Kamoizumi Shuzo
賀茂泉酒造
- PlanA
- Kamoizumi Shuzo, Pioneer of Junmai Sake Brewing, and Cultural Explorat ion of Matsunoo Shrine, Home of the Sake Deity
Experience plan overview
This journey includes lectures on sake brewing and culture by Kazuhiro Maegaki, fourth-generation proprietor of Kamoizumi Shuzo, tastings of signature labels, and a walking tour of Saijo̶one of Japan’s Three Great Sake-Producing Regions̶including Mitate Shrine. The experience begins with an engaging introduction to sake fundamentals in a kamishibai (paper theater) format, covering brewing processes and differences from wine, alongside the history and philosophy of Kamoizumi Shuzo. After the lecture, you’ll visit Shusenkan, a Western-style building originally constructed as t he H iroshima Prefectural S ake Brewing Laboratory, a nd enjoy tastings including Shusen Honjikomi, a junmai sake celebrated for its rich aroma, umami, and crisp finish.
You’ll then stroll along Saijo Sakagura-dori Street, lined with historic sake breweries, before visiting Mitate Shrine. Within its grounds stands a subsidiary shrine of Kyoto’s Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, dedicated to the deity of sake and adorned with barrels donated by local brewers. Through the townscape and shrine, participants immerse themselves in the sake culture and history that define Saijo, the Sake Capital.
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18,000 yen per person -
2 or more -
2 hours*start time negotiable
Experience plan flow
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Inside Kamoizumi Shuzo, learn about traditional sake brewing and sake culture from Kazuhiro Maegaki.
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Move to Shusenkan, located on the premises, and taste Kamoizumi Shuzo’s signature labels.*Photos are for reference only. Types and number of tastings are subject to change.
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Explore Matsunoo Shrine in the grounds of Mitake Shrine while strolling along Saijo Sakagura-dori Street, where historic sake breweries are scattered.*Mr. Maegaki will not accompany the townscape stroll.
Highlights and Details of Each Plan
- Learning About Traditional Sake Brewing from a Pioneer of Junmai Sake Brewing
- Kamoizumi Shuzo’s sake is brewed through junmai brewing using only rice, rice koji, and water without distilled alcohol, employing the traditional three-stage brewing technique. Learn directly from proprietor Kazuhiro Maegaki about traditional sake brewing through a globally distinctive process and the brewery's history, then compare junmai sake.
- Experiencing the Historical Culture of Saijo, One of Japan's Three Great Sake-Producing Regions
- Blessed with a basin climate of temperature variations, pristine water, and quality sake rice, Saijo accelerated its development as a Sake Capital following the opening of the railway in the Meiji era. Around JR Saijo Station, sake breweries led by Kamoizumi Shuzo line the streets, preserving evocative townscapes defined by white plaster walls and red-brick chimneys. Combined with worship at Matsunoo Shrine, which enshrines the deity of sake, immerse yourself in the profound history and brewing culture that endures in this town.
- Price (tax incl.)
- 18,000 yen per person
- Minimum Number of Guests Required
- 2 or more
- Time Required
- 2 hours*start time negotiable
- Cancellation Policy
- 1 week to 1 day before reservation: 50% / On the day of reservation: 100%
- Payment Methods
- Pay in advance via credit card
VISA, MASTER, AMEX, DC, JCB, Diners - Participation Conditions
- Participants must be 20 years or older to consume alcohol or purchase sake.
- Reservation Deadline
- 1 month in advance
- Notes/Disclaimers
- The experience may be canceled or the content may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
- If you cancel on the day without notice, you will be charged 100% of the reserved fees.
- A cancellation fee will also be charged for cancellations of reservations for large groups.
- Other things to note
- Tours of the sake brewing process, storehouse, and brewery are not available.
- Mr. Maegaki will not accompany the Saijo town stroll.
