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Looking for an authentic izakaya experience in Tokyo? Yumezake Shinjuku in Kabukicho offers a fantastic selection of sake and local Japanese charm. Dive into Tokyo's vibrant nightlife!
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Kabukicho Izakaya Yumezake Shinjuku Branch
Text/Photos ©Hibubu
When you travel to Japan, visiting an izakaya in the evening is an absolute must, wouldn't you agree?
Especially for those seeking an authentic Japanese vibe, a tour of local izakayas is often high on many travelers' bucket lists.
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kabukicho's Izakaya Yumezake Shinjuku branch, a fantastic spot where you can truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and savor a wide selection of sake!
Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch (夢酒 新宿本店, Yumezake SHhinjuku Shop) |
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM ~ 12:00 AM (Fri, Sat until 2:00 AM) * Open from 3:00 PM on weekends Closed: None Location: 5-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station |
📍 Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch is situated north of Kabukicho, and
it's about a 5-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
While it's a bit removed from the main hustle and bustle of Kabukicho, leading to comparatively less foot traffic directly outside, it's a highly popular izakaya among locals.
As its name suggests, it's an izakaya where you can try a wide variety of Nihonshu (Japanese sake), and since it operates late into the night, it's always a great spot to visit.
First, let me show you the interior atmosphere of Yumezake.
Though I couldn't capture a full shot due to the many customers, the interior has a traditional, rustic pub-like feel, with Nihonshu bottles beautifully displayed on the walls.
Additionally, some seating areas have partitions, offering a slightly private feel.
Near where I was seated, there was a sake refrigerator, and the sheer number of different sake varieties was truly impressive.
So, if you're a Nihonshu lover, you'll have a fantastic opportunity to taste and compare a wide selection, wouldn't you agree?
Next, I'll show you the menu.
While there's a physical paper menu, they also have a digital menu that you can easily view via a QR code!
For appetizers, they had many special dishes that you simply must try at a Japanese izakaya, including limited-quantity Tuna Yukhoe, special menu steaks, oysters, as well as Ham Katsu, Shirako Ponzu, and more.
The portions aren't huge, but with most prices around 1,000 yen, ordering didn't feel overly burdensome.
First and foremost, there was an incredible variety of Nihonshu!
The saying that they have sake from all 47 prefectures was no exaggeration – the selection was truly vast.
What I loved was the 'Nomi Kurabe Set' which allowed you to compare 2-3 different sakes for around the 500-yen to early 1,000-yen range.
There were over 10 types of Nomi Kurabe sets alone, and you could order based on your preference, whether it was pairing with fish, fruity, karakuchi (dry), or more – it was fantastic!
Just a heads-up, I used the Japanese menu, but there's an English menu available, so no worries there!
(Check out the QR code in the left photo for reference.)
And after your first order, you can use the QR code for table ordering to conveniently place more orders!
Next up, I'll tell you all about the flavors of the dishes I ordered!
To start, I ordered a draft beer, and the complimentary appetizer was braised daikon radish.
The braised daikon was savory with a delicious umami flavor, and the beer was refreshingly cold and smooth.
*FYI, the 'otoshi' (cover charge/appetizer) of 500 yen is charged separately.
I finished my beer pretty quickly, so next, I ordered the 'Karakuchi Nomi Kurabe Set'.
For 1,020 yen, you get three glasses as shown in the picture.
Karakuchi generally refers to a dry or slightly bitter taste, but all three felt surprisingly smooth.
While enjoying my Nihonshu, the two appetizers I ordered arrived one after another.
This is horse meat yukhoe (sashimi), which I ordered out of curiosity.
It had a slightly chewy yet tender texture, and since it lacked fat, it was quite lean and savory.
Since it's raw meat, it paired very well with Nihonshu, and I don't think it's a flavor that would divide opinions much.
The second appetizer was Kaki Fry, which is fried oysters.
It was quite affordable at around 500 yen for four pieces, and being freshly fried, the crispiness was superb.
The oysters themselves were small, so not the premium expensive kind, but they actually worked even better for frying.
Next, I ordered the Seasonal Nomikurabe Set.
Overall, it was fragrant and incredibly smooth,
especially the banana-shaped nihonshu on the left
truly had a genuine banana aroma, making it unique and delightful!
For appetizers, I ordered Ankimo Ponzu.
The rich umami flavor melted luxuriously in my mouth,
truly a burst of richness!
It's a dish that pairs perfectly with nihonshu,
so if you visit Yumezake, you absolutely must try it!
Finally, I enjoyed a single glass of sake
and concluded my meal with great satisfaction.
At Yumezake, I had seven glasses of sake and one draft beer,
along with three appetizers,
and the total bill came to 6,400 JPY.
(This included a 5% late-night charge and 500 JPY for otsuoshi)
While the appetizers were modest in portion, the pricing was very reasonable,
and considering you can truly compare the volume and exquisite taste of the drinks,
I think it offers fantastic value.
Especially in Tokyo's Shinjuku, where prices can be quite steep,
to have enjoyed such a diverse selection of food and drinks
means it was incredibly fair.
The staff were all wonderfully friendly and attentive,
and the food was utterly delicious. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this izakaya to any friends
who adore nihonshu and are planning a trip!
Since this izakaya is open late into the night,
if you're staying in Shinjuku or near Kabukicho,
I highly suggest popping in for a relaxed drink in the evening!
Excessive drinking can cause stroke, memory impairment, or dementia. Drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects.
▼ After the izakaya, it's time for a hangover cure! Recommended ramen spots nearby ▼
Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch operates from 4 PM to midnight on weekdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 2 AM, and on weekends, it opens from 3 PM.
At Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch, we offer Nomi Kurabe Sets that allow you to compare 2-3 types of sake, priced from around ~$3 to just over ~$6. You can choose from over 10 different preferences, including pairings with fish, fruity, and karakuchi (dry) options.
Yes, a separate charge of ~$3 for 'otoshi' (a small appetizer) will be added at Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch. Additionally, if you visit during nighttime hours, a 5% night charge will be added to your total bill.
Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch is located north of Kabukicho, approximately a 5-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station. It is slightly away from the bustling center of Kabukicho, so it tends to have fewer crowds.
Yumezake Shinjuku Main Branch offers both paper menus and electronic menus using QR codes. In addition to Japanese, English menus are also available. After your first order, you can conveniently place additional orders using the QR code for table ordering.
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