Culture
Tokyo's Sake Brewery Sawanoi
Chikako TakahashiJust 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, you can experience the make of Japanese sake surrounded by traditions and wonderful nature.
Ozawa Sake Brewery, nestled in the scenic Tama area of Tokyo, offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Founded in 1702, this historic sake brewery combines traditional brewing methods with modern techniques to produce exquisite sake. Visitors can explore the brewery's picturesque grounds, which include a beautiful Japanese garden, the lush greenery of the surrounding Okutama Mountains, and the tranquil Tama River flowing nearby.
The brewery provides guided tours where guests can learn about the intricate sake brewing process, from the selection of premium rice and water to the fermentation and aging stages. The tours often conclude with a sake tasting session, allowing visitors to savor a variety of the brewery's finest offerings. In addition to the tours, the brewery features a museum showcasing sake-making tools and artifacts, providing deeper insights into the craft's rich history.
Ozawa Brewery also houses a charming restaurant, where traditional Japanese cuisine is paired perfectly with their sake. Seasonal dishes highlight local ingredients, enhancing the overall dining experience. For those looking to take a piece of the experience home, the brewery shop offers a range of their sake, along with related merchandise and souvenirs. This unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes Ozawa Brewery a must-visit destination for sake enthusiasts and tourists alike.
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Tour the brewery—including its historic buildings dating to the Edo period (1603-1867) and other areas usually off-limits to the public—with its current 23rd-generation owner and brewmaster (or his predecessor). When the tour is complete, enjoy a comparative tasting of 5 varieties of sake with a snack selection created especially by the on-site restaurant’s chef to pair with it.
3-minute walk from Sawai Station on the JR Ome Line.
Just 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, you can experience the make of Japanese sake surrounded by traditions and wonderful nature.
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