VISIT KOBE

At the Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo, visitors can observe the modern sake-brewing process and equipment through a glass window.

One of the major features here is that you can see “Moromi-shikomi” (sake fermentation mash preparation), unique among the numerous sake-themed visitor experiences in Kobe. After the factory tour, try freshly-pressed, clear unpasteurized sake in the calm atmosphere of the sampling corner.

The onsite shop sells unique bottles of sake available only from the brewer and other original goods.

Located in the Uozaki area at the heart of Nada-Gogo (“the five sake-brewing villages of Nada”), the largest sake producing district in Japan, is Sakuraen, the Sakuramasamune Museum. Overcoming the trials of the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, the museum was launched to teach the origins and identity of the Masamune name to future generations. 

The second-floor exhibition room houses a collection encompassing Sakuramasamune’s four centuries of history, including sake bottles, signs, labels and more.  Precious film is played that offers a glimpse of the sake brewing of yesteryear.

In addition to a restaurant and café, the museum shop, Sakura, sells by volume freshly-brewed sake produced in a separate brewhouse, Hananokigura. Also on offer is a wide range of local specialties that make perfect souvenirs.

After a brewery tour and shopping, take a lunch break to savor Japanese cuisine showcasing the freshest seasonal produce and fine sake.

The only facility to display “Nada Sake Brewing Equipment”, a nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, this museum tells of the work and lives of the sake brewers of the Tanba region north of Kobe and the secrets of the “kimoto” brewing method.

Visitors can try free samples of seasonal sake, or pay to try high-price brews. You can take the time you need to experience some incredible beverages here.

Let’s delve into Japan’s sake culture!

*Booking required

Kiku-Masamune Taru Sake Meister Factory

Observe the traditional skills of the taru (sake barrel) meisters up close.

Sakazuki Sake Cup Exhibition Room

Be immersed in Japanese culture through sake cups, an indispensable part of the story of sake.

This museum repurposes an original sake brewhouse, unchanged from its construction in wood during the Taisho era (1912-1926). Scenes of life-sized craftsmen brewing sake according to the traditional process show the equipment exactly as it was actually used in the past. Visitors can enjoy freshly pressed, unpasteurized sake that cannot be found anywhere else.

The store in the museum is a tax-free shop (some products are liquor tax-exempt).

Founded in 1751 in the sake-brewing village of Mikage, Nada and spanning 13 generations to date, this is the company that meticulously brews the Fukuju brand of sake. The first carbon-zero sake brewer in the world, it has garnered environmental awards around the world. The property includes four major facilities: the brewery, a shop, a Japanese restaurant and an event hall.

A tour of the Fukuju brewery requires advance booking.

At the Tomyogura shop, sample sake and purchase sake or brewery original goods.

Partake in kaiseki dining for a full range of local seasonal produce, order homemade soba noodles and more at the Sakabayashi restaurant.

Over at the Kobe Shushinkan Hall, relax and take in some culture, be it a concert or rakugo performance.

A Japanese garden is the place to delight in the blooms of the season as you nurse the season’s sake, an experience not to be missed by overseas guests.