Blessed with abundant nature and clean water, the Tohoku region is famous for sake. Sake breweries are scattered throughout the region, and sake brewery tours are a great way for sake lovers to enjoy the unique local flavor of sake.
In this article, we’ve selected some of the top sake breweries across the six prefectures of Tohoku. From tastings and tours to limited-edition sake only available at the breweries, on-site cafes, and even wineries, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your brewery-hopping adventure to the fullest. Why not embark on a journey to explore the depth and beauty of Japanese sake?
- What Makes Tohoku Sake So Delicious?
- Top 7 Tohoku Sake Breweries You Can Tour
- Akita Meiho (Akita) | Where Sake Tradition Lives On
- Tsurunoe Sake Brewery (Fukushima Prefecture) | A Taste of Aizu’s Rich Terroir
- Toko Sake Museum | Experience the Art and History of Sake Brewing in Yamagata
- Kitanohana Sake Brewery (Fukushima Prefecture) | A Brewery Known for Its Elegant Aroma
- Sekinoichi Sake Brewery (Iwate Prefecture) | Experience the Local Sake Culture of Iwate
- Ozaki Sake Brewery | Embracing Aomori’s Nature in Every Bottle
- Sasamasamune Sake Brewery | A Long-Established Brewery Preserving Fukushima’s Tradition
- 3 Must-Visit Wineries in the Tohoku Region
- Summary of the Charms of Touring Sake Breweries in Tohoku
What Makes Tohoku Sake So Delicious?
One of the key reasons Tohoku sake is so delicious lies in its natural environment. Surrounded by lush mountains and flowing clear streams, the region boasts some of Japan’s finest water sources—an essential element in sake brewing. Snowmelt and underground spring water in particular are rich in minerals, creating ideal conditions for cultivating sake rice. This high-quality water contributes to the depth and richness of flavor in Tohoku’s sake.
Tohoku’s climate also plays a significant role. The stark temperature differences between its cold winters and warm summers help activate yeast during fermentation, producing sake that is both aromatic and well-balanced. Different areas within the region grow unique varieties of sake rice and use distinct brewing techniques, resulting in a wide range of flavor profiles and character across breweries.
What’s more, while honoring centuries-old traditions, many Tohoku breweries are embracing modern innovations. This fusion allows them to preserve the classic taste of sake while exploring new styles and flavors. Tohoku sake is also known for its excellent pairing potential with local dishes, enhancing the dining experience and showcasing the synergy between food and drink.
Altogether, Tohoku’s sake reflects the perfect harmony of nature, climate, and craftsmanship. With its depth, diversity, and dedication to quality, it’s a must-try for any sake enthusiast.
Top 7 Tohoku Sake Breweries You Can Tour
There are many fascinating sake breweries in the Tohoku region that are well worth a visit.
Here is a selection of sake breweries that offer tours, tastings, and special local experiences! Each sake brewery has its own unique production process and history, and a visit will allow you to experience the depth of sake. We hope you will enjoy your trip to the fullest while experiencing the local climate and culture.
Akita Meiho (Akita) | Where Sake Tradition Lives On
Akita Meijō is one of the most renowned sake breweries in Akita Prefecture. Founded in 1869, this long-established brewery has remained committed to crafting sake using locally sourced rice and pure water from the region. The high-quality water, nurtured by Akita’s rich natural environment, is an essential element in their brewing process—resulting in sake known for its clean taste and deep, refined flavor that captivates many sake lovers.
What makes this brewery unique is that it is constantly taking on new challenges while maintaining traditional production methods. In particular, sake made from Miyamanishiki, a local sake rice, is characterized by its fruity aroma and mild mouthfeel, making it an excellent partner for meals. The brewery also offers seasonal brands and special sake limited to the brewery, so there is something new to discover each time you visit.
Tours are also available, allowing visitors to observe the actual sake brewing process. Inside the brewery, you can learn about the brewing process and history, and enjoy sake tastings, making it the perfect place to experience the depth of sake. A visit to Akita Meikozo will allow you to fully appreciate the fascinating fusion of tradition and innovation in sake.
You can also purchase limited-edition sake directly at the brewery!
Tsurunoe Sake Brewery (Fukushima Prefecture) | A Taste of Aizu’s Rich Terroir
Located in the historic Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Tsurunoe Sake Brewery is deeply rooted in local tradition and nature. Founded in 1868, this long-standing brewery takes pride in using locally sourced rice and the pure, soft water of Aizu—key elements that give their sake a rich and refined flavor that continues to captivate sake enthusiasts.
Visitors can take part in guided tours of the brewery, where they can witness the sake-making process up close. Inside the brewery, traditional tools and informative exhibits offer a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship behind Japanese sake. The tasting corner is a highlight, where guests can sample a variety of brews—including the highly acclaimed Tsurunoe Junmai Ginjo, known for its elegant aroma and smooth, balanced taste.
In addition, the store attached to the brewery sells limited-edition sake and local specialties, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs. With its blend of tradition, flavor, and hospitality, Tsurunoe Sake Brewery offers a heartwarming experience that lets visitors truly savor the essence of Aizu. It’s a must-visit destination for any sake lover.
This is a brewery-run shop where you can purchase outstanding sake made with care and tradition!
Toko Sake Museum | Experience the Art and History of Sake Brewing in Yamagata
Located in Yamagata Prefecture, the Sake Brewery Museum Toko no Sake Brewery is beloved by many sake fans as a brewery steeped in history and tradition. This sake brewery has a long history since its establishment, brewing sake with the finest local rice and water. In particular, Yamagata’s pure water is an essential element in sake brewing and enhances the flavor of the sake.
During the tour, visitors can see the actual sake brewing process up close and feel the skill and passion of the brewers. The museum also offers visitors a valuable experience with its extensive exhibits that teach visitors about the history and culture of sake brewing. At the sake tasting corner, visitors can taste the brewery’s signature sake and enjoy especially popular brands.
In addition, visitors can enjoy sake at the attached café, where they can savor sake with dishes made with local ingredients, making it an attractive spot for a tour of sake breweries. The Sake Brewery Museum Toko’s Sake Brewery is an essential stop on your Tohoku sake brewery tour, where you can enjoy sake to your heart’s content while learning about the history and technology of the brewery.
One of Tohoku’s Largest! The Toko Sake Museum and Brewery Shop in Yonezawa
Kitanohana Sake Brewery (Fukushima Prefecture) | A Brewery Known for Its Elegant Aroma
Nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of Fukushima Prefecture, Kitanohana Sake Brewery is known for producing sake with a distinctively elegant and floral aroma. Founded in the Meiji era, the brewery has a long history of craftsmanship rooted in tradition. Its commitment to quality is evident at every stage of production—from carefully selecting local rice, to precise fermentation and aging processes. Using pure local water and regional ingredients, their sake offers a taste that truly reflects the terroir of Fukushima.
The brewery offers guided tours, allowing visitors to witness the sake-making process firsthand. Inside, you can observe fermentation in action, learn about brewing techniques, and enjoy tastings of freshly made sake. One of the highlights is sampling exclusive, brewery-only labels that can’t be found anywhere else—perfect for those seeking a truly special experience.
In addition, the area surrounding the Kita-no-Hana Sake Brewery is rich in natural scenery, and visitors can enjoy a stroll around the brewery. It’s an ideal stop on any sake lover’s journey through Tohoku, combining the charm of local tradition, natural beauty, and expertly crafted Japanese sake.
A long-established brewery with roots dating back to the Taisho era!
Sekinoichi Sake Brewery (Iwate Prefecture) | Experience the Local Sake Culture of Iwate
Sekinoichi Sake Brewery, located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, offers sake that beautifully blends the region’s rich natural environment with traditional brewing techniques. One of the brewery’s greatest attractions is the authentic experience it provides of Iwate’s local sake culture. Using carefully selected local rice and pure water, Sekinoichi crafts its sake with great care and dedication.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours that offer a close-up look at the brewing process, allowing them to feel the passion and commitment of the brewers. The tasting area features a variety of sake labels, giving guests the opportunity to discover their personal favorite. Among their offerings, Sekinoichi’s Junmai Ginjo stands out for its fruity aroma and smooth, elegant taste, beloved by many sake enthusiasts.
Within the brewery, there is also the “Kuramoto Restaurant Sekinoichi” and the “Cafe Tokuzo,” where visitors can savor local cuisine paired perfectly with sake. This combination of tasting and dining elevates the sake brewery visit beyond just sampling, offering a deeper and richer appreciation of flavors. For anyone looking to fully experience the sake culture of Iwate, Sekinoichi Sake Brewery is an essential destination.
Enjoy guided tours of the craft beer brewery, plus sake tasting and sampling sessions.
Ozaki Sake Brewery | Embracing Aomori’s Nature in Every Bottle
Located in the rich natural environment of Aomori Prefecture, Ozaki Sake Brewery crafts sake using pure local water and carefully selected rice. Their sake reflects the unique terroir of the region, with the cold Aomori climate enabling low-temperature fermentation that enhances the aroma and creates a flavor that is both delicate and robust.
Ozaki offers guided tours where visitors can observe the sake-making process up close. The brewery combines traditional methods with modern technology, showcasing the passion and skill of its artisans. At the tasting corner, guests can enjoy a selection of the brewery’s finest sake, with staff providing detailed explanations of recommended labels.
Beyond brewing, Ozaki features an on-site café where visitors can savor local dishes paired with sake, all while surrounded by Aomori’s natural beauty. It’s a must-visit spot on any sake tour, offering a memorable experience that perfectly blends the region’s nature and sake craftsmanship. Discover the harmony of Aomori’s environment and brewing tradition at Ozaki Sake Brewery.
Known for its taste that gets better the more you drink!
Sasamasamune Sake Brewery | A Long-Established Brewery Preserving Fukushima’s Tradition
Sasamasamune Sake Brewery is one of Fukushima Prefecture’s most historic breweries, dedicated to preserving the region’s rich sake-making traditions. Founded in the Meiji era over 130 years ago, it has continuously crafted sake using locally sourced rice and the pure, pristine water of Fukushima—an essential element that greatly influences the flavor of their sake.
Sasamasamune’s sake is characterized by meticulous brewing methods that bring out the rich umami of the rice, resulting in a well-balanced taste and aroma. Their Sasamasamune Junmai Ginjo is particularly popular for its fruity fragrance and smooth texture, pairing beautifully with local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy tastings that allow them to experience firsthand the brewery’s dedication and the story behind each bottle.
The brewery also offers guided tours, where guests can observe the sake-making process up close. Knowledgeable staff share fascinating insights about brewing traditions, deepening visitors’ appreciation of Japanese sake. A visit to Sasamasamune is a must for anyone touring Fukushima’s sake breweries, offering a warm and authentic encounter with the region’s heritage.
A sake with a smooth, approachable flavor that many women love.
3 Must-Visit Wineries in the Tohoku Region
The Tohoku region is home not only to exquisite sake but also to a number of charming wineries. Here, we introduce three especially recommended wineries you should visit. First is Niitsuru Winery in Fukushima Prefecture, known for its wines made from locally grown grapes that boast rich flavors and delightful aromas. Next, in Iwate Prefecture, is Shiwa Winery, which crafts carefully made wines using grapes grown in its own vineyards. Lastly, Takahata Winery in Yamagata Prefecture takes full advantage of Yamagata’s natural bounty to produce wines that pair perfectly with local cuisine. Visiting these wineries will offer you a fresh perspective on the diverse and enticing flavors of Tohoku, revealing new charms beyond sake.
Niitsuru Winery | Experience the Deep Flavors of Fukushima Wine
The Niitsuru Winery is located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Fukushima Prefecture and produces high quality wines using local grapes. The winery is especially renowned for its flavorful wines, which provide an unforgettable experience for visitors. Visitors to the Niitsuru Winery can enjoy a variety of wine tastings and learn more about the characteristics and production process of each wine.
The winery is surrounded by expansive vineyards, where visitors can appreciate the changing scenery with the seasons, making each visit uniquely charming. An on-site café allows guests to savor wines paired with dishes made from local ingredients. Especially popular are pairings with regional cheeses and meat dishes, which perfectly complement and enhance the taste of the wines.
Niitsuru Winery goes beyond just tastings by offering wine-making experiences and hosting events, providing visitors with deeper insights and enjoyment. For those wanting to savor the natural beauty and culture of Fukushima through wine, Niitsuru Winery is a highly recommended destination—not just for sake lovers, but wine enthusiasts as well.
Even those who aren’t wine enthusiasts can enjoy their visit!
Jien Jijo Wine Shiwa | Carefully Crafted Wine
Located in Iwate Prefecture, Jizento Wine Shiwa is known for producing high quality wines made from local grapes. The winery’s main attraction is that all of its wines are made from grapes grown in its own garden. The home-grown grapes are blessed with the rich natural environment and climate of Iwate, producing wines with unique flavors.
Shiwa Winery offers wine tasting and tours to visitors, allowing them to experience the winemaking process up close. In particular, visitors can learn about the process from grape harvest to vinification and maturation, which will give them an in-depth understanding of wine. There is also a café attached to the winery, where visitors can enjoy homemade wine along with dishes made from local ingredients.
Furthermore, Shiwa Winery values its connection with the local community and actively participates in local events and wine festivals. This allows visitors to enjoy wine while experiencing the culture and climate of Iwate. Shiwa Winery is not just a winery, but a special place where you can experience the charm of Iwate.
A wine festival is also held in early October!
Takahata Winery | Savoring the Flavors of Yamagata
Located in Yamagata Prefecture, Takahata Winery is nestled in a land blessed with abundant nature and pure water. The winery produces high-quality wines using locally grown grapes, including Yamagata’s specialty varieties such as Delaware and Chardonnay. Each wine is crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the grape variety used.
One of the main attractions of Takahata Winery is its exceptional wine tasting experience. At the tasting area on-site, visitors can sample wines that the vintners proudly present, while also learning about each wine’s characteristics and the winemaking process. The surrounding area offers picturesque scenery, making it a perfect place for a relaxing stroll in nature.
In addition, Takahata Winery features an on-site restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with the winery’s finest selections. The pairing of fresh Yamagata cuisine and handcrafted wines offers a truly memorable culinary experience.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a different side of Yamagata’s rich culture and flavors, Takahata Winery is a must-visit destination where you can fully appreciate the region’s natural bounty—perfect even for those who typically favor sake.
They also offer juice and soft-serve ice cream, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Summary of the Charms of Touring Sake Breweries in Tohoku
Touring sake breweries in the Tohoku region is far more than just sightseeing—it’s a valuable experience that lets you feel the local culture, history, and the passion of the people. Each brewery reflects the unique characteristics of its area through distinct brewing methods and flavors, offering new discoveries with every visit. For example, at an Akita brewery, you’ll be impressed by the deep flavors created from carefully selected rice and pure water, while in Fukushima, you’ll be captivated by the elegant aromas of sake that embody the local climate and landscape.
Another major attraction is the opportunity to learn about the brewing process and traditional techniques during the brewery tours. Through conversations with the brewers, you can hear firsthand about their dedication and passion, deepening your understanding of sake. Plus, tasting different varieties allows you to find your personal favorite—making the brewery tour a journey that truly satisfies all five senses.
Lastly, Tohoku’s sake brewery tours are closely connected with the region’s beautiful nature and rich food culture. Enjoying sake alongside local cuisine creates moments of pure bliss. Embrace these charms and enjoy your own unique sake brewery adventure—an opportunity to experience the profound world of Japanese sake and create unforgettable memories.
