Introducing Tsunoka Sakubo, a sake bar that opened in Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku in May 2023. Located south of the Keihan Fujimori Station, just past the Oiwa Kaido bridge, this establishment is a sake bar with a "kakudachi" style where customers can enjoy sake in the same space as a long-standing local liquor store. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it easy for even solo visitors to drop by. Customers can help themselves to bottled beer from a large refrigerated case, with only bottled beer available. The must-try is Asahi Super Dry in a large bottle for only 490 yen (tax included) - a great deal in this day and age. The focus here is on local sake, with the owner's desire to introduce more people to local sake. They offer a wide selection of sake from not only Fushimi but also from northern Kyoto, such as Kyotango and Ayabe, as well as carefully selected sake from all over Japan. The food menu is small but reasonably priced, with a focus on quality over quantity. They prepare the food after you order, ensuring a delicious pairing with your sake. Tsunoka Sakubo is operated by Tsunokashoten, which also runs the izakaya Tokoyashoten and the gyoza restaurant Fukuyoshi, with a long history in the food and beverage industry. This place is not just for drinking and leaving, but for having conversations with different people and leaving feeling uplifted. It truly is a gathering place for the community. It was definitely worth the trip to Fukakusa.

I found out about this place and managed to find it, even though I was quite drunk. It's a traditional "sake bar" run by a liquor store, but with seating available. The interior is very clean, stylish, and well-kept. They have a good selection of Japanese sake, although I personally don't drink sake much and prefer a more gritty atmosphere over stylish ones. You can pour your own beer, and the food like fried oysters was quite good. The only downside for me was that it felt a bit too stylish and not very relaxing. While I was quietly drinking alone, a messenger arrived. It was N, whom I had gone drinking with a few times before. I knew he lived in Fushimi, so I thought about inviting him over, but then I remembered he said he was going for a run today. N: "Hello, are you in Fushimi right now?" Me: "Yes, I am! I'm at Tsunoka Sakaba." N: "I'm right behind you." "If you turn around, you'll see me!" It was a fun surprise! This place is highly recommended for sake lovers! Fushimi is truly amazing!