A good, little neighborhood wineshop is a rare treasure in Tokyo. Imagine a friendly place around the corner, where the owner is a passionate wine aficionado. A few times a week, you stop by after work and ask him or her for some tips on an affordable, delicious bottle to go with your home-cooked dinner. The proprietor introduces you to interesting (and sometimes obscure) wines that you might never have dared try on your own.
Hiroshi (left) and Katsumi Kato of Kito-ShotenThe United States and Europe have countless such stores to choose from. In contrast, they are much harder to track down in Japan. The local liquor shop may have a few dusty wine bottles of dubious origin -- but truly intriguing selections and canny advice are scarce. That is why we are such fans of perfect gems such as Kito-Shoten in Nerima Ward.
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