Bar Ikioi

Great sake bar with regional varieties available

If you’d like to try sake that comes recommended by a sake sommelier, then Bar Ikioi in Mombetsu is a great place to have that experience. The proprietor knows his stuff, and has a range of sakes on hand at any one time that hail from all around the country. One thing that I didn’t know before visiting Bar Ikioi was that Hokkaido has an up and coming sake brewing industry as well. The proprietor explained that for some time, Hokkaido rice wasn’t as well regarded as other places in Japan, so their sake just didn’t compete. As the rice quality in the region has improved, so has the perception of their sake - and of the three sakes I tried, the Hokkaido brew was my favorite. It had a sweetness that I really enjoyed! The bar atmosphere is warm and cozy, and I’d certainly visit again if I was in the area.