TMS Features —

Sake Bar O

A Hidden Story

TOKYO – Behind a concealed door of an Izakaya, you’ll find hidden a small dimly lit room. You would have found Tokyo’s first speakeasy sake bar.

The place resembles a scene from Masaki Kobayashi’s film, Kwaidan, an elaborate scene set in darkness. Accentuated by the spotlights, the tin top bar sits in the middle of the room, where the sake takes centre stage.

The bar is full on a weeknight,
but all guests speak in lowered volumes,
as if sat in a theatre.

A Hidden Story

When asked about the concept of the space, head sommelier Kumi Hitomi replied, “moonlight”. As if to highlight the statement, Hitomi pours us a glass of Meibo Yowano Tsuki Junmai Ginjo - a sake (aptly) named Midnight Moon. The space is minimalistic, largely decked out in monochromatic grey, save for a few strategically placed foraged floral arrangements made strikingly prominent by a single beam of light. The bar is full on a weeknight, but all guests speak in lowered volumes, as if sat in a theatre.

Sake Bar O demonstrates – with theatrical artistry – how the space extends the narrative beyond the cup, transforming into a story. For those seeking the sake speakeasy, reservations can be made on Sake Bar O’s instagram @sakebaro.