If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to try some sake, there are a few great breweries to check out. Whether you’re a seasoned sake drinker, or looking to try it for the first time, visiting a brewery can be a great way to learn more about Japan’s national drink. Here are the best breweries in Tokyo that accept visitors, and although English may not be available in some places, there’s still plenty to learn and lots of great sake to be enjoyed!
Ishikawa Brewery
Ishikawa Brewery, founded in 1863, is located in Fussa, about 50 minutes west of Shinjuku by train. They are well known for their Tamajiman brand of sake, and also produce beer under the Tama no Megumi and Tokyo Blues brand names. The brewery features several buildings registered as National Heritage Sites, and there is also an Italian restaurant on site. The brewery offers sake tours in English, but bookings must be made at least five days in advance.
Brewery Tour Info
- Brewery Name: Ishikawa Brewery (Tamajiman)
- Tasting Included: Yes
- Amount of Sake Provided: Samples of premium sake, including Dai-ginjo and other specialty sakes
- English Guide Available: Yes, with a certified English-speaking guide
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Fee: ¥3,000 per person (includes tax); ¥2,000 for participants under 20 years old or those who do not consume alcohol; children under 12 are free
- Reservation Method: Advance reservation required at least five days prior to the tour date.
- Reservations can be made via email at liveinfo@tamajiman.co.jp or by phone at +81-80-8746-3070 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM). Please note that email responses may take 1 to 4 days.
- For more information visit https://www.tamajiman.co.jp/en/tour/
Ishikawa Brewery
Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa City, Tokyo 197-8623
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (except public holidays)
* The beer brewery and Italian restaurant have different opening hours
Website / Brewery Tour Info
Google Map
Ozawa Shuzo
Founded in 1702, Ozawa Brewery is one of the oldest sake breweries in Tokyo and produces sake under the brandname ‘Sawanoi’. The brewery is located on the bank of a river in a scenic mountainous area in western Tokyo, making it an excellent option for anyone wanting to escape the city for a day. This area is known for its pure mountain water, which is one of the keys to making high-quality sake. The brewery offers free 30-minute tours (reservation required) in Japanese only, although an English brochure is available.
Brewery Tour Info
- Brewery Name: Ozawa Shuzo (Sawanoi)
- Tasting Included: Not specified on the official website.
- Amount of Sake Provided: Not specified.
- English Guide Available: Tours are conducted in Japanese only; however, an English brochure is available.
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Fee: Free of charge.
- Reservation Method: Reservations can be made through the online reservation form available on their website.
Ozawa Shuzo
Address: 2-770 Sawai, Ome‐City, Tokyo 198-0172
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays
Website / Brewery Tour Info
Google Maps
Tamura Shuzojo
Tamura Shuzojo is located in Fussa city and is known for their Kasen brand of sake. Since it was founded in 1822, the brewery has been run by the Tamura family, whose family motto is ‘brew with care, sell with care’. In keeping with their motto, Tamura Shuzojo eschews mass production in favour of a more careful approach to brewing, resulting in delicious, high-quality sake. Free tours are available (Japanese only).
Brewery Tour Info
- Brewery Name: Tamura Shuzojo (Kasen)
- Tasting Included: Yes
- Amount of Sake Provided: Approximately 2 types of sake for tasting
- English Guide Available: Not available; tours are conducted in Japanese only
- Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
- Fee: Free of charge
- Reservation Method: Advance reservation is required at least one week prior to the desired tour date. Reservations can be made via the online reservation form or by phone at 042-551-0003.
Tamura Shuzojo
Address: 626 Fussa, Tokyo 197-0011
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm, closed weekends
Website / Brewery Tour Info (Japanese)
Google Map
Discover the Essence of Sake in Tokyo
Exploring sake breweries in Tokyo offers more than just a tasting experience—it’s a journey into Japanese culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Each brewery, from the historic to the family-run, showcases a unique approach to sake-making, using local ingredients and time-honored methods. Whether you join an English-guided tour or simply enjoy the ambiance and flavor, these visits provide a deeper appreciation for Japan’s traditional drink. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic sake right where it’s made.
When Visiting Fushimi Kyoto, Don’t Miss Our Sake Tasting Tour!
When visiting Kyoto, you can’t miss a sake tour of Fushimi – so why not join us on a hunt for the area’s best sake, and best combination with food pairing session and find your favourite along the way?
Visiting a bar or sake shop and don’t know which sake to buy or taste? Join our Sake Tasting and Pairing Experience!
In this experience, you will learn all the basics about sake and be able to compare different types of sake to find the differences and get to discover how to truly enjoy sake. Joining our sake tasting tour is surely a great introduction to your sake experience. Discover Japan’s real sake & food culture and traditions!
Name： Greg
Qualifications： Sommelier of Sake, JWRC Whisky Expert
About me：
I’m Japanese-Australian, born and raised in Melbourne, but I’ve been living in Kyoto since 2012. Strangely enough, despite spending my formative drinking years in Melbourne, sake was actually the first type of alcohol I ever liked. Now, an unspecified number of years later, I’m really pleased that I’m able to introduce sake to people from all around the world!
