Number of Sake Breweries in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area
The Tokyo metropolitan region boasts a significant presence of sake breweries across its key Kanto prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. In total, there are more than 91 registered sake breweries (according to the Japanese Tax Agency) in these four prominent prefectures.
In the vicinity of Tokyo's outskirts, there are nine breweries, while within the 23 wards of Tokyo itself, one brewery can be found, summing up to a total of ten breweries within the Tokyo metropolitan area. Moving to Kanagawa Prefecture, which includes the city of Yokohama, there are a notable 13 sake breweries. Chiba Prefecture, on the other hand, houses a substantial 34 sake breweries. Within Chiba, the northern region is home to 18 sake breweries, while the southern peninsula features 16 sake breweries. To the north of Tokyo, in Saitama Prefecture, an additional 34 breweries contribute to the production of Japanese sake in the region.
Number of sake breweries in and around Tokyo:
- Tokyo: 10 breweries
- Kanagawa: 13 breweries
- Chiba: 34 breweries
- Kanagawa: 34 breweries
Kanagawa Sake Breweries To Visit
Izumibashi - Izumibashi Sake Brewery
Izumibashi Sake Brewery, established during the Edo period in 1857, holds a rich heritage deeply rooted in the fertile lands of Ebina Gochi, one of the premier agricultural regions in the prefecture. Situated amidst the lush bounty of rice fields and benefiting from the pristine subsoil water flowing from the Tanzawa mountain range, the brewery embarked on its journey of sake production.
For generations, the art of rice cultivation and sake brewing has been carefully nurtured and passed down within the Izumibashi Brewery family. With a steadfast commitment to preserving this age-old tradition and imparting it to the succeeding generations, Izumibashi Brewery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship.
Located at the heart of the Ebina arable land, shaped by the generous waters of the Sagami River, the name "Izumibashi" traces its roots to the ancient agricultural landscape. Back in 1927, the Izumi River meandered northward near the brewery, serving as an essential irrigation channel for rice paddies. "Izumibashi" draws inspiration from the Izumi River and "Hashiba," the trade name associated with Izumibashi Brewery.
Notably, Izumibashi Brewery takes pride in cultivating a significant portion of their rice within the Kanagawa prefecture, demonstrating their commitment to quality and tradition. Additionally, they possess their own rice polishing machine, further enhancing their control over the brewing process.
For those eager to experience the essence of Izumibashi Sake Brewery, convenient access can be found via Ebina station in Kanagawa, followed by a short cab ride to the brewery's doorstep. The brewery unfortunately does not offer regular tours, but you can visit the brewery’s shop and see the rice fields around the brewery.
Brewery name: Izumibashi Sake Brewery (泉橋酒造)
Main sake brand: Izumibashi (いづみ橋)
Website: https://izumibashi.com/en/
Address: 5 Chome-5-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa 243-0435
Sake tour details:
- Cost: N/A
- Duration: N/A
- Reservation: N/A
- Schedule: No regular tours since COVID-19
Matsumidori - Nagazawa Sake Brewery
Matsumidori is a distinguished sake brand renowned for its focus on junmai (pure rice) and namazake (unpasteurized sake). Their distinctiveness lies in their use of subsoil water from the Tanzawa region, resulting in sake known for its lightness and exceptional drinkability.
Among their notable offerings is the much-celebrated "S.tokyo", crafted with a remarkable yeast strain dating back to 1909, making it the second oldest sake yeast in existence. This exceptional yeast imparts a gentle aroma and a harmonious blend of refined sweetness and invigorating acidity, delivering a truly unique flavor profile that transports enthusiasts to a bygone era.
For those interested in gaining firsthand insight into Matsumidori's traditional brewing methods and the allure of their rare yeast strain, the brewery offers regular tours every Saturday morning. Access to the brewery is straightforward, with a convenient train journey from Tokyo. Travelers can reach the brewery in just 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station via the Odakyu Line, followed by a brief 5-minute walk from Shin-Matsuda Station in Kanagawa.
Brewery name: Nagazawa Sake Brewery (中沢酒造)
Main sake brand: Matsumidori (松みどり)
Website: https://www.matsumidori.jp/
Address: 1875 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003
Tour details:
- Cost: 1,000 yen (with 500 yen shopping voucher)
- Duration: 90min
- Reservation: Online
- Schedule: 10:00 - 11:30 every Saturday
Saitama Sake Breweries To Visit
Mikadomatsu - Matsuoka Sake Brewery
Teisho, a name inspired by the highest rank in Japan, the emperor, and the symbolic pine tree representing prosperity, is the flagship brand of Matsuoka Brewery, established in Ogawa-cho, Saitama Prefecture, in 1851. Known for their beloved sake brand, Mikadomatsu, which boasts an impressive array of 150 different items, including various sizes, the brewery upholds a rich tradition of sake craftsmanship.
Mikadomatsu's exceptional brewing process is fueled by mineral-rich natural water sourced from the Chichibu mountain range, boasting a hardness of 149 mg/ℓ. This unique underground water, remarkably soft despite its hardness, fosters yeast growth and imparts sharpness and flavor to the sake. The method of slow fermentation in small volumes contributes to the mellow character of Mikadomatsu. The brewery also places great emphasis on selecting premium rice varieties from across Japan, such as Yamada-Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture, Yamasake No. 4 from Yamagata Prefecture, and Bizen Omachi from Okayama Prefecture, tailored to each sake type. The meticulous brewing is led by Norio Matsuoka, the esteemed toji (master brewer), who has secured the Gold Medal in the National New Sake Competition for an impressive eight consecutive years, the most in the prefecture. Mikadomatsu is celebrated for its overall fruity and sweet flavor profile.
For those eager to explore the world of Mikadomatsu and Matsuoka Brewery, reaching the brewery is convenient. It's a 25-minute walk (or a 5-minute cab ride) from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line. Travelers from Ikebukuro can reach the Ogawamachi Station in approximately 60 minutes via the Tobu Tojo Line.
Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, typically bookable online through an online form. Following the tour, one can indulge in sake-infused delights at the brewery's shop, including sake ice cream, or savor a meal paired with sake at the onsite restaurant. The sake shop is housed in a beautifully renovated former rice mill, offering not just Mikadomatsu sake but also other unique products such as "Daiginjo Soft Ice Cream", "Amazake" featured in TV and magazines, and "Organic Cosmetics" crafted from rice malt. For a delightful culinary experience, the brewery's restaurant set amidst the garden serves a variety of dishes featuring sake, brewing water, koji (malted rice), sake lees, and other brewery-specific ingredients during lunchtime, with desserts available during café hours.
Brewery name: Matsuoka Sake Brewery (松岡醸造)
Main sake brand: Mikadomatsu (帝松)
Website: https://www.mikadomatsu.com/
Address: 7-2 Shimofurutera, Ogawa, Hiki District, Saitama 355-0326
Sake tour details:
- Cost: 1,000 yen (with 500 yen shopping voucher)
- Duration: 90min
- Reservation: Online
- Schedule: 10:00 - 11:30 every Saturday
Seiun - Seiun Sake Brewery
Seiun Sake Brewery, nestled in the same town as Matsuoka Brewery, offers a unique sake experience in Ogawa-machi. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, travelers from Ikebukuro can reach the station in about 60 minutes via the same line. The brewery stands out with its unmistakable building, featuring a prominent red-brick chimney that once played a crucial role in the sake rice cooking process.
A point of pride for Seiun Sake Brewery is its commitment to using organically produced rice, meticulously polished in-house with their large rice polishing machines. Since its establishment in 1902, Seiun Sake Brewery has been crafting quality sake cherished by the local community of Ogawa-machi.
The groundwater of Ogawa-cho, generously sourced from the surrounding mountains, is renowned for its quality, often likened to the esteemed miyamizu of Nada. Seiun Shuzo actively sources rice from Saitama Prefecture, with much of it cultivated in the nearby region. Three decades ago, the brewery began incorporating locally grown pesticide-free rice, carefully polished on-site.
One standout sake from Seiun is "Harumo," a testament to the dedication of local farmers and the blessings of Ogawa Town's natural environment. The toji, or master brewer, spares no effort in creating this exquisite brew.
The roots of organic farming in Ogawa-cho trace back to 1971 when Mr. Mito Kaneko of Shimosato Farm pioneered organic farming in Japan. Seiun Sake Brewery joined forces with Mr. Kaneko in 1988 to produce "Ogawa no Shizen-shu," and their partnership with the region's organic farmers has deepened over the past 30 years. In 2005, they opened "Shizenjo Tamaiya," a sake brewery restaurant highlighting Seiun Sake Brewery's sake and local vegetables, playing a vital role in establishing "Organic Town Ogawamachi" as a bridge between producers and consumers. Their efforts were acknowledged in 2010 when the Shimosato district of Ogawa-cho received the prestigious "Emperor's Cup" in the "Rich Village Creation Award Program" sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, with a visit from His Majesty the Emperor himself to observe the organic farming practices.
For those keen on exploring Seiun Sake Brewery, they offer complimentary tours, which should be reserved via phone. Visitors can also indulge in tastings at the shop and purchase sake bottles to take home to Tokyo, completing their sake journey in Ogawa.
Brewery name: Seiun Sake Brewery (晴雲酒造)
Main sake brand: Seiun (晴雲)
Website: https://www.seiun-sake.co.jp/
Address: 178-2 Otsuka, Ogawa, Hiki District, Saitama 355-0328
Sake tour details:
- Cost: free
- Duration: 20-60min
- Reservation: via phone
- Schedule: 9:00-17:00 all week
Chiba Sake Breweries To Visit
Fudoh - Nabedana Sake Brewery
Nabedana, one of the prominent breweries in Chiba, graces the northern part of Chiba Prefecture. Easily accessible from Tokyo, visitors can embark on a 120-minute journey via the Narita Line from Tokyo Station. A brief change to the local line at Narita Station leads to Shimōsa-Kōzaki Station, followed by a convenient 15-minute walk to reach the brewery.
Distinguished by its new brand Fudoh (“不動”), introduced in 2004, Nabedana has been crafting an array of sake different from their renowned Jinyu line. This collection is distributed through a specialized distributor network and can be found at select retailers nationwide. Marked by bold characters on the label, these sakes are known for their robust, unfiltered flavors. The range encompasses sake qualities spanning from Honjozo to Daiginjo, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore different rice varieties and production methods.
Though presently situated in Kouzaki-cho, Nabedana's roots trace back to the Genroku era (1688-1704) when it was founded in Narita. Over the years, it has garnered popularity among visitors to Shinsho-ji Temple. The brewery's legacy in Narita lives on, as it was the birthplace of a festival that has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in the Kanto region. This open-house sake brewery event draws more than 40,000 attendees.
For those interested in delving deeper into Nabedana's sake-making process, the brewery offers guided tours, which can be booked through an online form. These tours are available on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, with session availability subject to the brewing schedule. Advance booking of at least one week is recommended to secure a spot and enjoy an enriching brewery experience.
Brewery name: Nabedana Sake Brewery (鍋店)
Main sake brand: Fudoh (不動)
Website: https://www.nabedana.co.jp/
Address: 1916 Kozakihonshuku, Kozaki, Katori District, Chiba 289-0221
Tour details:
- Cost: 1,200 yen
- Duration: 40-50min
- Reservation: online form
- Schedule: 1st 11:00, 2nd 13:00, 3rd 15:00 (Monday-Saturday)
Goninmusume - Terada Honke Sake Brewery
Terada Honke, established during the Enpo era (1673-81), stands as a testament to the traditional art of sake-making, preserving centuries-old fermentation methods. Located in close proximity to the previously mentioned Nabedana Brewery, Terada Honke offers an opportunity for a combined visit, allowing sake enthusiasts to delve into the rich heritage of Japanese sake.
The brewery's commitment to natural fermentation processes was born from a pivotal moment in the life of Keisa Terada, the 23rd generation of the Terada family. At the age of 25, Keisa Terada, newly married into the family, sought to maximize productivity and efficiency while minimizing sake production costs. Despite his efforts, success eluded him. It was during a period of illness and reflection that Keisa had a profound realization - "fermentation does not cause spoilage". He understood that fermentation is a delicate balance that, when disrupted, leads to decay. He recognized that his actions had disrupted this harmony, causing both the company and himself to wither away. This epiphany led him back to the fundamentals of sake-making, aiming to brew "sake that is the best of all medicines." Over the past three decades, Terada Honke has embarked on a journey alongside microorganisms, exploring the essence of fermentation and the art of crafting natural sake.
Visitors to Terada Honke can embark on a guided tour of the sake brewing process, offering insights into the various stages, from rice steaming in large steamers to the koji room where koji mold is created, the sake mother room, and the mash tanks. Following the tour, guests can savor sake tastings and indulge in a delicious lunch at Cafe Ufufu, located in a separate building.
Terada Honke invites visitors to immerse themselves in the marvels of fermentation, engaging all senses in a journey of discovery and appreciation. Reservations are essential, and it's worth noting that due to COVID-19, brewery tours are scheduled to resume in early 2024, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Brewery name: Terada Honke Sake Brewery (寺田本家)
Main sake brand: Goninmusume (五人娘)
Website: https://www.teradahonke.co.jp/
Address: 1964 Kozakihonshuku, Kozaki, Katori District, Chiba 289-0221
Sake tour details:
- Cost: N/A
- Duration: N/A
- Reservation: online form
- Schedule: to resume January 2024
Conclusion
The Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area is a significant hub for sake brewing, with a striking concentration of 91 registered breweries across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures. This region enriches Japan's renowned sake culture, with each area offering its own distinctive flair. Tokyo itself hosts a singular brewery in its central wards, illustrating an exclusive urban touch, while Chiba and Saitama each boast 34 breweries, reflecting their strong regional brewing traditions.
We have highlighted six accessible breweries from Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama that are ideal for day trips from Tokyo. Visitors are encouraged to verify the latest information online and confirm tour availability and opening hours by phone before planning their visits.
For those staying in Tokyo, we have also compiled a list of the top sake breweries to visit in Tokyo, ensuring that enthusiasts can experience the best of local sake brewing without straying far from the metropolitan buzz.
