Sakagura is a brewery where sake is brewed and stored. Thanks to Japan being blessed with delicious rice and water, there are many sake breweries throughout the country.
Although the number of sake breweries is decreasing year by year along with the decline in sake consumption, there are still about 1,600 of them throughout the country.
There are also more than 300 wineries in Japan, each with its own unique characteristics that enhance each other. We have gathered some interesting information about sake breweries and wineries which are also easy to stop by.
In addition to these, there are also Sakaguras which offer tours and tastings. You can taste your way to search for your favorite sake, and when you find one you like, you can buy it on the spot. Why not try "Sakagura and winery tours" throughout Japan during your trip?
Matsunoo Taisha, Sake Shrine
In 1872, there was a god named Matsuo in Japan. He was known for brewing sake, a type of rice wine. Matsuo found a special spring in the Mitarashi Valley near a shrine. He used the water from this spring to make sake and told people that if they worshipped him, their lives and fortunes would improve, and their families would prosper. People started worshipping him as the god of sake, and the legend of Matsuo grew over time. People believed that his sake brought good luck and success.
Even today, people visit the shrine in the Mitarashi Valley to seek blessings and enjoy Matsuo's divine sake
Matsumoto Sake Brewery
Matsumoto Sake Brewery is a brewery situated in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, a region renowned for its numerous breweries that seek out excellent groundwater. Located in this district, Matsumoto Sake Brewery is dedicated to preserving the rich culture, history, traditions, and unique climate associated with sake brewing in Kyoto. They strive to uphold the traditional methods and techniques that have been passed down through generations, ensuring the production of high-quality sake that reflects the essence of Kyoto's sake brewing heritage.
Imai-cho, Nara Prefecture
Imai-cho is a charming and serene town situated in Nara Prefecture, known as the birthplace of Japanese sake. This town boasts eight cultural properties, highlighting its rich historical and cultural significance. In Imai-cho, sake brewers take great pride in their craft and exhibit meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the brewing process.
They emphasize quality over quantity, producing sake in small batches to ensure the utmost precision and care in each step. This commitment to craftsmanship allows them to create sake that embodies the essence of tradition and excellence.
Kinzan Cave Satsuma Shochu
Additionally, the high humidity within the cave helps preserve and enhance the flavors of the spirit. Moreover, the absence of UV rays from the sun contributes to the preservation of the shochu's integrity. As a result, the Kinzan Cave is regarded as the one and only authentic place for maturing and storing shochu, ensuring the highest quality and distinctive characteristics of this beloved beverage.
The Kinzan Cave, spanning an impressive distance of 75 miles, has been excavated over the course of 350 years. This cavernous space provides an ideal environment for storing and aging shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit. The cave maintains a consistent temperature of around 66°F throughout the year, creating optimal conditions for maturing the shochu. Additionally, the high humidity within the cave helps preserve and enhance the flavors of the spirit. Moreover, the absence of UV rays from the sun contributes to the preservation of the shochu's integrity. As a result, the Kinzan Cave is regarded as the one and only authentic place for maturing and storing shochu, ensuring the highest quality and distinctive characteristics of this beloved beverage.
Shimane Winery
The winemakers at Shimane Winery are dedicated to crafting natural wines that showcase the grapes' distinct characteristics and exceptional quality.
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the renowned Izumo Taisha Shrine, Shimane Winery offers a unique experience where visitors can see, engage, and savor the world of wine. Situated in an area with fertile soil, this winery benefits from the ideal conditions for cultivating healthy grapevines that thrive and ripen to perfection. By employing traditional winemaking techniques and respecting the region's unique terroir, they create wines that truly reflect the essence of the land and offer an unforgettable tasting experience.
Sake Brewery in the US
In recent times, a notable trend has emerged with the rise of American sake breweries. These breweries are cropping up across the country, offering a diverse range of styles and atmospheres to cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned sake enthusiast or new to the world of sake, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you happen to have a sake brewery in your local area, why not take the opportunity to visit this summer? It's a chance to explore and experience the unique flavors and craftsmanship of American-made sake firsthand. So, go ahead and drop by your neighborhood brewery for a delightful sake tasting adventure.