Kawagoe to host new standing sake bar “Yoisho”

A new standing sake bar, “Yoisho,” is set to open on September 6 in the historic Kurazukuri district of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. Operated by Japan culture lab, the establishment aims to lower the barrier to entry for sake consumption by offering over 50 varieties of sake from breweries across Japan.

The shop features a unique self-service model where customers select bottles directly from a refrigerator, allowing them to choose based on label design or visual interest. A certified sake sommelier (kikisakeshi) will be available to provide recommendations based on customer preferences. In addition to sake, the bar will serve local COEDO beer, regional soft drinks, and selected snacks.