To most people, Tokyo is just another big city full of skyscrapers. However, in this concrete jungle, there are still spectacular mountains and waters where some exceptional long-standing sake breweries can be found. One of them is Tamura Brewery, which has already had almost 200 years of history and is so beautiful that even the former Japan’s emperor visited them in 2016. So, what are so special about this brewery? Saketora has visited them previously and let us show you their history and each attraction.
Small Business Who Focuses on Quality Rather than Quantity
Small Business Who Focuses on
Quality Rather than Quantity
Established since 1822, Tamura Brewery is situated in Fussa City, west of Tokyo, which was surrounded by grain field in the 19th century, making the first generation decide to start their brewing business here. Throughout the years, they have always focused on quality rather than quantity, and now the brewing team is just comprised of 4 members. Due to the small production, even their most popular Junmai Daiginjo has only 400 bottles being released each year.
What’s special about Tamura Brewery is that they have been pursuing a crisp and clean style, so they have completely abandoned the brewing method of Yamahai or Kimoto for years. Overall, their sake is fruit-forward and floral, especially suitable for those who like fresh and fruity flavors.
To create a crisp and clean texture, the brewery pays a lot of attention to the brewing equipment. In order to better control the activity of yeast, they have all their tanks tailor-made and attached with standing legs. It is particularly designed small in size so that oxidation can be minimized during maturation period.
There is a well inside the brewery. All sake of Tamura Brewery is brewed with this spring water running from the Okutama River, Chichibu. Medium-hard, it has led to a firm structure of their sake. To show their gratitude to the spring water, they have even named their brand as “Kasen”, which means “Spring of Happiness”.
Many historical constructions can be found in the brewery, with some even dating back to 1820s. Well preserved, they are recognized as the tangible cultural heritage by the Japan’s government. With such a spectacular landscape, even the former Japan’s emperor visited their brewery in 2016.
Before leaving, you should drop by their small showroom which exhibits the photographs of the emperor’s visit and all their sake. If interested, you may even purchase in their office near the entrance!
