In Taito ward in eastern Tokyo, an area that stretches from Okachimachi to Kuramae is known colloquially as Kachikura – an area with a rich history of manufacturing and workshops. Book Road adds to this artisanal history with an urban winery, which opened in 2017. The catchy labels of this young winery come with pairing suggestions: merlot with steak, orange wine with crab, sparkling koshu with…a tent (we assume that means it’s ideal for relaxing around a campsite).
Book Road wines are made in a backstreet winery in eastern Tokyo in a petite, immaculate warehouse replete with milk crate tables out front for cellar-door tastings. Tasting cups are ¥300, with around six bottles available daily. Chef-turned-winemaker Michiko Suai makes her award-winning wine with 100-percent domestic grapes sourced from the renowned grape producing prefectures of Yamanashi and Nagano, as well as a commissioned farm in Ibaraki prefecture. In an area of just 33sqm, 13,000 bottles are churned out each year.
Book Road offers winery tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm for up to 8 people for ¥1,000 per person (reservation required, by phone or online contact form).