Kamotsuru Sake Brewery

In short

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery is a sake brewery with its storehouses on Saijo Sakagura-dori Street. Fourth-generation head Kimura Wahei studied brewing techniques in Nada before beginning sake production in 1873, and in that same year he named the sake "Kamotsuru."

• ​Ichigogura Directly Managed Shop​​: At this shop renovated from a Meiji-period storehouse, you can learn about the history of Kamotsuru through exhibits of sake-brewing tools and documents, as well as videos
• ​Brewery Buildings and Chimneys​​: The Ichigogura and other storehouses, chimneys, and wells are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. In 2024, the Ichigogura was designated a National Historic Site as part of the "Saijo Sake Brewery Group"
• ​Tastings and Shopping​​: At the directly managed shop, you can taste Kamotsuru sake and select brewery-exclusive sakes and souvenirs

History and Highlights

​Kamotsuru Sake Brewery​ is a sake brewery located along Saijo Sakagura-dori Street. For generations, the Kimura family operated brewing businesses in Kamo District. Believing that the local rice, groundwater, and climate were well suited for sake brewing, fourth-generation head Kimura Wahei studied brewing techniques in Nada before beginning sake production in 1873. In that same year, he named the sake "Kamotsuru." It is said that "Kamo" relates to the name of the region as well as the word kamosu (to brew), while "Tsuru" (crane) connects to the bird regarded as a symbol of good fortune.

It is said that in 1898, the brewery became the first in Japan to introduce a domestically manufactured motorized rice-polishing machine. Since then, it has repeatedly earned high acclaim at competitions. It became a corporation in 1918, and in 1958, it released "Tokusei Gold Kamotsuru," which the company regards as a pioneer of daiginjo sake.

The brewery buildings are also a major highlight. In 2017, the Ichigogura brewery building—constructed in the early Meiji period—along with other storehouses, chimneys, and wells were registered as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Furthermore, in 2024, the Ichigogura was designated as a National Historic Site of Japan as part of the "Saijo Sake Brewery Group."

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Ichigogura Directly Managed Shop​​: At this brewery shop renovated from a Meiji-period storehouse, visitors can learn about the history of Kamotsuru through exhibits of sake-brewing tools and documents, as well as videos introducing the brewing process.
• ​Brewery Buildings and Chimneys​​: You can see up close the brewery buildings constructed from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, including the Ichigogura building and the chimneys rising above the brewery.
• ​Tastings and Shopping​​: At the directly managed shop, you can taste Kamotsuru sake and select brewery-exclusive sakes and souvenirs.

Walking Tips

The Ichigogura is situated on Saijo Sakagura-dori Street, just a short walk from JR Saijo Station. Because seven breweries are gathered along this street, walking around to visit them together with this one is recommended. For the overall history and highlights of the street, please refer to the "Saijo Sakagura-dori Street" spot.