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- Winter is Sake Season on Sado Island
Winter is Sake Season on Sado Island
Sado is famous for its great sake, so you might say a visit to Sado Island is incomplete without a sake tasting. This is especially true in winter! Rice is harvested in Autumn and sake brewing traditionally begins in winter when fermentation works best at a constant, cold temperature. Back in the Edo period, when there was no refrigeration, winter-brewed sake fetched the highest prices – colder temps meant higher quality sake. Nowadays, the strong tradition of brewing sake in winter still exists.
When did Sake Brewing Begin on Sado Island?
The earliest mention of sake brewing on Sado dates back to the Jokyo Era (1680’s), when the Yamamoto family purchased a share in a liquor store in Mano Shinmachi. However, sake was likely produced long before that, given the advanced rice cultivation that was fostered by many noble families who had been sent to Sado from ancient times. It was during the Edo period (1603-1867), when the gold mines were flourishing, that sake production truly began to thrive, with over 200 breweries in operation at one time. On Sado, there are still sake breweries that have been in operation for over 100 years.
How is sake brewed?
Sake brewing is a complex process. First, rice has to be grown, harvested, and processed. Then it has to be polished and washed, steamed, spread onto trays to cool and then sprinkled with koji mold, then mashed, fermented and pressed. Visiting the sake breweries offers a fascinating glimpse into this craft. Many of the island's sake makers still use traditional wooden tools to create their unique sake. In winter, the breweries are in full swing, and visitors can see firsthand how the brewing process comes to life.
Sake Brewery Tours and Tastings on Sado Island
Sado has five active sake breweries that you can visit on the island. Breweries Tenryohai Shuzo, Henmi Shuzo, and Hokusetsu Shuzo offer tours for guests who make a reservation in advance. Here’s the rundown:
Obata Shuzo
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Founded in 1892, Obata was the first brewery open to the public in Niigata Prefecture. They are well known for their ‘MANOTSURU’ brand of sake. On top of their regular brewery, they have also renovated Former Nishimikawa School into a sake brewery and training center ‘GAKKO GURA’, where trainees can come to learn how to brew sake from start to finish. The grounds also have a cafe open to the public with a beautiful view of the sea of Japan. Take a Brewery Tour and Taste Sake with a magnificent view!
Obata Shuzo Brewery
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Open: 9:00 – 16:00, daily, free tastings available.
Tours: No brewery tours currently offered.
For More information: https://www.obata-shuzo.com/home/kuramoto_tour_en.asp
Gakko Gura Cafe
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Open: Thurs - Sun 11:00 – 16:00
Book Online 3 days in advance for a Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour: Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour at Gakko Gura
Hokusetsu Shuzo
Founded in 1871, Hokusetsu is particularly noted for its smooth, balanced flavors and a wide variety of top-class sake, including both junmai and daiginjo types. Hokusetsu is a favorite of Hollywood star Robert De Niro, and is served at the Nobu chain of Japanese restaurants, which are popular dining spots for celebrities around the world.
Find on Google Maps
Open: 8:00 – 17:00 daily.
Tours: Call 0259-87-3105 directly a day in advance to schedule (tours can be scheduled between 9:00 – 16:00).
For More Information: https://www.niigata-sake.or.jp/en/kuramoto/hokusetsu/
Henmi Shuzo
Founded in 1872, Henmi is the smallest of the sake breweries on Sado Island, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with a passion for innovation, producing a smooth and refined range of sake that reflects the unique characteristics of the island’s environment.
Find on Google Maps
Open: 9:00 – 16:00 daily
Tours: Call 0259-55-2046 directly in advance to schedule.
For more information: https://www.niigata-sake.or.jp/en/kuramoto/henmi
Tenryohai Shuzo
Tenryohai takes sake brewing seriously, producing quality sake through the daiginjo method. Sado Island’s rich agricultural heritage and unique climate contribute to the distinct flavors of their sake – they use clear water that flows from the Osado Mountain Range and locally-grown koshihikari rice to make their sake.
Find on Google Maps
Open: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
Tours: Reservation in advance required by 5:30pm two days prior
For more information, and to reserve a tour: https://tenryohai.co.jp/pages/brewery-tour
Kato Shuzo
Founded in 1915, Kato Shuzo’s pride is their sake Kintsuru, a local favorite. They make a total of 12 types of sake, with 70% of their annual production being distributed on Sado Island itself. Free tastings are available at their showroom.
Find on Google Maps
Open: 9:00 – 18:00, daily.
Tours: No brewery tours currently offered.
For more information: https://katoshuzoten.com/
Bonus: t0ki Brewery
For something a little different, check out Sado’s craft beer! t0ki offers limited edition beers in their taproom, brewed right here on Sado Island. You can also get a peak inside the brewing room through the glass viewing area from the taproom.
Find on Google Maps
Open: Weekends only
Friday 12:00 – 20:00
Saturday 10:00 – 20:00
Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
Pick up a Sake Souvenir at Ryotsu Port
On your way off the island and on to your next part of your journey, why not stop by the shops in the Ryotsu ferry terminal to pick up some sake! You can even do tastings. Check out the new Sado Sake Port, managed by Tenryohai Brewery. There is also a sake tasting server in the souvenir street of Sado Kisen, where you can taste sake from all five of Sado's breweries!
Exploring the Island’s Scenic Beauty in Winter
While the sake breweries are a highlight, there’s more to explore on Sado Island during the winter season. Check out our list of 10 Winter Adventures on Sado Island to see more - The island’s low-lying hills are perfect for winter hikes, where visitors can take in the crisp air and panoramic views. Snow-capped mountains offer opportunities for winter sports, and birdwatching is a popular activity, with species like the Japanese crested ibis being commonly spotted.
Whether you're a sake aficionado, a nature lover, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Sado Island offers a truly unique winter escape where you can slow down, relax and indulge in the timeless charm of this hidden corner of Japan.
