Susukino, the city that never sleeps, is known nationwide as the "Northern Entertainment District." In an area crowded with tall buildings and the famous Nikka Whisky sign, which is a popular photo spot, there are bars, restaurants, izakayas, and other spots where you can enjoy things that are unique to Sapporo and Hokkaido.

Susukino is a bustling area that is bustling with people every day, and if you like bars, you've probably heard of BAR Yamazaki.

Although it is a long-established establishment that was founded over 60 years ago, its atmosphere, where anyone can let go of their burdens and relax, has long been loved by many people, from Sapporo residents to tourists.

"Yamazaki" was founded by Tatsuro Yamazaki, who inherited the "Tokyo Kaikan style" that conveys the history of Western liquor culture to the present day with its reliable taste and hospitality.

As the oldest bartender in Japan, he is well versed in traditional cocktails and has won several international titles in the field of creative cocktails. In 2010, he was awarded the highest award, "Mr. Bartender," by the Japan Bartenders Association. AMr.

Many people have built their careers under him, including Suzuki Akihiro, the current head bartender behind the bar.

Fascinated by the video, he ventured into the world of bars

When Suzuki was in high school, he happened to see a bartender on a TV scene and intuitively knew that this was it. He says he had already decided back then that he wanted to work in the bar world.

Suzuki, who lived in a town far from Sapporo, went to Mt. AHe moved to Sapporo to continue to the vocational school where Mr. Yamazaki was a lecturer. He gained part-time experience working for someone who had left "Yamazaki" and joined "Yamazaki" as an intern, and after many other connections, his dream came true and he was hired. Since then, he has been behind the counter for over 20 years.

Everything is for the delight of our customers

The reason why "Yamazaki" is familiar and loved by so many people is because of the hospitality and consideration that comes from the pure desire to "make our customers happy."

"The master wasn't the type to teach people step by step. In fact, he didn't really like people imitating him. When I first started working there, I wanted to learn, so I asked questions over and over, but often I didn't get clear answers," said Suzuki.

Yamazakididn't say much, nor did he impose his own style on others,but he did make one request: "Please don't embarrass our customers. That's all you need to be careful about."

Tatsuro Yamazaki in his younger days

"What I learned from the master is 'how much you care about your customers.' It's a big part of the emotional aspect. Each staff member has their own way of interacting with customers to make them feel comfortable, but I think it's fine as long as we have the same goal. Our approach is still the same, of 'each person bringing their own ideas'."

As a bar, it is important to make delicious cocktails, but more important than just following the recipe is to make sure that customers leave satisfied. AThe attitude that he maintained as a bartender for many years has been passed down to Suzuki and all the other staff members.

"Sapporo" is Yamazaki's signature cocktail

Cocktail "Sapporo" (center of photo)

At Yamazaki, where such consideration is valued, the ever-popular cocktail is the Sapporo, an original cocktail created by Yamazaki that won a special prize at the International Cocktail Competition held in Geneva in 1981.

This drink has a sweet and rich flavor based on apricot liqueur (amaretto) and vodka, and is accented with mint-flavored cherries.

In the past, cocktail competitions were not as free as they are today, and liqueurs were specified. The fact that they won under such difficult circumstances led to "Sapporo" becoming synonymous with the bar.

A special drink to suit your mood and taste

In addition to "Sapporo," there is a wide variety of original cocktails made with various alcoholic drinks, as well as standard cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu. Whether you like alcohol or not, you can spend time together in the same space without any barriers.

Suzuki told us how to enjoy himself at the bar, "Please be honest and tell us your mood and preferences. If you like sweet things, or if you like gin, you might want something crisp and gin-based, or if you'd like something light, then we'll make a drink to meet your needs."

A space where you can relax at any time

"I believe that the enjoyment of getting drunk is an important element for the many customers who visit the Susukino entertainment district. That's why we always take care to ensure that they can have a safe and relaxed experience. We strive to ensure that both those who can drink alcohol and those who can't can enjoy their time at the bar," said Suzuki, speaking with confidence until the very end.

At Yamazaki, they sometimes make drastic changes to the quantities of their original cocktails to suit customer tastes.

Everything is for the sake of "making our customers happy." Rather than sticking too closely to what they have decided upon, they flexibly change and continue to be there for the person in front of them. A cup of coffee poured with care in this way will surely make your travel memories even more special.

BARやまざき
電話番号：011-221-7363
住所：北海道札幌市中央区南3条西3丁目 克美ビル4階
アクセス：地下鉄「すすきの駅」より徒歩2分程度
HP：http://www.bar-yamazaki.com/
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/baryamazaki.sapporo/
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