken. There are some extremely rare and seasonal brews on offer at Maishin. One of the ones we tried was one of only 350 bottles produced in fact.
It’s not just about sake at Maishin – it’s an Izakaya that also serves fantastic food. When we visited we opted for sashimi followed by a mixed vegetable and seafood tempura, and were thoroughly impressed by both, which went perfectly with our sake. We’ve also heard fantastic things about the wagyū and foie gras steak here.
If you like sake, a visit to Maishin is a must, and if you don’t it may just change your mind about what sake can be.
Maishin
Basement
2-10-12 Dōgenzaka
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0043
Japan
Telephone: 03 3464 1644
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 7:00am to 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am to 9:00pm