The Destination for Sake and Wine in Ureshino
Ito Sake Shop offers more than 250 kinds of drinks — not only Japanese sake, but also wines from France, South Africa, Italy, Moldova, Chile, Argentina, Germany, Australia, and many more. What I love most is how clearly the owner’s passion for alcohol comes through; he is such a great storyteller. If you speak Japanese, this is definitely the place to enjoy a lively conversation about sake and wine. In the wine cellar, you’ll find over 60 bottles of vintage wine, each one reflecting the owner’s personal taste. I truly admire how every single bottle feels carefully chosen with passion — that’s why this shop has become one of my favorite places.
Ureshino, Saga — A Gateway to Japan’s Sake Culture
Ureshino may be known for its hot springs, but for me, it’s also a gateway into the world of Japanese sake. Saga Prefecture, here in Kyushu, produces more sake than any other area in the region, and Kashima City in particular has a long, proud brewing history.
What I really love about Ito Sake Shop is how connected it feels to the sake world — local brewers and sellers actually come here directly to share their bottles. It makes me feel like this little shop is part of a much bigger story of tradition and passion.
If you ever come to Ureshino, don’t just soak in the onsen. Take some time to taste the sake too — it’s an experience that stays with you.
A World of Wines in Ureshino
Ito Sake Shop isn’t just about sake — it’s also a treasure trove of wines from around the globe. From France and Italy to South Africa, Chile, Germany, and beyond, the shelves are lined with bottles that make you feel as if you’re traveling the world through wine. The sheer variety is impressive, and each bottle seems to carry its own story.
One of the highlights here is the annual celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau. On the day of its release, the shop hosts a special party at the exact time of the worldwide unveiling. It’s not just about drinking wine, but about sharing in the joy of new beginnings and celebrating the craft of winemaking together.
What makes the experience even more special is the owner himself. His passion for wine is contagious — when he talks about the bottles he has carefully selected, you can almost taste the flavors through his words. Every visit feels like discovering something new, guided by someone who truly loves what he does.
A Hidden Wine Cellar in Ureshino
One of the things that truly surprised me about Ito Sake Shop is that it has its very own wine cellar. Tucked away from the main shelves, this cellar is home to more than 60 bottles of vintage wine, carefully collected over the years. Walking into the cellar feels almost like stepping into someone’s private treasure room, where every bottle has been chosen with thought, passion, and a sense of story.
The wines here are not just ordinary bottles. You’ll find bold Bordeaux, refined Burgundy, and rare vintages from regions that even seasoned wine lovers might struggle to come across in Kyushu. What makes it even more special is that these are not random imports — they are the owner’s personal favorites, chosen one by one with care. His passion for wine is so genuine that it’s easy to feel his excitement when he talks about them.
For me, this cellar is more than just a storage space — it’s the beating heart of the shop. It’s a place that reflects the owner’s taste, his dedication to quality, and his desire to share something truly meaningful with his customers. If you visit Ureshino, don’t just stop at the sake or the wine shelves. Step into the cellar and let yourself experience the quiet, timeless atmosphere of bottles that carry history inside them.
My Way of Enjoying Wine and Sake Ito
I chose to write about Ito Sake Shop because it represents everything I love about discovering drinks — variety, passion, and genuine hospitality. With over 250 kinds of alcohol, including Japanese sake, shochu, gin, and wines from around the world, the selection alone makes it a destination worth visiting. From Saga’s proud sake breweries to rare vintage wines in its private cellar, every bottle seems to tell its own story.
But more than the collection itself, what makes this shop special for me is the owner. His warmth and kindness, combined with an obvious love for what he does, make every conversation about sake or wine feel personal and memorable. He doesn’t just sell bottles; he shares the culture, history, and joy behind them.
That’s why, for me, Ito Sake Shop isn’t just a place to buy alcohol — it’s a place to experience the spirit of Ureshino, and to connect with someone who truly loves and respects the drinks he offers.
Why I Recommend This Place
Ureshino is best known as a hot spring town with many beautiful ryokan, but for me, the experience here goes beyond the baths. When traveling, it’s natural to want to enjoy the local sake, and Saga certainly offers some of the finest. Yet what makes Ito Sake Shop memorable is not only its Japanese sake, but also its collection of wines from around the world. Tasting wine you might never have discovered at home turns into a unique memory of your trip.
There is also something deeply meaningful in comparing wine and sake. Wine is defined above all by its grapes — the raw material is everything. Sake, however, is different. Its flavor and character emerge through the careful steps of the brewing process, each one shaped by the hands of the people who craft it. In today’s world, efficiency often overshadows human involvement, but sake reminds us of the value of that human touch.
That is why I recommend this place: not only can you taste local sake and international wine, but you can also connect with the spirit of craftsmanship behind every bottle. It is an experience that lingers, just like the memory of Ureshino itself.
Wine&Sake ITO
Address:
〒843-0301
佐賀県嬉野市嬉野町大字下宿甲１８４−１
Tel:
0954-42-1262
Please note that reservations can only be made in Japanese.
Opening Hours :
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
