Experience a retro-modern sake brewery where renowned spring water and tradition thrive

Founded in 1904, Saijotsuru Sake Brewery is named after its hometown of Saijo and the auspicious crane (bird). The brewery takes pride in its local sake, carefully brewed using the renowned spring water from the Tenpo Well—said to have been dug during the Tenpo era (1830s) of the Edo period—and locally grown rice, and using the traditional techniques of Hiroshima brewers.

The beautiful three-story wooden storehouse with black latticework, built in the late Meiji period, is now a precious historical structure. The stained-glass door opens onto a direct sales store with a retro-modern reception area. Here you’ll find the exceptional Shinzui—a junmai daiginjo genshu (pure rice, undiluted sake) that has been awarded consecutive Gold Medals at the Monde Selection—as well as sake that is only available directly from the brewery and junmai daiginjo gelato.

The storehouse and main building, which have both been used since the brewery’s founding, were designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2016 as structures that continue to convey the history of sake brewing. Panel displays introduce the tradition of sake brewing. Visitors can also take a tour of the brewery, for a fee.