Houzan Sake Brewery

Houzan Sake Brewery, established in the 18th year of the Meiji era (1885), is known for its "Daiginjo Houzan", which won the Gold Prize at the "Spring National Variety Appraisal Meeting". The brewery is located along the route connecting Iwamuro Onsen, known as the "back parlor of Niigata", and Yahiko Shrine, proud of its status as "Echigo Ichinomiya". The brewery is known for its innovative approach to sake brewing, not only using popular Yamada Nishiki rice and locally grown Niigata rice "Koshi Tanrei", but also taking on the challenge of making sake with Koshihikari, a type of rice usually considered unsuitable for sake brewing.

The brewery offers free public tours of the sake brewing process throughout the year (reservation required). Visitors can see the brewing process in the brewery that has been in use since its establishment and enjoy tasting fresh, pre-distribution sake in a Japanese-style room overlooking the garden after the tour. Not only can visitors taste fresh sake before it hits the market, but they can also hear interesting stories about sake and useful tips on how to enjoy it from the brewery owner, which has become a topic of conversation. The popularity of the tour is evident in the fact that about 16,000 people visit each year. Amazake (sweet, low-alcohol sake) is also provided for those who are driving, so you can rest assured. The brewery also has a sales corner where visitors can purchase their favorite products after the tour and tasting.