Step out of Akasaka Station on the Fukuoka City Subway at Exit 4 and head toward Meiji-dori. In the basement of the building directly in front of you is Sunsun, a tiny shop devoted entirely to Japanese wine. At about three tsubo in size, it is unexpectedly compact, even with the convenience of a direct station connection.
There is no large sign and no attempt to explain itself from the outside. But when the shutter is open, a quiet sense of intention comes through.
Sunsun is run by Yuko Shimokawa, a Fukuoka native who first became interested in Japanese wine while living in Tokyo. Fifteen years ago, she opened a specialty bar in Yoyogi-Hachiman, at a time when domestic wine was rarely discussed. After years of working closely with producers, she returned to Fukuoka last July and opened Sunsun as a select shop with a tasting counter, offering a more approachable way to engage with Japanese wine.
Japanese wine itself has been quietly evolving. Overseas, it is gradually finding an audience, shaped by Japan’s wide range of climates, varied soils, and mostly small-scale production. What tends to stand out is balance rather than boldness, with wines that work naturally alongside food and favor harmony over strong statements.
That thinking is reflected in the bottles on the shelves here. Japan is now said to have around 500 wineries, but Sunsun carries only those Shimokawa has personally visited, spoken with, and felt aligned with in terms of philosophy and approach.
Each day, five wines are available by the glass: typically a sparkling, a white or orange, a red or rosé, and one bottle from a slightly higher tier. It works equally well for a quick stop or for tasting before deciding what to take home. The standing-only format strips away excess information and keeps the focus squarely on the wine itself.
Standing only (around five people / no cover charge)
Wine by the glass from ¥1,100
