Chokotto-ya
12-26 Kanayama-cho
Hiroshima, Japan
phone: +81 82 245 7770
Though located in an admittedly “unkempt” section of Nagerakawa, Hiroshima's entertainment district, Chokotto-ya is indeed worth searching out. The lure is their huge selection of Hiroshima “ji-zake”, or craft sake. With roughly 70 local brands and 150 styles depending on the season, this esoteric, three-story “izakaya” (Japanese pub) is the best place in the city to sample the region's famous sake. Sweeter than most due to the mineral content of the local water, Hiroshima's sakes have always been cherished and the area remains a prized brewing locale. Staff can point the uninitiated in the right direction, albeit in limited English, but really come into their own with connoisseurs or guests familiar with the language. The food is advertised as simple and unpretentious, and though it rarely wows, you can be sure that the stuff in your glass undoubtedly will. – Brent Katte