Atsukan: Warm Sake Perfect for Winter! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Feb 01 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Did you know that sake tastes delicious when warmed up? Warm sake is called atsukan in Japanese, and it is an absolute treat during cold months like January and February and a surefire way to enhance your Japanese dining experience. This article will introduce you to the surprisingly intricate world of warm sake!

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Hokkaido and Shibuya.

Temperature Changes the Flavor of Sake

While many opt for cold sake, sake is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed both chilled and warm, with its name changing depending on the serving temperature. Even the same bottle of sake can reveal many nuances in taste and aroma when served at different temperatures.

To understand how flavor changes with temperature, keep in mind that chilling tends to suppress the sweetness of sake, resulting in a refreshing and sharp taste with stark aromas, while warming enhances its intrinsic bouquet and body, offering a more mellow and aromatic experience. Also, when sake is warm, its alcohol content becomes more pronounced, creating a rich and full-bodied flavor.

How Does Warm Sake Taste?

Atsukan is often used as a broad term for warm sake, and each increment of around 5°C is given its own specific name. To prepare atsukan, pour sake into a tokkuri (sake decanter), place it in boiled water, and keep it submerged while using a thermometer to reach your desired temperature. Here are the different types that you can aim for:

■Hinatakan (Sunshine Warm)
The lowest temperature for warm sake is around 30°C. It has a gentle mouthfeel that is said to be like basking in the sun. The acidity and richness are often more pronounced than at room temperature.

■Hitohadakan (Body Temperature Warm)
At approximately 35°C, this sake feels slightly warm when drunk. It highlights the pleasant aromas of rice and koji (malted rice) and yields a more delicate flavor.

■Nurukan (Lukewarm)
At around 40°C, each sip will feel quite warm. The richness and umami are enhanced, making it easier to fully savor.

■Jokan (Warm)
At about 45°C, the warmth is clearly pronounced, giving off a balanced character and sharp aftertaste.

■Atsukan (Hot)
At around 50°C, the sake is now very warm and ideal for cold days.

■Tobikirikan (Piping Hot)
Once you go above 50ºC, the aromas and tastes are very intense and stimulating, which is particularly well-suited to dry sake. Temperatures above 50ºC are also often collectively called atsukan.

By experimenting with temperatures, you can uncover a world of new and surprising sake profiles and preferences. So, before getting stuck in your next bottle, boil up some water and give it a try!

What Food Pairs Well With Atsukan?

Despite being warm, atsukan still goes well with traditional Japanese sake-pairing dishes like sashimi, simmered fish, boiled vegetables, and stews. During winter, hotpots like sukiyaki, yosenabe (hotpots made with various ingredients), and oden (ingredients stewed in broth) are the ultimate counterparts. Unlike wine, sake of all kinds also pairs well with acidic and citrusy dishes.

With so many different temperatures, you might feel nervous about ordering atsukan at a restaurant. Fret not! Simply asking for atsume (warm) or nurume (lukewarm) is sufficient, and the staff will help you choose the right sake based on your meal and preferences.

Restaurants to Enjoy Great Food With Atsukan Sake

While atsukan is perfect on its own, pairing it with food brings the experience to another level. Here are some recommended restaurants known for pairing food with atsukan!

Yakiniku & Sake USHIGORO Kan Ebisu Main Branch (Ebisu / Yakiniku)

This yakiniku (barbequed meat) restaurant is centered around pairing Japanese alcohols like sake with the highest quality domestic A5 Japanese black wagyu beef, all at reasonable prices, making it a rare find.

Start with the chef's selected premium cuts with the [Special Assortment of Rare Wagyu Cuts] (3,300 JPY), then order seconds of whatever you enjoy. With all sorts of meats available, even in half sizes, there's plenty to get stuck into. The restaurant also serves sake carefully curated by a certified sake sommelier to complement the meat.

Diners can indulge in a wide assortment of Japanese beverages, like sparkling sake, rare sake brands, shochu (a distilled Japanese alcohol), and unique fruit liquors from all over Japan.

Yakiniku & Sake USHIGORO Kan Ebisu Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ebisu Station on JR Line (West Exit) / Hibiya Line (Exit 1 and Exit 3). Go towards atré Ebisu West Wing and it is on the right side
Address: 1F STM Ebisu Bldg., 1-8-1, Ebisuminami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Sushi Restaurant SAIKA (Otaru / Sushi)

Sushi Restaurant SAIKA specializes in fresh seasonal seafood sourced from all over Japan, but mostly from their home of Hokkaido. Boasting a stellar reputation, they are renowned for providing a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience that constantly changes to fit the time of year.

Recommended is the [Hamanasu] (4,500 JPY), a platter of 12 sushi pieces that includes thick and velvety tuna and scallops whose sweetness will linger long after being eaten. The high-quality seafood guarantees peak satisfaction, only made better with well-matched atsukan sake!

The restaurant's interior has a cozy and welcoming feel, with a bright and immaculate layout that also exudes sophistication. There are six counter seats along with tables, plus private rooms to relish a meal without concern for other guests.

Sushi Restaurant SAIKA

Open: [Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station, near the arcade
Address: 2-11-3, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation

By ordering atsukan sake at a restaurant in Japan, you'll no doubt delight the staff with your deep knowledge of Japanese culture. The unique taste of atsukan opens up boundless possibilities for pairing, so be sure to give it a try!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.