Yamato-ya Sake Shop

What the Oyama family, proprietors of this liquor store at the north end of Yagenbori-dori, don’t know about those most Japanese of tipples; sake and shochu, probably isn’t worth knowing.

Their impressive selection and attentive service has brought them a very loyal clientele (which includes many of Hiroshima’s top restaurants and bars), and whether you are looking for gift that is sure to be appreciated, would like to give Japan’s traditional drinks a try, or are looking for a great bottle of wine, Yamato-ya is one of the best places in Hiroshima. They are also right in the city center, and have conveniently long opening hours.

Yamato-ya is a family run business that offers a huge variety of liquor in their shop as well as by home delivery (order from their website). The family have been involved in sake brewing for two centuries and have been running this store for over 50 years; so they know their stuff.  The enthusiastic manager is a sake expert and wine sommelier who is passionate about spreading the good news about the of bounty of Japan’s alcoholic heritage. When he’s not working in the store, or out doing the rounds of local brewers, you might find him holding forth in the mic at events such as the downtown sake festival in June, October’s umeshu plum liqueur festival, or shochu & Rock and Sake & Soul music nights.

Yamato-ya tries to support Hiroshima breweries and other small businesses; the photos of the brewers taped to the fridges which contain their painstakingly and lovingly crafted sake and shochu add a nice, personal touch to the shop. The distinctive bottles with their Japanese labels make terrific souvenirs, as do the aprons decorated with the names of breweries.

Feel free to drop in and browse. You can’t always be sure that there will someone who can speak English well, but the staff are sure to be pleased to see you and do their best to be your sake guide.

Opening hours: 09:00-22:30
Closed: Sundays and National Holidays

Address: 4-3 Ebisu-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken (Located at the north end of Yagenbori-dori)
Tel: 082-241-5660
URL: http://www.e-yamatoya.jp/ [ja]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/大和屋酒舗/395593857165723