Rokuzaemon
Kyoto's back alley bars, Yamagata's sake and snacks that can only be tasted if you've found your way there.

INDEX
Kyoto's back alley bars, Yamagata's sake and snacks that can only be tasted if you've found your way there.
``Rokuzaemon'' is a hideaway bar lit in vermilion in the back alleys of downtown Kyoto.However, the address is not disclosed.Sake and snacks that only those who can get there can taste.
That being said, there are a lot of hints.Mr. Ito, who was in charge of ``Fukuya Kyoto'' where you can enjoy alcohol with Yamagata cuisine in the back alley, started his own business.He opened the store in the back alley of Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto's downtown area, in the former location of ``Obanna Fujii,'' which had a quiet noren curtain.
When you step inside from the exterior with the [Fujii] sign, you will find Ito-san's World lit in vermilion.
Click here for the person introducing this article

- Owner Takumi Ito
-
ProfileBorn in Yamagata Prefecture. He has been working in the restaurant industry in Kyoto since he was 24 years old. After working at “Fukuya Kyoto”, become independent in December 2022
The relationship between place, space, and people
``Noh masks, mantras, Katsushin... it's a rich space filled with things I like, but things like the beckoning cat on the altar, beer glasses, and cupboards were inherited from [Fujii].''
Regarding independence, he said, ``I have a connection with the general since we are both from Yamagata, so around February 2022, he asked me if we could do it here, and the owner of [Fukuya Kyoto] also agreed, so I made the decision.''
What we have inherited from Fujii is not only the space but also the food.
Mr. Ito always ordered fried tofu at Fujii for 700 yen.White onions and bonito flakes are topped with slightly sweet dashi soy sauce from Yamagata Hanabusa Soy Sauce.
We also have homemade bacon grilled from a butcher in Yamagata starting at 900 yen.What I like about it is that it has a subtle smoked aroma.
Toriwasa starting from 700 yen, made with breast meat from Kyoto red chicken.It goes well with the slightly sweet dashi soy sauce from Yamagata's Hanabusa Soy Sauce.
Finish with Yamagata's famous Yamagata dashi soup.On this day, we had horse mackerel, blowfish, and yellowtail.Dashi is made from chopped vegetables, and its crunchy and sticky texture is addictive.Refreshing, light and delicious.
Although the address is not disclosed, many people go out of their way to find it and come to open the door.Yamagata sake and appetizers are waiting for you when you arrive.
Yamagata local sake
All the sake is sent from a liquor store in Yamagata.A rich lineup ranging from standard items to daily specials.
●First, try three types of standard sake.
Yamagata Prefecture Kato Kahachiro Sake Brewery “Oyama Special Pure Rice Sake Jusui”
It is prepared using the ``Jusui'' method, which was established in the late Edo period.It is brewed using 1 to 2% less water than usual, which gives it a richer flavor.The umami and sourness of the rich rice are harmonized for a rich and crisp flavor.It complements meat dishes, cream-based dishes, and other strong-flavored dishes, and can be served hot or cold.
Yamagata Wada Sake Brewery “Improved Shinko Special Pure Rice Sake Aratama”
A special junmai sake made with the ``improved Shinko'' sake rice produced locally in Kahoku Town.The sake has a deep, strong flavor and a sharp aftertaste.It can be enjoyed cold or hot.
Yamagata Prefecture Asahigawa Sake Brewery “Yamabuki Goku Kimoto Junmai Unfiltered Unprocessed Sake”
It has the title of ``a drink that chooses the drinker.A sake for advanced drinkers.''It has a unique, thick flavor that comes on quickly and has a unique aroma similar to old sake.A rich, deep flavor that contrasts with Ginjo sake.
●Next is the 3 types that change daily.
Yamagata Mitobe Sake Brewery “Yamagata Masamune Gekkoku Junmai Ginjo Nigori Namazake”
A well-balanced blend of Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Dewa Sansan, and a cloudy pure white Junmai Ginjo made by hand by collecting the sludge from the tank.It has a creamy texture and a mellow, delicious sweetness with an excellent sharpness.
Yamagata Ou's proud "Junmai Daiginjo unfiltered unprocessed sake"
All fresh and juicy.This Junmai Daiginjo sake is made with Dewa Sansan from Yamagata Prefecture, and has a refreshing Muscat-like aroma and sweetness that fills your mouth.The slight carbonation derived from fermentation gives it a sharp taste.
Yamagata Dewazakura “Dewazakura Yamahai Special Pure Rice Sake”
``Yamahai Shikomi'' is a type of shubo preparation method, and its powerful flavor is appealing.Although it takes time and effort, you will be satisfied with the ``complex flavor'' and ``beautiful sharpness'' of the five tastes.
Yamagata's sake is always available.There is a wide variety of dishes, from classics to daily specials, so you'll want to enjoy them with bar fare and Yamagata side dishes.A fascinating space and exquisite sake that can only be enjoyed by those who open the door.

Rokuzaemon
- Opening hours
- 18:00 - 2:00 the next day (LO/1:00 the next day)
- Closing days
- Tuesdays
Featured articles
Search for sake
Recommended sake

Pure rice daiginjo "Tsuyahime Premium"
Eau de Vie Shonai Co., Ltd. | Yamagata Prefecture

Junmai Ginjo Beppin Gohyakumangoku
Koikawa Sake Brewery | Yamagata Prefecture

Pure rice daiginjo Koikawa Kamenoo 100%
Koikawa Sake Brewery | Yamagata Prefecture

Ryusei Black Label Junmai Daiginjo
Fujii Sake Brewery | Hiroshima Prefecture