Otokoyama Sake Brewery Asahikawa
Explore 350 years of sake-making history at Otokoyama Brewery Museum. Enjoy free exhibits, sake tastings, and unique treats in Asahikawa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Otokoyama Sake Brewery Asahikawa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 350 years of sake-making history at Otokoyama Brewery Museum. Enjoy free exhibits, sake tastings, and unique treats in Asahikawa.
"A must-go for Japanese sake fans, offering free admission and a delightful tasting experience."
🎯 Free Sake Tasting!
Get 3 free coins for tasting mid-range sakes. Premium options are 200 yen each.
🚗 Don't Drink & Drive
Take a taxi or bus after tasting. The bus stop is conveniently located across the street.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sake Tasting Station
Tasting Room
Sample mid-range sakes for free or try premium varieties for a small fee. A true highlight for any sake enthusiast!
Traditional Sake Making Tools
Museum Exhibits
See ancient tools and learn about the 350-year history of Otokoyama sake brewing. A glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.
Brewery Insights
Second Floor
View the actual sake-making facility from above and learn about Otokoyama's global acclaim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sake Tasting Tips
Self-Guided Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Sake Tasting!
Get 3 free coins for tasting mid-range sakes. Premium options are 200 yen each.
🚗 Don't Drink & Drive
Take a taxi or bus after tasting. The bus stop is conveniently located across the street.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the historical exhibits and brewing process. Perfect for sharing your experience!
🍦 Try Sake Ice Cream!
Don't miss the unique and flavorful sake ice cream and sake kasu chocolate.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Sake Tasting!
Get 3 free coins for tasting mid-range sakes. Premium options are 200 yen each.
🚗 Don't Drink & Drive
Take a taxi or bus after tasting. The bus stop is conveniently located across the street.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the historical exhibits and brewing process. Perfect for sharing your experience!
🍦 Try Sake Ice Cream!
Don't miss the unique and flavorful sake ice cream and sake kasu chocolate.
🚶 Self-Guided Tour
Explore the museum at your own pace, learning about sake history and methods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Otokoyama Sake Brewery for its free admission, educational exhibits on sake-making history, and the enjoyable tasting experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to sample various sakes and try unique treats like sake ice cream. While some note it's a small museum, the value and cultural insight make it a worthwhile stop in Asahikawa.
"When my wife and I researched places of interest around Furano, we came across Asahikawa, a city located about 56 km (1 hour 5 mins drive by car) north of Furano. Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum & Park in Asahikawa was a special interest as we enjoy sake.
From our hotel in Furano, the drive to Otokoyama Sake was scenic and enjoyable.
The museum showcases the history of Otokoyama and chronicling its historical brewing artifacts, brewing processes, collection of regional and international sake awards, etc. An audio-visual TV presentation is available in different languages, including English, and we found this very interesting. From the museum, visitors can view through glass panels into the sake production plant. Entry to the museum is free-of-charge.
In a separate building is the sake retail shop where sake tasting and soft-serve ice cream can also be enjoyed. As I was driving, I did not participate in the sake tasting. My wife did and she enjoyed the sake samples. There is a wide selection of sakes for sale at different price points. We purchased Otokoyama's top award-winning Naturally Pure Junmai Daiginjo, Yukimizuki Junmai Daiginjo, and Fukko Sake.
We observed an interesting activity by locals who brought large plastic containers to fill up with mineral water which was dispensed free-of-charge from taps. The mineral-rich water is drawn from underground wells for sake production, and the water sources are the very reasons for Otokoyama's location. Of course, we emptied our small drinking bottles and refilled them with the mineral water!"
Jeff Leong
"350 year old award winning sake brand. They use snow filtered water from Mount Daisetsu. Pretty nice but smallish museum. The store outside has the tastings area. Tried a 7000円 sake for 200円、it was tasty. There is also a cafe. I tried the rice latte 450円 and it was very delicious, tasted like sake😂. Overall a pretty cool experience.
Easy to take the bus here from Asahikawa station, use the Japan Travel app for routes, when you get on the bus take a ticket. Note the buses only take coins so have exact change."
David T
"A small museum but we do can learn the whole process of making sake. A 200 Yan sake tasting gave nice experiences.
No charges for the factory tour also self guided. At the testing room you deposit your coin and push a bottom for sale to dispense!
Many old and traditional tools are on display to show how the sake were made during the past which was very neat!"
Steven Cheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The brewery is easily accessible by bus or taxi. The bus stop is located directly across the street from the museum, making it a convenient option, especially after sake tasting.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the brewery, which is helpful if you are driving.
Depending on your location in Asahikawa, walking might be an option, but it's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi, especially if you plan on tasting sake.
Asahikawa is a major city in Hokkaido and can be reached by train from Sapporo. Once in Asahikawa, local buses or taxis are the best way to get around, including to the brewery.
Yes, it's often visited alongside other Asahikawa attractions like the Asahiyama Zoo and Asahikawa Ramen Village, making it a good stop on a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum is free! You can explore the exhibits and learn about sake making without any charge.
No, advance booking is not required. The museum is free to enter and operates on a walk-in basis.
While specific hours can vary, the museum is generally open during daytime hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information.
The factory tour is self-guided and free of charge. You can explore the exhibits at your own pace.
Yes, there is a shop where you can purchase a wide selection of Otokoyama sakes, including some exclusive to the museum store.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on sake-making history, see traditional tools, watch an explanatory video, and visit the tasting room and shop.
Even if you're not a sake connoisseur, the museum offers a fascinating look into Japanese brewing culture and history, with interesting exhibits.
Yes, photography is permitted inside the museum, allowing you to capture the historical displays and brewing process.
A visit typically takes about 10-15 minutes to explore the exhibits, but you might spend longer if you participate in the tasting or browse the shop.
The museum has multiple floors, and while some areas might be accessible, it's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility features if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the brewery focuses on sake, they offer unique sake-infused treats like sake ice cream and sake kasu chocolate, which are highly recommended.
No, the brewery does not serve full meals. It's primarily a tasting and educational experience. You can find dining options in Asahikawa city, such as the famous Asahikawa Ramen Village.
The main focus is on sake tasting. They offer a variety of Otokoyama sakes to sample.
Yes, the tasting offers a range of sakes, and the staff can often provide guidance. The free tasting is a great way to start.
Asahikawa city has numerous restaurants. The Asahikawa Ramen Village is a popular destination for local cuisine and is relatively close by.
📸 📸 Photography
The traditional sake-making tools, the tasting room setup, and the exterior of the brewery offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is permitted inside the museum, allowing you to capture the historical exhibits and brewing process.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. It's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the indoor nature, a camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial.
Yes, you can photograph the sake bottles in the shop. It's a great way to remember which ones you enjoyed or want to purchase.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the historical aspects and the visual elements of the brewing process. The sake ice cream is a definite hit with younger visitors and provides a sweet treat. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the tasting portion for children, but the educational and cultural aspects can still make for a worthwhile stop, especially if combined with other Asahikawa attractions like the zoo.
💰 Budget Travelers
The tasting experience also offers great value. You receive three free coins for sampling mid-range sakes, which is a generous offering. Even the paid tastings for premium sakes are reasonably priced at 200 yen per serving. Plus, the unique sake ice cream is an affordable indulgence.
🍶 Sake Enthusiasts
The tasting room is where you can truly indulge. With the option to sample premium sakes for a small fee, you can explore the nuanced flavors that have earned Otokoyama international acclaim. Don't forget to seek out any museum-exclusive sakes in the shop, which are often rare finds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sake Making at Otokoyama
On the second floor, you can observe the actual sake-making facility from a viewing area, offering a glimpse into modern brewing practices that still honor tradition. The third floor features an explanatory video, available in multiple languages, which further elaborates on the sake-making process and the significance of Otokoyama's award-winning status. This comprehensive approach ensures that visitors, regardless of their prior knowledge, can appreciate the dedication and skill involved in creating this iconic Japanese beverage.
The brewery's commitment to quality is evident not only in its brewing but also in the pristine water used, which you might have the unique opportunity to taste during your visit. This focus on fundamental elements underscores why Otokoyama sake has achieved global recognition, including being the world's first to win the prestigious Monde Selection award.
Sake Tasting Experience
For those eager to explore further, premium sakes are available for tasting at 200 yen per serving. These often include their most famous and highly-regarded varieties. The tasting station is designed for self-dispensing, allowing you to select your desired sake by inserting a coin and pressing a button.
Beyond traditional sake, don't miss out on their unique sake-infused treats. The sake ice cream and sake kasu chocolate are frequently mentioned as incredibly flavorful and a must-try.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit