Kurand Sake Market

Operated by sake festival organisers Kurand, this crowdfunded Ikebukuro gem combines the no-frills atmosphere of a stand bar with a deep passion for Japan's signature spirit. More a casual living room than a watering hole suited to quick boozing, the Sake Market requires all customers to pay a ¥3,240 entrance fee, which gets you unlimited access to a selection of around 100 varieties of nihonshu. The bottles sit in fridges around the counter, and you're allowed to browse freely, pick out any bottle and cup of your choice and pour drinks for yourself and your buddies. Bringing your own food is allowed too, potentially making this one an attractive spot for drawn-out weekend drinking sessions. The owners are also planning to hold 'meet the brewer' sessions and the like in the future, so friends of sake will want to pay close attention.