Fujitaka Liquor Store:A Nostalgic Bar That Feels Like a Time Machine

Kitakyushu is known as the birthplace of kakuuchi—the unique standing bar culture where locals gather to drink inside sake shops.
Among the many historic spots, Fujitaka Saketen in Tobata stands out as a place where time seems to have stopped.

It’s not just about the drinks.
It’s about the atmosphere, the experience, and the sound of an old-world tool—the soroban (Japanese abacus).

When it’s time to pay, instead of a digital register or a smartphone app, the shop owner picks up a soroban.

"Click, click, click..."

The rhythmic sound of wooden beads sliding across the abacus fills the air.
In an age of cashless payments and touchscreens, this simple tool feels almost magical.

For younger visitors who have never seen a soroban before, and for international travelers unfamiliar with Japan’s calculating traditions,
this alone is worth the visit.

Kakuuchi Culture – A Place Where Everyone Feels at Home

One of the best things about kakuuchi is its casual, welcoming atmosphere.

• No reservations needed—you can just drop in.

• Perfect for both solo drinkers and groups.

• Conversations naturally start between customers, no introductions required.

At Fujitaka Saketen, it doesn’t matter if you’re a regular, a first-time visitor, or from another country.
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself feeling like a local.

It’s a spot where domestic travelers, local regulars, and even international visitors all gather around the counter,
sharing drinks, stories, and sometimes even unexpected friendships.

A Hidden Gem of Japanese Culture – The Click of the Soroban

One of the most fascinating details of this shop is how the owner still uses a soroban (abacus) for calculations.

In a world where contactless payments, credit cards, and smartphones dominate,
this traditional manual calculator, made of wood and beads, still plays a role in daily transactions.

“Wow, I’ve never seen an abacus before!”

For many younger customers, this is their first encounter with a soroban.
For international travelers, it’s a rare and unexpected glimpse into Japan’s history.

Here, technology has changed, but traditions remain intact.
And every time you hear the clicking of the beads, it’s as if the shop itself is whispering stories of the past.

Where Nostalgia and Fresh Discoveries Meet

Fujitaka Saketen is special because it blends old and new.
It’s a living time capsule, preserving the warmth of Showa-era Japan,
while also serving as a space where new visitors experience something unique for the first time.

At the counter, you might see:

• Young visitors marveling at the soroban.

• Older regulars enjoying a familiar, nostalgic moment.

• International travelers experiencing a small yet memorable piece of Japanese culture.

It’s in these small moments—where different generations and cultures intersect—that this shop truly comes to life.

Conclusion: A Place Where Time and People Connect

Fujitaka Saketen is more than just a place to have a drink.
It’s a portal to a different era, where history and modern life blend seamlessly.

• A nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, welcoming today’s travelers.

• The soothing sound of the soroban, a reminder of Japan’s craftsmanship and tradition.

• A single drink shared among strangers, sparking conversations and friendships.

If you visit Kitakyushu, step inside this timeless sake shop.
With a drink in hand and the rhythmic sound of the soroban in the background,
your journey through Japan will gain an unforgettable new layer of meaning.

📍 Fujitaka Saketen (藤高酒店)
🏮 Experience Tobata’s classic kakuuchi culture!
🔢 Listen to the sound of the soroban and travel back in time!

#FujitakaSaketen #Kakuuchi #ShowaRetro #Soroban #SakeAndTravel

https://kakubunken.jp/omise/entry-52.html

Address：4-15 Motomiyamachi, Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 804-0072

Tel：093-871-4159

Business hours：15:00-20:00

Closed：Sundays and public holidays(check public holidays)