A new and exciting experience for sake lovers has begun in Obihiro, Hokkaido! Tokachi Juji no Sake Kumada Shoten, which carries carefully selected local sake from 22 breweries across the country, has started offering a kakuuchi experience every Friday and Saturday. This space allows even beginners to easily experience the charm of sake, and is a "new local sake destination" where you can not only shop but also meet new people and learn. Why not have a drink while sightseeing or relaxing on the weekend?

When it comes to local sake and Japanese sake in Obihiro, Kumada Shoten is the place to go.

Tokachi Jin no Sake Kumada Shoten in Obihiro is a local sake select shop that was created in a renovated old warehouse. Owner Tomomichi Kumada has built up a reputation by visiting breweries across the country, and now stocks over 250 varieties of sake from 22 breweries. The lineup is rich in variety and covers a wide range of prices, including Oshinshu (Nagano), Kubota (Niigata), and Dassai (Yamaguchi). They have also recently started stocking Niida Honke sake, which has become popular.

In addition to sake, the store also promotes itself as a "people- and earth-friendly store" and offers a selection of ethical products such as organic herbal teas, seasonings, and bubble soap. It also stocks products unique to Tokachi that enrich the food experience, such as Hiroo Town's kelp seasoning "Hoshikuzu Konbu," Suzuki Farm's "Tokachi Salt," and the natural kelp snack "Kamu Kamu Konbu," making it a store that can be enjoyed not only as a sake store but also as a small select shop.

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

The shop is bustling with customers. It's fun to interact with other customers.

Every Friday and Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tokachi Jin Sake Kumada Shoten starts its "Kakuuchi" (drinking at the counter) time on the second floor! After choosing your "Nippon Sake" of the day at the register on the first floor, head up to the second floor. You can enjoy sake at your leisure in an open space. The owner, Kumada, will kindly explain the appeal of sake, so even beginners can feel at ease. The warm and friendly atmosphere naturally draws customers in closer to each other.

The sake lineup for the day. I'm happy to be able to try a variety of sake.

Another great thing about this bar is that you can bring in snacks and sweets, such as salmon jerky and corned beef, which are sold in the bar. It's fun to try out some pairings and find out which goes well with your drink.

Snacks such as "Corned beef with salt," "Salmon roe," and "Salmon sashimi" can be purchased on the first floor.

The owner, Tomomichi Kumada, will teach you all sorts of things while you enjoy a drink.

Tomonori Kumada, the owner of Tokachi Juji no Sake Kumada Shoten, worked as a teacher and an office worker before opening a shop specializing in local sake, driven by his passion for sake brewing. "The greatest joy is choosing good sake together with customers and hearing their impressions," he says, expressing his human touch that has attracted many repeat customers. Tokachi Juji no Sake Kumada Shoten is a rare place in Obihiro where you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with carefully selected local sake from all over Japan. Why not drop in and find your perfect drink of the day?