Saijo’s oldest sake brewery, beloved by persons of culture

Founded in 1675, Hakubotan Sake Brewery is Saijo’s oldest brewery with the longest history. According to legend, descendants of a military commander defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara settled in this land and began brewing sake. The name Hakubotan (white peony) originates from the family crest of a distinguished Kyoto family, and was presented to the brewery in 1839. Since that time, the brewery has continued to craft sweet, flavorful sake.

Its flavor has been cherished by many cultural figures, including literary giant Soseki Natsume and woodblock printmaker Shiko Munakata. The grounds feature the Enpokura (Enpo storehouse), the Tenpokura (Tenpo storehouse), and the exhibition room in the main office. In the exhibition room, visitors can view woodblock prints and labels created by Shiko Munakata for Hakubotan, along with tools used to brew sake. Visitors can also purchase products that are only available directly from the brewery, allowing you to enjoy a special moment where history and art converge.