Sake Brewery Tour at Matsuoka Brewery
Unlocking the Secrets of Sake!
More than 1.5H from Tokyo
The taste of sake depends on many factors, and Matsuoka Brewery's Mikadomatsu sake largely depends on two vital ingredients: the mineral-rich natural water of Ogawa-machi, which is perfectly suited for sake brewing; and rice carefully curated from all over Japan. This is combined with the superior talent handed down over generations of brewers.
On this brewery tour, you can observe the meticulous sake-making process and taste the aromatic and delicious brews of Matsuoka Brewery.
*Children can instead enjoy the high-quality mineral-rich water used to brew sake, drawn from 130 meters underground.
Matsuoka Brewery has achieved the remarkable feat of winning gold at the National New Sake Competition for eight consecutive years. The key to this reputation lies in their process, which includes utilizing Japan's finest hard water, renowned for its suitability in sake production; together with a curated selection of rice varieties sourced from across the country. Employing artisanal techniques, these rice grains undergo careful polishing, while the fermentation process is rigorously controlled, drawing upon years of expertise. The culmination of these efforts results in sake imbued with a rich bouquet and exquisite flavor profile.
Attached to the brewery is also a direct sales shop, letting visitors purchase Mikadomatsu, Matsuoka Brewery's flagship brand, straight from the brewery. The shop also has tastings, encouraging one to immerse themselves in its distinct flavors and depths, as well as other enticing offerings like daiginjo sake ice cream and amazake.
Located within the brewery’s garden is the restaurant Shofuan, which serves cuisine unique to the brewery using sake, brewing water, koji, and sake lees. Renovated from a storehouse that dates back 100 years, guests can enjoy a leisurely meal while admiring the Japanese-style garden. The restaurant's Japanese cuisine embodies the flavors of the four seasons, and is paired with fresh sake.
Address
7-2 Oaza Shimofurutera, Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama 355-0326
Access Information
By Car:
15-minute drive from the Ranzan-Ogawa IC
Parking available (approx. 100 vehicles)
By Train:
25-minute walk from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu-Tojo Line and JR Line
(5 minutes by taxi)
By Bicycle:
10-minute ride from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu-Tojo Line and JR Line
Bicycle racks available
Phone number
0493-72-1234
Official URL
Business hours
Brewery: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM weekdays only
Direct sales shop: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (also open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Regular holidays and closed days
Brewery: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Direct sales shop: 1-3 January
Charges
Free admission to the brewery
Parking Information
Free parking available
