A delightful new experience for sake lovers has begun in Obihiro, Hokkaido! At "Tokachi Itsukushi no Sake Kumada Shoten," a shop dealing in carefully selected local sake from 22 breweries across Japan, a "kaku-uchi" (in-store tasting) experience has started every Friday and Saturday. This space, where even beginners can casually discover the charm of sake, is a "new hot spot for local sake" offering not just shopping but also new encounters and learning. How about a quick drink during your sightseeing or on a weekend?

When you think of local sake and Japanese sake in Obihiro, you think of Kumada Shoten.

Located in Obihiro, "Tokachi Itsukushi no Sake Kumada Shoten" is a "select shop for local sake" born from a renovated old warehouse. Based on the trust built by owner Tomomichi Kumada through visits to breweries nationwide, the shop handles over 250 types of sake from 22 breweries. The lineup is diverse, featuring brands like Daishinsyu (Nagano), Kubota (Niigata), and Dassai (Yamaguchi), and covers a wide price range. They have also recently started carrying sake from the popular Niida-honke brewery.

In addition to sake, under the motto "a shop friendly to people and the planet," they also select ethical products such as organic herbal teas, seasonings, and Shabondama soap. The store also features unique Tokachi products that enrich the culinary experience, such as the kelp seasoning "Hoshikuzu Kombu" from Hiroo Town, "Tokachi no Shio" salt from Suzuki Farm, and the natural kelp snack "Kamu Kamu Kombu." It's a shop you can enjoy not just for sake but also as a small select shop.

There are three types of sake lees snack crackers made in collaboration with Daishinsyu. From 594 yen.

The lively interior during kaku-uchi. The interaction among customers is also enjoyable.

Every Friday and Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, "Tokachi Itsukushi no Sake Kumada Shoten" hosts a "kaku-uchi" time on the second floor of the store! After choosing your "Nippon-shu" (Japanese sake) of the day at the first-floor register, head upstairs. You can relax and enjoy sake in a spacious, open area. The owner, Mr. Kumada, gently explains the charms of sake, so even beginners can feel at ease. The warm and friendly atmosphere, where customers naturally get closer, is a key attraction.

The sake lineup for the day. It's great to be able to try various kinds of sake.

Another great point is that you can bring in snacks and appetizers sold in the store, such as sake-toba (dried salmon) and corned beef. It's a fun time to try some simple pairings and explore which snacks go well with your sake.

Snacks like "Corned Beef Salt and Meat," "Sake-toba," and "Sake no Ruibe" can be purchased on the first floor.

Owner Tomomichi Kumada. He teaches you various things while you enjoy the kaku-uchi.

The owner of "Tokachi Itsukushi no Sake Kumada Shoten," Tomomichi Kumada, opened this local sake specialty store out of a passion for sake brewing after careers as a teacher and an office worker. "My greatest joy is choosing good sake with customers and hearing their thoughts on it," he says. His personable nature attracts many repeat customers. "Tokachi Itsukushi no Sake Kumada Shoten" is a precious place in Obihiro where you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with carefully selected local sake from all over Japan. Why not stop by and find your drink of the day?