Deguchiya : Background
Deguchiya (出口屋) is a family-run liquor store in Higashiyama, Nakameguro, Tokyo, with a history dating back to August 1933, when it was established by its founder, Tsunekura Toriumi. Originally operating as a traditional neighbourhood liquor store selling beer, sake, miso and soy sauce, the business gradually developed into a specialist retailer. Under the second-generation owner, Shigeo Toriumi, the shop expanded its selection of wines and sake in 1986. The arrival of third-generation owner Taketoshi Toriumi brought another change in direction, with a greater emphasis on carefully selected wines, sake, shochu and craft beer.
Following a major renovation in 2006, Deguchiya introduced Bar Exit, a standing bar where customers could enjoy drinks purchased in the shop. The store also hosts regular tastings and events, creating opportunities to meet producers and discover new drinks. Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023, Deguchiya remains committed to introducing customers to interesting producers and quality drinks, combining the personal approach of a traditional neighbourhood liquor store with the knowledge and selection of a specialist retailer.
Deguchiya : At A Glance
- Opened : August 1933
- Speciality : Wine, sake, and craft beer
- Takeaway : Yes
- Location : Nakameguro
- Selection : Mostly domestic with some imports
- Corkage fee : ¥50 to ¥100
Deguchiya : Inside
Inside, Deguchiya is very much a traditional Japanese liquor store, rather than a polished craft beer bar trying too hard to impress. Shelves are packed with bottles of sake, shochu, wine and craft beer, making it worth taking a little time to browse rather than simply grabbing the first thing that catches your eye. The shop has a practical, lived-in feel, with the drinks very much taking centre stage.
Bar Exit adds another dimension, providing a standing space to enjoy a drink and work your way through the selection. It’s an unpretentious place with plenty of character, where the knowledge of a specialist retailer meets the welcoming atmosphere of a neighbourhood liquor store. Definitely somewhere to spend more time than you originally intended.
Deguchiya : What’s in the Fridges
Rather than chasing whatever happens to be fashionable, the shop places considerable emphasis on building relationships directly with breweries and understanding the people behind the beers. The stock really does vary throughout the year but the times I’ve been here, the breweries have included a mix.
- Brewery Songbird
- Brimmer Brewing
- Tamamura Honten makers of Shiga Kogen Beer
- West Coast Brewing
There are three fridges of beers – one at the entrance and then two at the back – so it’s worth taking the time to look around. If you do find something you like, you can pay ¥50 to ¥100 to drink the beer in-store – good if you can’t wait to drink your purchase
Deguchiya : Details
- Open : Monday to Saturday 12:00 – 21:00
- Closed : Sundays
- Phone : 03-3713-0268
- Homepage : https://deguchiya.com/
- Social Media : Facebook / Instagram
1 comment
There is no way I’m going in a Donki – I’ll end up getting lost or squashed or lost amongst squashed things. Chris can go in instead. I’m too young to get lost.