Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum - Red brick warehouses with people and cars.
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Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum

4.2
·387 reviews·Higashihiroshima, Japan

Discover the art of sake at Kamotsuru, a historic brewery offering free tastings, informative exhibits, and the famous 'Obama sake'.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum - Red brick warehouses with people and cars.

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the art of sake at Kamotsuru, a historic brewery offering free tastings, informative exhibits, and the famous 'Obama sake'.

4.2
(387 reviews)

"A must-visit for sake lovers, offering free tastings and a deep dive into brewing history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Taste Before You Buy

Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop.

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Obama's Sake

Obama's Sake

Tasting Area

Taste the renowned Daijō (Daijinjo) sake, famously enjoyed by President Obama. A smooth, fragrant brew.

Sake-Making Exhibits

Sake-Making Exhibits

Museum

Discover the intricate history and process of sake brewing through engaging displays and videos.

Free Sake Tasting

Free Sake Tasting

Tasting Counter

Sample a variety of Kamotsuru sakes to find your favorite flavor profile. A delightful sensory experience.

Brewery Spring Water

Brewery Spring Water

Spring Station

Refill your water bottle with the pure, mineral-rich spring water essential for brewing exceptional sake.

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Planning Your Visit

Sake Tasting & History

Explore the rich history of sake brewing at Kamotsuru, a renowned brewery. Learn about the traditional process and enjoy tastings of their famous brews, including the sake favored by President Obama. Free admission makes it an accessible cultural experience.

Plan Your Visit

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is a popular spot in Saijo. Arrive early or consider weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you want a more intimate tasting experience. Ample parking is available.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Tours and tastings available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Japanese market at a sake brewery in london! So much fun🥺💗🥂 #london #japanesemarket #sakebrewery #sake #japanesesake #fyp #japaneseculture #londondayout #kimono #vintagemarket #furoshiki #japanesesnacks #foryou #mochi #londonmarket #staywithme #staywithmemikimatsubara #citypop
@kamilafoods
1.2K likes • 13.7K views

🎯 Taste Before You Buy

Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop. Reddit

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Sakaguradori

Kamotsuru is in Saijo's famous sake district. Wander and explore other breweries too! Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Don't worry about parking; the brewery has plenty of lots available for visitors. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Taste Before You Buy

Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop. Reddit

💧 Bring a Water Bottle

Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Sakaguradori

Kamotsuru is in Saijo's famous sake district. Wander and explore other breweries too! Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Don't worry about parking; the brewery has plenty of lots available for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(387 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum for its free admission and the opportunity to taste high-quality sake, including the famous 'Obama sake.' The exhibits are informative, and the spring water is a unique bonus. Some find the museum a bit small, but the overall experience is highly positive and educational.

"probably the most visited brewery in Saijo and has plenty of parking lots

It has the famous sake consumed by Obama"

Ben

"This famous sake brewery in Sakaguradori, Saijo City, has a museum inside that displays the history and process of sake-making. The exhibits are well-presented and easy to understand, with videos to help explain the process. There's also a sake shop inside, and the staff provide excellent service."

NNchan

"Free admission, inside there is a showroom explaining how sake is made, a spring, which is used for brewing sake, for your water bottle, a free tasting table and merchandising selling section.
I thought all sake tastes the same (sorry my Japanese friends), until I tried a few back to back there. Highly recommending this place."

Xiang Wang

What People Like

Free admission and tasting
Informative exhibits
Obama's sake

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Museum size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Saijo City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If using public transport, you can take a train to Saijo Station and then a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk through the sake district.

No, Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is located in Saijo City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, not in Tokyo. It's a key attraction in the Saijo Sake District.

Walking is a great way to explore the Saijo Sake District and visit multiple breweries, including Kamotsuru. Taxis are also readily available for shorter distances or if you prefer not to walk.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is free! This makes it a very accessible and popular destination for visitors interested in sake culture. Reddit

The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.

Yes, there is a gift shop and merchandising section where you can purchase a wide variety of Kamotsuru sakes, as well as sake-related goods. Reddit

While tours are not explicitly mentioned as mandatory, the museum offers exhibits and a tasting area. For specific guided tours or group visits, it's advisable to inquire directly with the brewery.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits detailing the history and process of sake making, enjoy a free sake tasting, refill your water bottle with the famous brewing spring water, and purchase sake and souvenirs from the shop. Reddit

Absolutely! A free sake tasting is a highlight of the visit, allowing you to sample different Kamotsuru sakes and find your favorites. Reddit

The 'Obama sake' refers to Kamotsuru's Daijō (Daijinjo) sake, which gained fame for being served to President Obama. It's known for its beautiful fragrance and smooth taste. Reddit

Yes, visitors are encouraged to refill their water bottles with the pure spring water used in sake brewing. It's a unique and refreshing experience. Reddit

While the exhibits focus on sake making, the interactive elements and the opportunity to see the brewing process might be interesting for older children. The tasting is, of course, for adults.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself primarily focuses on sake brewing and tasting. However, the surrounding Saijo Sake District has several restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy local cuisine, often paired with sake.

While there aren't dedicated dining facilities within the museum, it's always a good idea to have some light snacks or a meal before or after your tasting to enjoy the sake responsibly.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of the museum for personal use. However, it's always polite to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits.

The exterior of the traditional brewery buildings, the sake barrels, the tasting counter, and the spring water station are all picturesque spots. Capturing the essence of sake culture here is easy.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🍶 Sake Enthusiasts

For true sake aficionados, Kamotsuru is a pilgrimage site. You'll appreciate the detailed exhibits on sake-making and the opportunity to taste the Daijō (Daijinjo), the very sake that gained international acclaim. Take your time at the tasting counter to discern the subtle notes and compare different varieties. Consider purchasing a bottle of your favorite to enjoy later or as a special souvenir. Reddit

Don't just stop at Kamotsuru; explore the wider Saijo Sake District to compare and contrast the offerings of other breweries. Understanding the regional variations and the impact of local water and rice on the final product will deepen your appreciation for this complex beverage.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the primary focus is sake, families can still find aspects of Kamotsuru engaging. The spring water station is a fun, interactive element where kids can refill their bottles. The exhibits on the brewing process, with their visual aids and videos, can be educational for older children interested in how things are made. Reddit

Keep in mind that the tasting area is for adults. However, the museum's free admission and the pleasant atmosphere of the Saijo Sake District make it a worthwhile stop. Consider pairing your visit with a meal at a local restaurant in Saijo that offers a broader menu.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free. The highlight for many is the complimentary sake tasting, allowing you to sample premium brews without spending a yen. Reddit

Bring your own water bottle to take advantage of the free spring water refill. You can also find affordable sake and souvenirs in the gift shop, allowing you to take a piece of the experience home without breaking the bank. Exploring the rest of the Saijo Sake District on foot is also a free and enjoyable activity.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Sake Making at Kamotsuru

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous craft of sake production. The museum's exhibits walk visitors through each stage, from the careful selection and polishing of rice to the fermentation process. You'll learn about the crucial role of koji (a type of mold) and the importance of the spring water – the very same pure, mineral-rich water that flows from the brewery's own source and is available for visitors to taste and even refill their bottles. This dedication to quality ingredients and traditional methods is what defines Kamotsuru's renowned sake. Reddit

Interactive displays and videos make the complex process accessible and engaging, even for those new to sake. It’s not just about the science; it’s about the artistry and heritage passed down through generations. Understanding these nuances enhances the appreciation of the final product, making the tasting experience even more rewarding. TikTok

Experiencing the Saijo Sake District

Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is a cornerstone of the Saijo Sake District in Hiroshima, often referred to as the 'Beverage Capital of Japan.' This area is dotted with numerous historic sake breweries, many of which have been operating for centuries. Visitors can spend a day exploring the district, visiting different breweries, and experiencing the unique atmosphere that permeates the streets. The architecture itself tells a story, with many buildings retaining their traditional charm.

Beyond Kamotsuru, consider visiting other breweries like Saijo Chō and Kamoizumi. Each offers its own distinct character and sake varieties. The district also hosts events, such as the Saijo Sake Matsuri (Sake Festival), which is a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide array of local brews and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Walking through Saijo, you'll often catch the faint, pleasant aroma of fermenting rice, a constant reminder of the region's proud brewing legacy. Reddit

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