Fremont sake bar Hannyatou opens today

Today, Fremont’s new sake bar Hannyatou is opening their doors.

Hannyatou is the creation of Kamonegi soba shop owner Mutsuko Soma and fellow sake sommelier Russell King, who announced their sake bar plans earlier this year. The bar is two doors down from Kamonegi, in the former Lama G’s Cafe location at 1060 N 39th St.

Soma’s new venture was funded in part by a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, which raised over $25,000 since it launched a few months ago.

The name Hannyatou is in reference to an ancient Buddhist term for sake, which translates to “wisdom water”. Monks weren’t permitted to drink alcohol, but according to Soma, the name change, “created an exception where sake became a staple for monks and all who enjoy some added wisdom.”

The 21+ bar have seating for 20, plus more on the patio in the spring and summer months. According to Seattle Eater, Soma has created a fermentation shed on the back patio, where she makes homemade miso, tsukemono pickles, and koji for their small food menu.

Sake will be served in-house and in take-home bottles, handpicked by Hannyatou’s sake experts.

Hannyatou’s official opening is today at 4pm, and their hours will be 4pm to 10pm, seven days a week.