Discover Yamagata’s Top 10 Sake Breweries: Embark on a Journey to the Land of Fine Brews!
Ever been captivated by the profound aroma of sake and yearned to explore its brewing history and the terroir that shapes it?
This time, we’re setting our sights on Yamagata Prefecture, a region Japan proudly calls the “Ginjo Kingdom.” Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the exquisite sake nurtured by its abundant nature, and introduce you to ten must-visit sake breweries!
Introduction: Yamagata, the “Ginjo Kingdom” – Unveiling the Secrets of its Fine Sake Terroir
For sake enthusiasts, Yamagata Prefecture is often cited as a “must-visit” destination. It rightfully earns its title as the “Ginjo Kingdom,” a testament to the extraordinary blessings of nature found here and the unwavering dedication of the people passionate about sake brewing.
Nestled on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region, Yamagata is embraced by majestic mountains exceeding 1,500 meters, including Mount Chokai, the Asahi Mountain Range, and Mount Gassan. These peaks provide an abundant supply of pristine subsoil water, a crucial element for sake production. Remarkably, the water quality varies from mountain range to mountain range, with each unique water source contributing to the diverse and rich variety of Yamagata’s sake.
Furthermore, the climate unique to the Yamagata Basin, located in the Murayama region, plays a significant role in the birth of fine sake. The high daytime temperatures in summer create an ideal environment for the growth of sake rice. Conversely, the harsh cold of winter favors low-temperature fermentation, suppressing the growth of unwanted bacteria and allowing for the development of a clear and mellow sake profile. These natural environmental blessings bestow Yamagata sake with a transparent quality and a harmonious balance of acidity and umami, resulting in a gentle flavor.
Yamagata’s reputation as the “Ginjo Kingdom” isn’t solely based on the high volume of ginjo sake produced. It’s the result of a complex interplay of factors. Beyond the natural blessings of pure water and a climate suited for sake rice cultivation, the Yamagata Sake Brewers Association actively promotes demand, refines brewing techniques, and develops superior sake rice varieties. As Mr. Masumi Nakano, President of Dewazakura Sake Brewery and Chairman of the Yamagata Sake Brewers Association, emphasizes, the human touch significantly impacts the quality of sake brewing. Many breweries place great importance on careful manual processes, not only in washing rice, making koji, and fermentation, but also in the meticulous handling during transportation. This dedication to human involvement demonstrates that Yamagata is not just a production area, but a region where the entire sake brewing culture is mature, and its quality is something to be proud of on a global scale.
Moreover, the frequent holding of “GI Yamagata” geographical indication certification review meetings by the Yamagata Sake Brewers Association reflects a strong collective will to enhance the quality and brand value of Yamagata sake. This indicates a strategic effort to establish common quality standards across the region and promote its value both domestically and internationally, beyond the efforts of individual breweries. As a result, consumers gain a sense of trust in the guaranteed quality of “Yamagata-made” sake, further motivating travel to the region.
Carefully Selected! 10 Leading Sake Breweries of Yamagata!
Yamagata Prefecture is home to numerous sake breweries, each with its own unique history and dedication, brewing distinctly individual sake. Among them, we’ve carefully selected ten breweries that we particularly recommend you visit. We hope the charms of each brewery and the information provided will be helpful in planning your trip.
| Brewery Name | Location (City/Town) | Representative Brand | Main Flavor Profile | Brewery Tour/Tasting | Direct Sales Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dewazakura Brewery | Tendo City | Dewazakura | Fruity, Refreshing | Possible during events | Yes |
| Tatenokawa Brewery | Sakata City | Tatenokawa | Rich & Dry, Crisp | No | Yes |
| Kojima Sohonten | Yonezawa City | Toko | Delicate, Floral | Yes | Yes |
| Takagi Shuzo | Murayama City | Juyondai, Asahitaka | Fruity, Rich | Reservation required | Yes |
| Tohoku Meijo | Sakata City | Hatsumago | Dry, Soft Sweetness | Yes | Yes |
| Shuho Shuzo-ba | Yamagata City | Shuho | Highly Aromatic, Deep | Inquire | Inquire |
| Kamenoi Brewery | Tsuruoka City | Kudoki Jozu | Floral, Excellent Crispness | No | Online |
| Yonetsuru Brewery | Takahata Town | Yonetsuru | Mild, Fruity | Yes | Yes |
| Otoko Yama Brewery | Yamagata City | Hoyo Otokoyama | Robust, Rice Umami | Yes | Yes |
| Fuji Shuzo | Tsuruoka City | Eikoh Fuji | Fruity, Complex | No | Online |
Yamagata’s Top 10 Sake Breweries: An Overview
1. Dewazakura Brewery (Tendo City)
Located in Tendo City, Dewazakura Brewery is a well-established brewery founded in 1953, with a sake-making history dating back to the Edo period. Their “Ouka Ginjo-shu,” released in 1980, is particularly famous for its fruity and refreshing quality, igniting the ginjo sake boom. This brand continues to be a long-selling favorite among many sake enthusiasts.
Dewazakura’s brewing process meticulously uses local rice and water, from milling the brown rice to washing, steaming, and brewing, all under a consistent management system. This thorough quality control is the foundation of their exquisite sake. Notably, the brewing water comes from the abundant subsoil water of mountains over 1,500 meters high, which nourishes the Murayama region of Tendo City. The cool winter climate characteristic of the basin is highly advantageous for low-temperature fermentation, suppressing the growth of unwanted bacteria and contributing to a clear and mellow sake profile.
Dewazakura Brewery’s high quality is recognized both domestically and internationally. They received the gold prize at the National New Sake Appraisal for six consecutive years until 2017, and their international acclaim is also significant. At the International Wine Challenge (IWC), “Dewa no Sato” was crowned Champion Sake, and they were also honored with the title of “SAKE BREWER OF THE DECADE.” These accolades clearly demonstrate that Dewazakura Brewery boasts world-class quality.
As a pioneer of ginjo sake, Dewazakura Brewery’s role in spearheading the ginjo boom wasn’t just about the success of one brand. It shaped the trend of the entire Japanese sake market, raising the recognition and popularity of the ginjo category, thus having an immeasurable impact on the industry as a whole. Their innovation continues to contribute to the diversity and high quality of Yamagata sake today. Furthermore, their early focus on global expansion and demonstration that their quality meets world standards serves as a prime example of the high potential of Yamagata sake, foreshadowing Yamagata’s role in the future internationalization of the sake market.
Information regarding brewery tours and tastings is not usually publicly detailed, but there may be opportunities to sample the brewing water and tour the brewery during events. If you are considering a visit, it is recommended to inquire in advance.
2. Tatenokawa Brewery (Sakata City)
Based in Sakata City, Tatenokawa Brewery was established in 1962. While its history of sake brewing dates back to the Edo period, its most distinctive feature is its unwavering commitment to quality, brewing “only Junmai Daiginjo sake.” This bold strategy showcases their uncompromising stance on quality pursuit, garnering them enthusiastic fans not only in local Yamagata but also nationwide and overseas.
Tatenokawa Brewery has gained attention for its high-class products, such as the “Junmai Daiginjo Komyo” series, which uses rice polished down to 1%, while its completely handcrafted “Basic series” is also highly regarded. In particular, the “Junmai Daiginjo Honryu Karakuchi” (True Stream Dry) beautifully captures the umami of Yamagata’s unique sake rice, “Dewasansan,” offering a rich and dry flavor with a pleasant crispness that follows a gentle aroma.
The “only Junmai Daiginjo sake” strategy is a very bold decision in the sake industry, demonstrating an unwavering confidence in quality and a strong will to establish a brand in the high-price range market. This is not just about making high-quality sake, but also about establishing a clear position in the market and successfully appealing to a specific segment of consumers, especially in the overseas market. This strategy has the potential to influence other breweries and accelerate the trend of premiumization in the overall Japanese sake market.
Direct tours and tastings at the brewery are not available, but the “Tatenokawa Kura Moto SHOP” is located in Yamadate, Sakata City, offering a tasting room and gift shop. It is open from 10:00 to 16:00, closed on Sundays. They also emphasize pairing with meals, offering sets that pair their sake with local Yamagata ingredients, aiming to integrate sake into consumers’ daily lives and create new demand.
https://www.tatenokawa.com/ja/sake
3. Kojima Sohonten (Yonezawa City)
Located in Yonezawa City, Kojima Sohonten boasts a history of over 400 years, having been founded in 1597 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. With a distinguished background as a former purveyor of sake to the Uesugi clan, it exudes the elegance of a “Michinoku sake brewery.”
Kojima Sohonten aims to brew sake that respects the individuality of the rice and water, gifts from the heavens. With a sincere approach that “the blessings of nature are fermented by microorganisms into sake,” they are characterized by their commitment to sake making that starts from the rice paddies. They also value handcrafting, believing that the eyes and hands of the brewers are indispensable for brewing sake using varied natural ingredients and multiple microorganisms. Their representative brand, “Toko,” is particularly known for its “Junmai Daiginjo Fukuro Tsuru” (bag drip), highly praised for its delicate flavor.
Their quality is internationally recognized. In 2014, at the world’s largest wine competition, the “International Wine Challenge 2014,” the SAKE division awarded “Toko” the trophy, ranking it first among all Daiginjo entries. Currently, it is exported to over ten countries worldwide, and its quality and style are beginning to be recognized globally.
A major attraction of Kojima Sohonten is the “Toko Sake Brewery Museum” located on its premises. This museum, one of the largest in the Tohoku region, offers a captivating space that feels like stepping back in time to a Meiji-era brewery, allowing visitors to see the actual sake brewing process. The vast brewing cellar is so beautiful and atmospheric that it has been used as a location for television dramas and commercials for famous international cosmetics, appealing even to those who are not particularly interested in sake, offering a multi-faceted tourist experience. Inside, there is a paid tasting corner and a directly managed store where you can enjoy tasting and shopping. It is open from 9:00 to 16:30, closed on Tuesdays during the New Year holidays and the winter period (January to March). Individual visitors do not need a reservation, but groups of 20 or more are recommended to contact in advance. It is conveniently located about 6 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station and about 5 minutes by car from Minami-Yonezawa Station.
The anecdote of the Crown Prince and Princess visiting and being guided by the head of the brewery symbolizes the high trust and prestige associated with Kojima Sohonten’s history and quality. This not only enhances consumer confidence in their products but also adds to its authority as a destination, increasing its value as a special travel experience.
4. Takagi Shuzo (Murayama City)
Located in Murayama City, Takagi Shuzo is a brewery with a long history, founded in 1615. Their representative brand, “Juyondai,” is known as the “phantom sake” characterized by its rich, fruity sweetness, making it immensely popular among sake enthusiasts, further enhanced by its difficulty to obtain. This “Juyondai” was born in 1994.
Takagi Shuzo’s sake brewing uses the natural spring water “Sakura Shimizu” from Mount Haya. Furthermore, their top-ranked “Juyondai” brands include “Ryusen,” a Junmai Daiginjo sake made by polishing high-grade “Yamada Nishiki” rice down to 35%, fermenting it at ultra-low temperatures, collecting each drop that drips from the sake bag, and aging it in ice temperature storage. They also show a strong commitment to rice, using their own developed sake rice varieties such as “Ryu no Otoshigo,” developed over 18 years by the 14th generation owner, and “Sakemirai,” which is also used by famous breweries across the country. These efforts in developing their own rice varieties not only aim to produce excellent sake but also demonstrate a strong dedication to controlling quality from the very foundation – the rice – and an innovative attitude looking towards the future of sake. This suggests that deep involvement in the agricultural sector, in addition to brewing technology, is essential for pursuing the ultimate quality, contributing to the high level of sake brewing throughout Yamagata Prefecture.
“Juyondai” is characterized by its fruity and rich aroma, yet with a clean finish. Its reputation as “phantom sake” and its scarcity, with some bottles trading for hundreds of thousands of yen online, has elevated its brand value to the extreme, but it also means that it is not easily accessible for the average consumer to purchase and experience.
Takagi Shuzo offers brewery tours by reservation, allowing visitors to see the actual production process up close. After the tour, a tasting experience is also available, where you can sample brands including “Juyondai.” The tour is free of charge. It is about a 10-minute drive from JR Ou Main Line’s Murayama Station.
https://yamagata-sake.or.jp/pages/55
5. Tohoku Meijo (Sakata City)
Located in Sakata City, Tohoku Meijo is a historic brewery founded in 1893. Their representative brand is “Hatsumago,” with “Hatsumago Mazan” being particularly well-known among many sake enthusiasts. Tohoku Meijo’s greatest characteristic is that it is one of the few breweries that traditionally continues to uphold the “Kimoto” brewing method, a traditional process that invites and cultivates lactic acid bacteria from the air. This method produces dry sake characterized by the natural soft sweetness and crispness of the rice. The flavor created by advanced techniques and years of experience is a rare presence in modern sake brewing. This inheritance of the traditional method indicates that they are a rare existence in modern, efficient sake brewing, continuing a time-consuming ancient method. This is not just a technical choice but represents the brewery’s philosophy of preserving the history and culture of sake and pursuing deep flavor, enhancing the brand value of “Hatsumago” through its rarity.
Tohoku Meijo has the “Hatsumago Sake Brewery Museum Kuratanto-kan” on its premises, which introduces sake brewing and its history. Tours and tastings are available here, accepting individuals, but groups of 10 or more require advance booking. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 16:30 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays. Please note that it is also closed during the winter period (around December 1st to January 20th).
An important note for visitors: for safety reasons, those who arrive by car, motorcycle, or bicycle will be refused tasting. This clear indication shows the brewery’s proactive stance on preventing drunk driving, enhancing its reliability as a socially responsible company. This also serves as a message to visitors to encourage safe travel, potentially leading to the use of public transportation or overnight stays.
6. Shuho Shuzo-ba (Yamagata City)
Located in Yamagata City, Shuho Shuzo-ba is a historic brewery founded in 1890 (Meiji 23). Their representative brand, “Shuho,” has a reputation for sake brewing that maximizes the aroma and umami from the raw materials: rice, water, koji, and yeast. To produce high-quality sake, they are proactive in capital investment, including introducing their own rice milling machine for in-house rice polishing.
Shuho Shuzo-ba uses over 10 types of sake rice, including those from Yamagata Prefecture, milling each in-house to its optimal state. They mainly use Yamagata yeast, and the slow fermentation at low temperatures, taking advantage of the cool winter climate, brews sake with a high aroma and deep flavor. One of their representative brands, “Shuho Junmai Daiginjo Dewasansan 33,” is an exquisite sake with a rich, fruity aroma. Additionally, “Shuho Junmai Daiginjo Tamanishiki,” made using “Tamanishiki,” a sake rice suitable for brewing that was crossbred at a Yamagata agricultural high school, is characterized by a sweet and floral aroma reminiscent of banana and a smooth mouthfeel.
Shuho Shuzo-ba’s high quality is recognized both domestically and internationally. They have received numerous awards, including the highest gold prize in the Daiginjo category at the “Wine Glass Delicious Sake Awards 2018,” gold prizes at the National New Sake Appraisal, and a Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. These accolades demonstrate that their approach of highlighting the individuality of rice and pursuing diverse sake brewing methods is steadily bearing fruit.
Details regarding brewery tours, tastings, and the direct sales store are not clearly published on their official website. If you wish to visit, it is recommended to contact them directly in advance.
7. Kamenoi Brewery (Tsuruoka City)
Located in Tsuruoka City, Kamenoi Brewery is a long-established brewery founded in 1875 (Meiji 8). Their representative brand, “Kudoki Jozu” (The Seducer), is characterized by its flamboyant aroma and exceptional crispness, captivating sake enthusiasts. Particularly well-known are their Junmai Ginjo “Kudoki Jozu” and Daiginjo “Kudoki Jozu.”
Kamenoi Brewery is committed to improving quality, with a focus on freshness management to meet consumer needs. Over 70% of their production is Junmai Ginjo “Kudoki Jozu,” and they brew only ginjo-shu with an average rice polishing ratio of 50% within the brewery, indicating their thorough commitment to quality. They have over 200 tsubo (approximately 660 square meters) of refrigeration facilities for storage, ensuring a stable quality of sake throughout the year.
“Kudoki Jozu” leaves a strong impression with its rich sweetness and profound umami, often described as having a “mature sweetness close to dryness, leaving only a pleasant aftertaste” and making you “want to drink it again and again.” It is also characterized by a rich yet refreshing Muscat-like aroma, and its moderate acidity is praised for preventing it from becoming monotonous to drink. It is considered an enjoyable flavor even for beginners unfamiliar with sake and is recommended for pairing with rich foods such as cheese.
Specific information regarding brewery tours, tastings, and the direct sales store is not publicly available. If you wish to visit, it is recommended to contact the brewery directly or consider purchasing from their online store.
https://yamagata-sake.or.jp/pages/31
8. Yonetsuru Brewery (Takahata Town)
Located in Takahata Town, Higashiokitama District, Yonetsuru Brewery was established in 1953 (Showa 28). Their representative brand, “Yonetsuru,” offers a wide lineup from Daiginjo to Junmai Ginjo, Junmai-shu, and even sparkling sake and rice shochu. In particular, the “Yonetsuru” brand of alcoholic beverages is characterized by its mild and fruity flavor.
Yonetsuru Brewery blends traditional sake brewing techniques with modern innovation, pursuing sake brewing that maximizes the umami of rice. They use the representative sake rice “Kame-no-o” and brew sake that brings out its unique characteristics.
Brewery tours are available from April to September. This period offers a good opportunity to leisurely observe the brewery, unlike the peak brewing season from October onwards. The tour takes about 1.5 hours, and individual visitors do not need a reservation, but groups of 10 or more require prior contact. The entrance for the tour is different from the direct sales store; you need to enter from the front entrance and speak to someone in the office.
The direct sales store is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and no reservation is required. Here, you can purchase seasonal limited-edition sake and exclusive products not available elsewhere. Specific information about tastings is not publicly available, but purchases can be made at the direct sales store.
9. Otoko Yama Brewery (Yamagata City)
Located in Yoka-machi, Yamagata City, Otoko Yama Brewery is a long-established brewery with over 200 years of history, founded in 1789 (Kansei 1). Their sake brand “Otokoyama” has a distinguished origin, named after the Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto, evoking a sense of deep history.
In Yamagata, blessed with rice, water, and climate, Otoko Yama Brewery has consistently pursued “making good sake.” Their quality is highly recognized, having received the gold prize at the National New Sake Appraisal 16 times, including 5 consecutive years. Their representative brand, “Hoyo Otokoyama,” is known as a robust sake where the characteristic flavor of rice is enhanced by the subsoil water of the Zao mountain range.
Otoko Yama Brewery offers brewery tours. Tour reception hours are weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00, and they are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Especially during the busy season from January to March, there is an opportunity to see the entire sake brewing process. Tours take about 30 to 60 minutes, and advance reservations are recommended.
Tasting is also possible during the brewery tour, allowing you to sample sake at the actual production site. However, tasting is strictly prohibited for drivers and minors. They also have a direct sales store where you can purchase seasonal limited-edition sake, sake exclusive to the museum, as well as original goods such as sake cups and aprons.
10. Fuji Shuzo (Tsuruoka City)
Located in Ooyama, Tsuruoka City, Fuji Shuzo is a historic brewery founded in 1778 (An’ei 7). The sake brewed in this area, associated with the warlord Kiyomasa Kato, is characterized by its fruity aroma and complex flavor, known under the brand “Eikoh Fuji” (Glorious Fuji).
Under the belief of “always striving for even more delicious sake,” Fuji Shuzo aims to brew sake that surpasses the previous year’s. Using sake rice from Yamagata Prefecture, their Junmai-shu made with “Tsuyahime” rice, in particular, is characterized by a gorgeous and fruity aroma, making it an ideal introduction to sake for beginners. Its smooth texture makes it easy to drink, so be mindful of overconsumption.
“Eikoh Fuji” sake is praised for its deliciousness, with a rounded sweetness reminiscent of melon and banana that fills the mouth. It also has a very high aroma, with a fruity sensation that spreads to the back of the nose, and it is recommended to drink it from a wine glass. It also excels as a sake to accompany meals, pairing exceptionally well with seafood such as bonito and squid sashimi.
Currently, brewery tours are not offered. Also, direct sales from the brewery may be temporarily suspended, but you can purchase their sake at取扱店舗 within Tsuruoka City or through their official online store.
Further Enjoying Yamagata Sake! A Guide to Travel Pleasures
A sake journey in Yamagata Prefecture is not just about visiting breweries. Encounters with the local culinary delights and combinations with nearby sightseeing spots will surely create even more unforgettable memories.
The Harmony of Fine Sake and Gourmet Food! Exquisite Pairing Experiences
Yamagata’s sake, with its rich flavors, pairs exceptionally well with local ingredients. Here are some highly recommended pairings:
| Sake Brand (or Type) | Compatible Local Cuisine | Compatible Fruits |
|---|---|---|
| Hatsumago Mazan (Tohoku Meijo) | Imoni (Murayama Region Style) | |
| Hoyo Otokoyama (Otoko Yama) | Dashi Tofu (Murayama Region) | |
| Kora Ana Otsuzumi (Fuji Shuzo) | Cold Meat Soba | |
| Tatenokawa (Tatenokawa) | Yamagata Beef Red Wine Stew, Kome no Ko Buta Mild Sichuan Tofu | Cherries, Pears |
| Dewazakura Yukimegami | Seared Bonito Salad | |
| Yamagata Masamune Akaiwa Omachi Junmai Ginjo | Muscat Grapes | |
| Eikoh Fuji GMF:24 Muroka Nama Genshu | Ayu and Zucchini Farci with Sake Sauce | Melon |
Examples of Pairing Yamagata Sake with Local Cuisine and Fruits
Imoni and “Hatsumago Mazan”
Speaking of Yamagata’s autumn flavors, “Imoni” comes to mind. The Murayama region’s Imoni, in particular, features a sweet and savory soy sauce-based broth simmered with taro, beef, and konnyaku, somewhat similar in flavor to sukiyaki. Tohoku Meijo’s dry sake, “Hatsumago Mazan,” pairs exquisitely with this piping hot Imoni. Brewed using the traditional “Kimoto” method, “Mazan” has a soft sweetness inherent to rice and a clean finish, standing up well to the rich flavor of Imoni without overpowering it – a truly perfect combination.
Dashi Tofu and “Hoyo Otokoyama”
For hot summer days, “Dashi Tofu,” a local dish originating from the Murayama region, is highly recommended. “Dashi” is a simple preparation of finely chopped summer vegetables such as cucumber, eggplant, myoga ginger, and perilla, seasoned with soy sauce, with the key being the addition of natto konbu seaweed for a slimy texture. This refreshing “Dashi Tofu” pairs wonderfully with the Yamahai Junmai Ginjo “Hoyo Otokoyama” brewed by Otoko Yama Brewery in Yamagata City. The robust flavor of rice drawn out by the subsoil water of the Zao mountain range, combined with the aroma of summer vegetables, creates a harmonious blend that enhances the deliciousness of both.
Cold Meat Soba and “Kora Ana Otsuzumi”
“Cold Meat Soba,” a local specialty unique to Yamagata, a soba-producing region, allows you to enjoy the savory flavor of chicken in a refreshing way. Originating in Kahoku Town, it’s also known locally as “Tuttai Nikusoba.” The broth is served at near room temperature and is so rooted in the local culture that it’s enjoyed year-round, even in winter. This “Cold Meat Soba,” which can be enjoyed as a snack, has an outstanding affinity with “Kora Ana Otsuzumi” made by Fuji Shuzo in Tsuruoka City. It’s a Junmai-shu made from Yamagata-grown “Tsuyahime” rice, characterized by a gorgeous and fruity aroma. With no peculiar aftertaste and a smooth mouthfeel, it’s a recommended glass even for sake beginners.
Yamagata Beef and Sake
The sweetness of the fat of Yamagata beef and the fruity, mellow flavor of Yamagata sake are said to have an excellent compatibility. In particular, sweeter sake enhances the umami of Yamagata beef, making it recommended to enjoy together with dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. The original local sake “Oraho no Sake” from Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa is recommended for pairing with a hamburger steak containing Yonezawa beef. Additionally, Tatenokawa Brewery sells pairing sets of their sake with dishes using local ingredients such as Yamagata Kuroge Wagyu beef stewed in red wine and Yamagata Kome no Ko Buta pork in mild Sichuan tofu. This is an initiative designed to easily enjoy the combination of Yamagata’s rich food and sake at home.
Fruits and Sake
The unexpected combination of Yamagata’s proud fruits and sake is also an experience we highly recommend you try. “Kun-shu” type sake, characterized by its fruity aroma, has a good affinity with fruits such as melon, banana, pear, strawberry, apple, and Muscat grapes. The acidity and sweetness of the fruits match the clean flavor of Kun-shu, for example, “Kubota Junmai Daiginjo” which refreshes the sweet flavor of melon, and “Kubota Senju,” which does not interfere with the sweetness and aroma of banana. Also, mature “Juku-shu” type sake is recommended for dried fruits.
Must-Visit Alongside Sake Brewery Tours! Nearby Sightseeing Spots & Hot Spring Information
Combining your Yamagata sake brewery tour with visits to nearby sightseeing spots and hot springs will make your trip even more fulfilling.
Around Tendo City
Sightseeing Spots:
Tendo City boasts the highest production volume of shogi (Japanese chess) pieces in Japan. At the Shogi Museum, you can see jewel-like shogi pieces and chess sets from around the world, allowing you to experience Tendo’s unique culture. There are also historical spots such as Kenkun Shrine, dedicated to Lord Nobunaga Oda, and Wakamatsu Temple, famous as a Kannon for matchmaking. At Michi-no-Eki Tendo Onsen, you can soak your feet in a foot bath to soothe travel fatigue.
Accommodations:
Tendo Onsen has numerous hot spring inns with proud open-air baths and private baths, such as “Tendo Hotel” and “Hohoemi no Yado Takinoyu.” Some inns offer plans that include a comparison tasting of local sake, allowing you to fully enjoy fine sake and gourmet food.
Around Sakata City
Sightseeing Spots:
“Sankyo Soko,” a rice storage warehouse built in the Meiji era and a symbol of the rice-producing Shonai region, also served as a location for the NHK morning drama series “Oshin.” The white-walled storehouses and Zelkova tree-lined streets create a beautiful landscape. Sakata City is also rich in cultural spots such as the Ken Domon Museum of Photography, Japan’s first personal photography museum, and the historic Honma Museum.
Accommodations:
Within Sakata City, there are hotels such as “Hotel Inn Sakata,” “Tsuki no Hotel,” and “Hotel α-1 Sakata,” providing easy access to tourist facilities.
Around Yonezawa City
Sightseeing Spots:
Yonezawa City, a center of history and culture, has many spots that history buffs will love, such as “Uesugi Shrine,” dedicated to Kenshin Uesugi, “Keisho-den,” which houses treasures related to the Uesugi clan, and the “Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum,” which focuses on the history and culture of the Yonezawa Domain. The “Toko Sake Brewery Museum” operated by Kojima Sohonten is also a major tourist attraction.
Accommodations:
In Yonezawa City, there are inns such as “Toki no Yado Sumire,” which offers accommodation plans where you can enjoy pairings of Yonezawa beef and sake. Onogawa Onsen is also nearby, where you can relax in a historic hot spring resort to soothe travel fatigue.
Around Tsuruoka City
Sightseeing Spots:
Tsuruoka City is famous for the “Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium,” which boasts the world’s largest jellyfish exhibition. There are also many spots where you can feel nature and history, such as Mount Haguro, the main peak of the Dewa Sanzan mountains, and Tsuruoka Park, the site of the Sakai clan’s castle, the lords of the Shonai Domain.
Accommodations:
Within Tsuruoka City, there are hotels such as “Hotel Route Inn Tsuruoka Inter” and “Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse,” and hot spring resorts such as Yunohama Onsen and Atsumi Onsen are also nearby, where you can enjoy a stay at a hot spring inn.
Around Sagae City
Sightseeing Spots:
There are many orchards where you can enjoy cherry picking, especially from June to early July, when cherry picking and direct sales are thriving. Other highlights include Sagae Park, home to one of the largest azalea gardens in the Tohoku region, the historic Honzan Jionji Temple, and the Kosawa Sake Brewery Museum.
Accommodations:
At Sagae Hanasaka Onsen “Yu-Cherry,” you can enjoy free-flowing hot spring water.
Around Murayama City
Sightseeing Spots:
At the Mogami River San-Nan-Sho Boat Ride, you can tour the Mogami River, which is said to have been traveled by Basho Matsuo, by boat, enjoying the seasonal scenery while listening to the boatman’s songs. Michi-no-Eki Murayama is also a popular spot.
Accommodations:
Within Murayama City, there are accommodations such as “Quahouse Goten” and “Murayama West Exit Hotel.”
Around Takahata Town
Sightseeing Spots:
At Takahata Winery, you can enjoy wine tasting and purchase, and at Mahoroba Kanko Kajuen (Mahoroba Tourist Orchard), you can enjoy cherry picking and grape picking. There are also unique spots such as Kameoka Bunshou, one of Japan’s three Monju (bodhisattvas of wisdom), Neko no Miya (Cat Shrine), and Inu no Miya (Dog Shrine).
Accommodations:
Takahata Town has hot spring inns such as “Yunuma Onsen Komagusa-so” and “Ryokan Ebisuya.”
Conclusion: The Unforgettable Memories Woven by Yamagata’s Fine Sake
A sake journey in Yamagata Prefecture is not just about savoring fine sake. The sake rice nurtured by pure water and rich land, and the skills and passion of artisans passed down through generations, are condensed into each glass. The stories behind each brewery and the flavors woven by the terroir of the region will surely be an experience that stimulates all five senses.
The ten breweries introduced here are just a small part of the sake culture that Yamagata Prefecture boasts. However, by learning about the individuality and dedication of each brewery, and its deep connection with the local community, your understanding of sake will deepen, and the emotion of your trip will be all the more special.
Pairing with Yamagata’s local cuisine, beautiful nature, historical buildings, and heartwarming hot springs will surely enrich your trip even further. When planning your trip, please use this report as a reference and embark on a journey to find your own “favorite.”
We hope that the unforgettable memories woven by Yamagata’s fine sake will be deeply etched in your heart.