We had some time at the Himeji JR station for lunch and some drinks. We found this sake tasting bar just at one end of the station, near the toilets. There were probably 200+ local sakes to choose from. Actually this really made choosing a...bit challenging. You could use the computer at the counter to narrow down your choice. Too bad we did not have more time, otherwise we could spend a couple of hours here..More
I stumbled upon this place as I was exploring drinking places at Himeji. Luckily Tripadvisor has this ranked quite high. After having dinner, I went to this sake place Kokoromi. It is worth exploring especially for people who are not familiar with Japanese sake. I...was quickly greeted by the bartender, I immediately let him know I cannot speak Japanese. He showed me the computer terminal and explained to me how to use it. They also have a pocket translator which allows you speak to the device and they will answer your question / comments. I was lazy and had the bartender picked 2 he would recommend when I asked for "drier" ones. it becomes easy afterwards. It is all standing, and there's no tall chairs. I suppose it is not a place for you to spend hours drinking. It is more of a library of Hyogo sake for you to sample. There were quite a few locals visiting as well. The drinks are affordable, they start from approximately 260 YEN for the size of a shot glass. My favorites are number 272 (灘菊大吟金賞), 129 and 44 (in order of preference) I truly had a wonderful time at the shop. The bartender there are super kind and helpful. I recommend it if you are visiting Himeji.More
After a day of sightseeing in Himeji, we made sure to get to the train station area early so that we would have time to check this place out. We were so glad we did! The friendly bartender did not speak a lot of English...but that was not a problem at all! They have a very handy touchscreen computer that lets you select the language. It lists all the sakes you can sample by whether they are dry or sweet, or you can choose to display them by other characteristics (I can't recall but I think there was an option to display by brewery or region as well). There was also a "limited" category, which I was particularly interested in. This is a great way to sample sake because the pours are not too large and the price is not too expensive. So you can sample several kinds without breaking the bank or getting too tipsy to catch your train! If you are in Himeji and have the time, I would highly recommend a visit to this place. It is a little tricky to find (other reviews describe how to get there) but it is worth it!More
A very short walk from our hotel (yet another reason to stay in the Via Inn), thanks to reviews, we found this small standing bar with an extensive range of sake in an arcade under Himeji station. I have never been a fan of sake,...having been exposed in Australia to low grade sake served warm - yuck! What a difference when you are drinking quality. With hundreds of brands of sake, all displayed around the bar (with prices) you make your selection from a computer where the sake brand is described in English and categorised by price and other criteria. Cost is around Y200 for a generous tasting glass together with tasting notes (in English). Not sure how the system works, because in no time, the bartender miraculously reaches under the bar counter and produces the correct bottles. The entire delivery system must be computerised! Now I know what all the fuss is about sake! Quality sake served chilled is a joy. Along with inexpensive bar snacks, this bar is a treat. Seek it out!More
This small bar under Himeji Station is a hidden gem and should be a mecca for Sake lovers. You can try hundreds of different types of sake for very reasonable prices. If you are a sake expert or are just wanting to try different Sake...from all around Japan this should definitely be on your list of places to visit.More
Location: Go out the EAST exit of the JR Himeji station, turn right, and turn into the VIERRA Himeji restaurant hall way, and Kokoromi will be on your left side! The ambiance of this place is awesome with all the sake bottles displayed on the...walls. It’s great to guess and select the kind of sake that you would like to taste via computer that also has English on it. They give you cards about the sake you choose to take home and share or to come back and enjoy on another visit!More
What an interesting place. There are over 800 varieties of Sake available to try. The key to this wonderful experience is that there is a touch screen computer with all of the varieties listed and sorted by all types of classifications IN ENGLISH. When you...find one you want to try you push a button to order, it spits out a ticket that you take to the bar and they pour you the 65 ml drink. It also gives you a ticket with a picture of the bottle and a verbal description. I had always wanted to try a very dry Sake, but did not know how to order in restaurants. THIS solved the problem. I ordered a dry and my wife ordered a fruity. Really fun and reasonably priced. Most drinks were 250 yen. Unique experience and highly recommended on the way back from a full day in Himeji. The trick on finding the location is to know that it is in a mall out the EAST gate of the station. Well worth seeking out this absolutely unique bar that is so easy to use for an English speaker. Too bad this concept does not exist in the US. GREAT IDEA.More
was strolling around HIMEJI and found this bar on our google search for tasting bar. Had a hard time finding it as google map did not direct us properly. finally with the help of 1 local and 1 tourist information staff, we found it! just...on the other corner behind the station alleyway It's amazing and beautifully decorated! they do offer snacks as well as sake + umeshu tasting. However only a few selection had english translations. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We tried 2 sake and 2 umeshu and it was fantastic. Recommended if you'll be around himeji!More
Not a restaurant as such, but a sake (rice wine) bar. They have samples of sake from all over Hyogo Prefecture. Prices from ¥220 - 640/50ml served to the brim in elegant tulip stemmed glasses. You can choose your sake from a bar mounted computer...screen, inputting characteristics you enjoy in English or Japaneses ie. sweetness, fruitiness, dryness etc. The staff will also be happy to assist, and they try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Your sample arrives with an accompanying card describing the sake, the brewery, amount of rice polishing, % alcohol etc. One of my favorites was a fruity, semi-dry Junmai Ginjo-shu. Be careful, they go down easy!More
