竹原市・竹鶴酒造
1 / 10

Taketsuru Sake Brewery

3.8
·177 reviews·Takehara, Japan

Historic sake brewery, birthplace of the 'Father of Japanese Whisky,' Masataka Taketsuru, in charming Takehara City.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Brewery is open

CrowdLow
Loading map...
竹原市・竹鶴酒造

Taketsuru Sake Brewery

Best Time

Weekday mornings/afternoons

Brewery is open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic sake brewery, birthplace of the 'Father of Japanese Whisky,' Masataka Taketsuru, in charming Takehara City.

3.8
(177 reviews)

"A must-visit for whisky and sake enthusiasts, steeped in history and tradition."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Weekday Visits Only

Remember, this historic brewery is only open on weekdays. Plan your trip accordingly!

🍶 Warm Sake Recommendation

Staff suggest warming the sake slightly to enhance its delicious flavor.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.8 · 177 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birthplace of Japanese Whisky

Birthplace of Japanese Whisky

Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Explore the historic home of Masataka Taketsuru, the 'Father of Japanese Whisky' and founder of Nikka Whisky.

Reddit
Traditional Sake Brewing

Traditional Sake Brewing

Ozasa Shop

Experience a brewery with nearly 300 years of history, brewing sake under the 'Kosasa-ya' brand.

Reddit
Historic Takehara Streetscape

Historic Takehara Streetscape

Takehara Kaido Preservation Area

Wander through 'Little Kyoto of Aki,' a beautifully preserved Edo-period townscape.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Weekday Visits Only

Taketsuru Sake Brewery is exclusively open on weekdays, typically mornings and afternoons. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment, as weekend closures mean no purchases or visits on Saturdays and Sundays. Reddit

Sake & Seafood Pairing

Located in Takehara City, known for its fresh seafood, Taketsuru Sake Brewery crafts sake designed to complement local flavors. Consider enjoying a meal nearby before or after your visit to fully appreciate the intended pairings. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings/afternoons
Why
Brewery is open
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Weekday Visits Only

Remember, this historic brewery is only open on weekdays. Plan your trip accordingly! Reddit

🍶 Warm Sake Recommendation

Staff suggest warming the sake slightly to enhance its delicious flavor. Reddit

🍽️ Eat Before Tasting

It's recommended to eat before visiting for the drink tastings. Reddit

🌊 Pair with Local Seafood

Sake here is brewed to complement the rich seafood of the Seto Inland Sea. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Weekday Visits Only

Remember, this historic brewery is only open on weekdays. Plan your trip accordingly! Reddit

🍶 Warm Sake Recommendation

Staff suggest warming the sake slightly to enhance its delicious flavor. Reddit

🍽️ Eat Before Tasting

It's recommended to eat before visiting for the drink tastings. Reddit

🌊 Pair with Local Seafood

Sake here is brewed to complement the rich seafood of the Seto Inland Sea. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(177 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Taketsuru Sake Brewery for its deep historical significance as the birthplace of the 'Father of Japanese Whisky,' Masataka Taketsuru, and its nearly 300-year brewing legacy. The charming, historic setting of Takehara City adds to the appeal. However, the strict weekday-only opening hours can be a significant drawback for many potential visitors.

"The taketsuru brewery is also known as the ozasa shop. It carries on traditional sake brewing and is also the birthplace of the father of Japanese whisky taketsuru masataka. He founded the nikka whisky distillery. The passion and life of taketsuru masataka was developed into an NHK TV drama called "massan" that aired in September 2014"

Jonathan Lim

"Founded and Location: Founded in 1733 (the 18th year of the Kyoho era), this long-established brewery is located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Takehara City prospered during the Edo period through its salt production industry, and is known as the "Little Kyoto of Aki," thanks to its historic streetscape. 👘
Birthplace of Nikka Whisky Founder, Masataka Taketsuru: This building is also known as the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky and known as the "Father of Japanese Whisky." The building was also used as a filming location for "Kameyama Brewery" in the NHK morning drama "Massan." 🥃"

あおいめい

"A must-visit sake brewery in the Takehara Kaido Preservation Area - Taketsuru Brewery

The brewery has been brewing since 1733.

Taketsuru Brewery brews sake under the brand name "Kosasa-ya."

This is also the birthplace of Taketsuru Masataka, the founder of Japanese whiskey, known as the "Father of Japanese Whisky." (Anyone who's heard of Yoichi, Yamazaki, or Miyagikyo single malt whiskies should know him.)

Because Taketsuru Brewery is located in the Seto Inland Sea, where numerous islands abound, it abounds with firm, richly flavored seafood.

Thus, Taketsuru Brewery emphasizes brewing sake that enhances the freshness and flavor of food, creating a perfect pairing for sake with Seto Inland Sea seafood.

Also, the brewery staff recommends serving the sake warm, in addition to room temperature. Slightly warming the sake brings out its delicious flavor. 🍵

This place is only open on weekdays, mornings and afternoons.
Remember to eat well before visiting for the drink tastings. 🙌🏻

//
Follow 👉🏻 travel_naomi on Instagram"

Naomi

What People Like

Historic birthplace of whisky founder
Nearly 300 years of brewing
Charming historic town

What People Dislike

Closed on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Taketsuru Sake Brewery is located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. You can take a train from Hiroshima Station to Takehara Station, which typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. From Takehara Station, the brewery is a short walk or taxi ride away. Reddit

Yes, the brewery is accessible by public transport. Takehara Station is the nearest train station, and the brewery is located within the historic Takehara Kaido Preservation Area, which is walkable. Reddit

Takehara City, known as 'Little Kyoto of Aki,' is best explored on foot to appreciate its historic streetscape. The brewery is a central point within this charming area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Taketsuru Sake Brewery is open on weekdays, typically in the mornings and afternoons. It is closed on weekends and public holidays. Reddit

While specific tour booking information isn't widely detailed, it's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for any tour availability or booking requirements, especially if you're visiting as a group. Reddit

Information regarding admission fees is not extensively available. It's best to inquire directly with the brewery or check their official channels for the most up-to-date details on entry costs. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase sake at the brewery, often under the brand name 'Kosasa-ya.' However, remember that purchases are only possible on weekdays. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic brewery, learn about its nearly 300-year history, and discover its connection to Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. The Ozasa Shop is also part of the experience. Reddit

Yes, drink tastings are available. It's recommended to have a meal before your tasting to fully enjoy the experience. Reddit

It's the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru, the 'Father of Japanese Whisky,' and a brewery with a rich history dating back to 1733. It was also a filming location for the NHK drama 'Massan.' Reddit

The 'Ozasa Shop' is another name or part of the Taketsuru Sake Brewery complex, where sake is brewed under the brand name 'Kosasa-ya.' Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Takehara City is known for its abundant, richly flavored seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. There are likely local restaurants in the vicinity that offer excellent pairings with sake. Reddit

The brewery emphasizes brewing sake that enhances the freshness and flavor of food, making it a perfect pairing for the local Seto Inland Sea seafood. Reddit

While the brewery offers drink tastings, it's recommended to eat before visiting for the tastings. There aren't specific dining facilities mentioned within the brewery itself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The brewery itself has an elegant appearance, and its location within the historic Takehara Kaido Preservation Area offers numerous picturesque spots for photography. Reddit

The historic streetscape of Takehara City, with its traditional buildings and canals, provides a beautiful backdrop. The brewery's architecture also offers unique photographic potential. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Taketsuru Sake Brewery (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide