Yakitori and shochu near Higashi-Shinjuku Station. Small and time-weathered interior, but it actually only opened in June of 2014. Very accommodating to non-Japanese customers. Smoking allowed. Counter seats. Two tatami tables (four tops). Reasonable shochu selection with a focus on imo. Sato-san has some bottles that are not normally easy to find, and you can ask … [Read more...]
Koan TOKYO (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Koan TOKYO is right in the middle of Shinjuku's lively 3-chome neighborhood, but it's more relaxed than most of the bars that are on street level. The bar boasts a modest selection of shochu with a focus on imo (potato). They also usually have a maewari available (Sekitoba the last few times we visited), and it's definitely worth your time if you have at least two people in … [Read more...]
Tokuri (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Hiding on the western side of JR Shinjuku Station is a great shochu izakaya with a diverse bottle selection (150+!) and decent food. Bonus! There is an English menu for folks who are not comfortable with the Japanese language. Tokuri's cozy interior and knowledgeable staff make for a great shochu and awamori drinking spot on any day of the week. Tokuri always has at least … [Read more...]