Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its skyscrapers, historic temples, and vibrant street life, hides a treasure trove of sake breweries waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through Tokyo's diverse sake scene, from traditional breweries with centuries of history to innovative craft sake producers. Join us as we explore the rich flavors and unique stories behind some of the best sake breweries in Tokyo.
Tokyo's Sake Brewery Landscape
Tokyo, the sprawling mega-city, boasts an unexpected treasure trove of ten sake breweries. These breweries are strategically distributed throughout the region, with nine located in the outskirts of Tokyo, and a lone brewery nestled in the central Minato Ward, near Mita Station, within the city's 23 wards.
Furthermore, Tokyo's brewing scene goes beyond traditional sake production. At least four craft sake breweries in the area specialize in crafting doburoku and a diverse range of craft sake flavors, adding a unique dimension to the city's sake culture.
Tokyo Sake Breweries To Visit
Sawanoi - Ozawa Sake Brewery
Situated in Ome, Tokyo, this sake brewery is dedicated to showcasing Tokyo's local sake within a complex of diverse facilities. These include a brewery open for guided tours, a sake tasting room, a restaurant and store, a museum, and a beer garden. The complimentary brewery tour typically lasts for about 30 minutes, with occasional English-led tours offered a few times each month.
Having been in operation for over three centuries, the brewery relies on pristine brewing water sourced from a horizontal well, resulting in sake renowned for its remarkable crisp finish. The premises house three distinct breweries: the Genroku Brewery, the Meiji Brewery, and the Heisei Brewery, each constructed during different historical periods.
Located approximately 2.5 hours away from Tokyo Station by train, this brewery makes for an ideal destination on a sunny day. Visitors can savor homemade tofu or soba noodles that pair excellently with the delightful sake while enjoying the picturesque surroundings on the terrace of the charming beer garden. Another recommended option is disembarking at the subsequent station, "Mitake," and strolling along the scenic Okutama River, which leads to the brewery in approximately 30 minutes.
Brewery name: Ozawa Brewery (小澤酒造)
Main sake brand: Sawanoi (澤乃井)
Website: http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/
Address: 2 Chome-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo 198-0172
Sake tour details:
- Cost: Free
- Duration: around 30 minutes
- Reservation: Reservation needed via phone or mail
- Schedule: 2 slots on weekdays and 3 slots on weekends
Tamajiman - Ishikawa Sake Brewery
Nestled in the tranquil town of Fussa, located within Tokyo's Tama district, lies a well-kept secret that attracts an impressive 100,000 visitors annually: the captivating white-walled warehouses. These warehouses stand in perfect harmony, complemented by an enticing array of dining options, including an Italian restaurant with a charming beer garden, a Japanese eatery, and a sake shop.
At the helm of this brewery is the passionate owner, Yahachiro Ishikawa, whose love for both sake and music has shaped the establishment's unique character. An avid blues harmonica player since the age of 30, Ishikawa has formed a musical ensemble with accomplished musicians, occasionally gracing the brewery with their performances. He eloquently observes, "Music and sake brewing share a common thread. While science can craft good sake, it takes art to create sake that truly resonates with your soul."
Distinguished as one of Tokyo's largest breweries, this facility boasts the added advantage of possessing its own rice polishing machine. In addition to their flagship sake, Tamajiman, they proudly produce the renowned Tokyo Blues craft beer, a local favorite.
For those embarking from Tokyo Station, reaching the brewery is a breeze via the Chuo Line, with a journey of approximately 60 minutes. Disembark at Haijima Station, and a leisurely 20-minute walk will lead you to the brewery's picturesque grounds. Keep in mind that booking the tour can be done through their Japanese online portal and tends to fill up swiftly. The tour experience lasts around one hour, culminating in a sake tasting featuring a selection of over four distinct varieties.
Brewery name: Ishikawa Sake Brewery (石川酒造)
Main sake brand: Tamajiman (多満自慢)
Website: https://tamajiman.com/
Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003
Sake tour details:
- Cost: 1000 JPY
- Duration: around 60 minutes
- Reservation: Booking via online shop (only Japanese)
- Schedule: usually 1-2 times per month on the weekend
Okunokami - Toshimaya Sake Brewery
Okunokami, an exciting limited-distribution brand, emerges from the esteemed Toshimaya Brewery, renowned for its historical roots near Tokyo's old center in Kanda. Under the guidance of its sixth-generation owner, Hiroei Watanabe, Tsushimaya showcases an exquisite lineup exclusively featuring Junmai sake, with no added distilled alcohol. Notably, the brewery has also earned acclaim for its production of Mirin, a cherished traditional Japanese cooking ingredient.
Conveniently accessible from Tokyo Station, the journey to the sake brewery unfolds in approximately 75 minutes. Commence your voyage by boarding the Chuo Line to Kokubunji Station, where you'll make a seamless transfer onto the Kokubunji Line, leading you to Higashimurayama Station.
Regrettably, the brewery does not routinely offer guided tours to the public. However, a stroke of luck may favor those who inquire directly, and one annual highlight worth marking on your calendar is the lively sake summer festival, attracting hundreds of enthusiastic visitors.
Brewery name: Toshimaya Sake Brewery (豊島屋酒造)
Main sake brand: Okunokami (屋守), Kinkon (金婚)
Website: http://toshimayasyuzou.co.jp/
Address: 3-14-10 Kumegawacho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo 189-0003
Sake tour details:
- Cost: N/A
- Duration: N/A
- Reservation: N/A
- Schedule: No regular tours. Once a year large summer festival.
Craft Sake Breweries In Tokyo
Hanagumori - Konohanano Brewery
Established in 2019 within the vibrant district of Asakusa, Tokyo, Konohanano Brewery draws its name from the cherished cherry tree, the ward emblem of Taito City, and pays homage to "Konohanano-sakuyabime," the revered goddess of sake craftsmanship. Among its prized offerings, Hanagumori stands out—a doburoku crafted with sake yeast and employing traditional sake-making techniques. It delights the senses with a subtle fragrance, robust rice essence, and a hint of acidity. The brewery also distinguishes itself with inventive doburoku (craft saké), enriched with hops and fruits, garnering popularity among enthusiasts.
Notably, Konohanano Brewery showcases a distinctive aspect: a rotation of head brewers every two years, at most. This unique approach not only defines the brewery but also serves as a nurturing ground for budding brewers, nurturing their independence. The inaugural brewmaster, "Ina to Agave” (Akita) and the subsequent one, "Dejima Hoshindo” (Nagasaki), exemplify the success of this program.
Conveniently positioned a mere 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station, this brewery offers an excellent gateway to the world of sake. At their restaurant, ALL WRIGHT sake place, a delectable array of cuisine harmonizes seamlessly with their distinctive sake creations and other beloved national sake brands. Additionally, visitors can catch a glimpse into the brewery's inner workings, observing fermentation tanks and the koji-making room.
Brewery name: Konohanano Brewery (木花之醸造所)
Main sake brand: Hanagumori (ハナグモリ)
Website: https://konohanano-brewery.com/
Address: 2-5-5 Komagata, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0043
Heiwa Doburoku - Heiwa DOBUROKU Kabutocho Sake Brewery
On June 17, 2022, Heiwa Shuzo unveiled the Heiwa Doburoku Kabutocho Brewery close by the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This establishment takes on the charm of a brewpub-style restaurant, offering patrons the opportunity to savor freshly brewed doburoku (unpressed sake before without separating the sake lees from the sake), alongside their flagship sake KID, Ume & Yuzu Sake, and Heiwa Craft Beer, all thoughtfully served by the brewery's own skilled artisans.
To complement the diverse beverage selection, a range of carefully curated snacks is available, allowing visitors to relish the delightful offerings of the Wakayama brewery in an aesthetically pleasing ambiance. The unpasteurized tap sake and the freshly brewed doburoku are recommended.
Kabutocho, situated within Tokyo, holds historical significance as a former financial hub. In days gone by, it thrived as a bustling landing point for boats in Edo (old Tokyo) and served as a prominent center for the sake industry. In recent times, the area has undergone redevelopment, experiencing a vibrant renaissance. It stands in close proximity to the renowned Nihombashi bridge and easily accessible with a brief one-minute stroll from Kayabacho Station.
Brewery name: Heiwa DOBUROKU Kabutocho Sake Brewery (平和どぶろく兜町醸造所)
Main sake brand: Heiwa Doburoku (平和どぶろく)
Website: https://www.heiwashuzou.co.jp/wordpress/平和どぶろく兜町醸造所
Address: 8-5 Nihonbashikabutocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0026
Conclusion
Tokyo, a city renowned for its modern skyscrapers and vibrant street life, also boasts a surprisingly rich and varied sake brewery scene that spans from its outer edges to the very heart of the metropolis. Home to ten unique breweries, Tokyo offers an intriguing glimpse into both traditional and craft sake production. This dynamic range includes long-established breweries like Ozawa Sake Brewery, which has been in operation for over three centuries, as well as modern, innovative setups like Konohanano Brewery, which embraces new brewing techniques and flavors.
In this article, we've spotlighted three traditional sake breweries along with two craft sake breweries, each providing a unique take on this ancient art. Visitors should check the latest online information and confirm tour availability and opening hours by phone before planning their visits.
Additionally, we have curated a list of easily accessible sake breweries for a fulfilling day-trip from Tokyo, ensuring that sake enthusiasts can enjoy the best of local sake brewing without having to venture too far from the city's bustling center.
