This store specializes in sake and is located in Tainan, Taiwan. Besides selling sake, it also serves dishes made with specialty sake. The store has used the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic as its central theme to blend the retail products and dining environment with the simple image of the ancient capital. The façade design features light gray color, clean lines, and unique texture, which not only break away from the constraints of the commercial space but also convey the spirit of “quietness and emptiness” like sake, mesmerizing the senses.
Every sake that's available for purchase in the store has been brewed and aged over the years, capturing the essence of time like the murmur of the earth. The designers have creatively utilized artistic coatings and imagery to design a unique texture for the space, transforming it into an art gallery and deviating from the traditional commercial environment.
The storefront, front porch, and retail area of the store are designed based on Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. They reflect the natural, pure, and simple beauty of the old world. The store has preserved the original ceiling panels and the brown color of the artful paint swirls in the space. The sake displayed on the shelves is like a piece of art. It not only highlights the texture and value of sake but also leads customers into a feast of modern and vintage wines. As a result, the space is not just a sake store but also an art gallery.
To ensure exceptional service quality and a pleasant customer experience, the venue designers have arranged the layout and dining line accordingly. The entrance lighting is inward-focused to prevent direct light from interfering with the diners' experience. Additionally, a free-standing washstand has been added in the aisle to avoid long waiting times for the restroom and to divert traffic flow. The side bar is equipped with movable tables that can be used for private rooms and larger groups, providing a more diverse service.