Toshimaya

Founded in 1596, Toshimaya is Tokyo’s oldest sake shop. Before beginning their own brewing operations, the company sold sake produced in the Kansai region alongside simple snacks and appetizers. This is said to be the origin of Japanese style pubs, or “izakaya.” Although the izakaya side of the business was discontinued following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the company reestablished the original business with the opening of the Toshimaya Sake Shop in 2020, close to where the business was originally located.

As “Tokyo’s Local Sake,” they continue to not only serve the largest consumer market in Japan but also prepare sacred sake for offerings at two of Tokyo’s most prestigious shrines: Meiji Jingu Shrine and Kanda Myojin Shrine. Under a family motto passed down orally of “putting customers first and being trusted business partners”, Toshimaya is mindful of both old and new Tokyo values. The award-winning young brewing masters preserve and protect as much of the handmade craftsmanship and tradition as possible, but they are also unafraid to make bold changes based on the company’s code of conduct, “continuity with change,” when necessary.

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