Sake is a pillar of Japanese drinking culture, part of traditions that span centuries and revolve around the essence of this subtle, brewed rice wine beverage. With a culture as steeped in history and heritage as the wine country in France or Italy, there’s plenty to learn and appreciate about sake. For eager explorers, embarking on sake brewery tours in Japan can be truly memorable.
From the two basic sake types, Futsū-shu (ordinary sake) and Tokutei meishō-shu (special-designation sake) to the nuanced special designated varieties of Junmai Daiginjō-shu, the Grand Cru of sakes; Daiginjō-shu, a refined brew with an extra kick; and Junmai-shu, the spirit is perfectly matched to Japanese cuisine, and full of subtle variations that make for delicious investigation.
Best Sake Brewery Tours in Japan
We’ve selected some of the finest sake breweries in Japan to visit, each with a distinctive history and a reputation for producing exceptional varieties.
Gekkeikan – Fushimi, Kyoto
Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, founded in 1637, holds the distinction of being one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries. Nestled in the scenic Fushimi district of Kyoto, it boasts a rich heritage that spans generations. The brewery offers a wide range of sake products, including junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo sake.
What to drink: Gekkeikan is most famous for its junmai sake, which is crafted using only rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. The traditional junmai brewing method results in a pure, rich, and robust flavor profile.
Hakutsuru – Kobe, Hyogo
Established in 1743, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, boasts a long and illustrious history. It is renowned for its commitment to excellence and tradition.
What to drink: Hakutsuru is celebrated for its daiginjo sake. This premium variety is crafted from highly polished rice, resulting in a delicate and refined flavor profile that pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine.
Kubota – Niigata City, Niigata
Kubota Sake Brewery, founded in 1830, has deep roots in the Niigata Prefecture, known for its high-quality sake production. Kubota has upheld its traditions for nearly two centuries.
What to drink: The brewery is renowned for its junmai ginjo sake, which undergoes meticulous rice polishing and fermentation at lower temperatures. The result is an elegant and fruity flavor profile.
Dassai – Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi
Dassai Sake Brewery, established in 1948, may not have the centuries-old history of some others, but it has rapidly gained a reputation for producing some of Japan’s finest sake.
What to drink: Dassai specializes in junmai daiginjo sake, an ultra-premium variety made from rice polished to an exceptionally high degree. The result is a clean and complex flavor profile that has garnered international acclaim.
Nada Sake District – Kobe, Hyogo
The Nada district in Kobe, Hyogo, is renowned as the “Napa Valley of Sake.” It’s home to several historic sake breweries, each with its own storied legacy.
What to drink: Nada is famous for its “Nada no sake,” characterized by a well-balanced flavor profile and a clean, crisp finish. Breweries like Hakutsuru, Hakushika, and Ozeki contribute to this collective treasure.
Exploring sake through brewery tours is a revealing journey into the heart of Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Each tour offers an opportunity to witness the intricate process of sake production, from rice milling to fermentation, and culminates in tastings of their exceptional sake varieties.
Each brewery has a unique history and signature sake varieties, from Gekkeikan’s traditional junmai to Hakutsuru’s delicate daiginjo, Kubota’s refined junmai ginjo, Dassai’s modern excellence, and the collective treasures of the Nada Sake District. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or light drinker interested in sake culture, these brewery tours promise unforgettable experiences and a deeper appreciation for the art of sake brewing.
