A journey to savor the diverse alcoholic beverages of Okayama| Sake, brewery tours, wine, and souvenirs

Okayama , the birthplace of the sake rice " Omachi (Sake Rice) ," is a region where you can enjoy a wide variety of sake, including unique Japanese sake, fruit-based alcoholic beverages, craft beers, and wines. From brewery tours that showcase the dedication to rice cultivation and brewing, to meals that pair well with sake and cuisine, and souvenir shopping, we introduce the charm of Okayama's alcoholic beverages.

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Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!

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• Table of Contents
• Okayama's sake is nurtured by "good rice," "good water," and "good techniques."
• Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice, which was once called the "phantom sake rice."
• Japanese sake breweries
• Winery and brewery
• Shops where you can buy sake from Okayama

Okayama's sake is nurtured by "good rice," "good water," and "good techniques."

The foundation of Okayama's sake lies in its high-quality rice and water, and the brewing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Okayama is a production area for "sake rice," which is suitable for sake brewing, and among them, " Omachi (Sake Rice) ," which originated in Okayama , is used by sake breweries all over Japan. Each brewery uses different rice, brewing water, and brewing methods, resulting in unique characteristics in the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of their sake.

The enjoyment of alcoholic beverages in Okayama isn't limited to sake. Wines and liqueurs that make the most of fruit flavors are also produced. For example, Tsuji Honten's "Yuzu Sake" is a drink made by combining sake with yuzu juice from Kumenan-cho , Okayama Prefecture Kumenan Town . It can be enjoyed chilled on its own, or on the rocks or mixed with soda.

Choosing a sake set made from Bizen Pottery , a traditional craft of Okayama , is another pleasure of traveling. Pay attention to the texture of the clay, the shape of the vessel, and how it feels in your hands, and try to find your favorite sake and sake set.

References: JA Zen- Omachi (Sake Rice)- Explanation of Miyashita Brewery, Miyashita Sake Brewery - Brewery and brewing water , Tsuji Honten - Yuzu sake

Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association

Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice, which was once called the "phantom sake rice."

Omachi (Sake Rice) is a sake rice variety that originated in Okayama Prefecture and was discovered in 1859. It is also the root variety of sake rice varieties that are widely used today, such as Yamada Nishiki and Gohyakumangoku.

Because it grows tall and is difficult to cultivate, production once dropped significantly, and it came to be known as the "phantom sake rice." However, production recovered thanks to the demand from brewers, and it is now used in sake breweries all over Japan.

Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice is appealing for its full-bodied flavor and the rich umami of the rice. The impression changes depending on the degree of rice polishing and the brewing method, so you can enjoy the differences between breweries and brands. When choosing sake in Okayama, be sure to pay attention to the name of the rice used for brewing written on the label.

In search of the legendary Omachi (Sake Rice)~ Bizen Okayama~

Japanese sake breweries

The activities you can enjoy, such as tours, meals, and shopping, vary depending on the facility. If you wish to take a tour, please check the information provided by each facility for dates and reservation methods before you go.

Miyashita Brewery(Sake Workshop Doppokan) | Okayama City

Founded in 1915, Miyashita Brewery produces a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including the sake "Kiwami Hijiri," the craft beer "Doppo," and whiskey.

The adjacent "Sake Workshop Doppo-kan" houses a restaurant and shop where you can enjoy pairing sake with food and choose souvenirs. Factory tours require advance reservations, and different tours with varying locations and tasting contents are available. The ability to choose a tour based on your interests is another attractive feature.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Nishigawa -Shujitsu Station, which is one stop from JR Okayama Station, this facility is easily accessible by public transportation.

Sake Factory Doppokan

703-8258 185-1 Nishikawara, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

A facility with a restaurant and shop run by Miyashita Sake Brewery, which has a history of over 100 years. You can taste around 10 types of craft beer freshly brewed, or buy a bottle as a souvenir. Along with beer, you can also enjoy the fantastic sake made from Omachi rice. Those wishing to tour the sake brewery (takes approximately 30 minutes) must make a reservation in advance.

Okayama Korakuen Garden is a great place to visit along with Miyashita Brewery (Doppo-kan).

Okayama Korakuen Garden , one of Three Great Gardens of Japan , is a daimyo garden built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of the Okayama domain. You can stroll through the spacious lawns, ponds, and gardens adorned with seasonal flowers. Why not combine a visit to the garden with a meal or shopping at Doppokan and enjoy the history and food culture of Okayama City?

Okayama Korakuen Garden

703-8257 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

A large garden built by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second lord of the Okayama domain, as a place for relaxation. The spacious garden, decorated with seasonal flowers, is a different world just like the Edo period. In 1952, it was designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” as a historical and cultural heritage site, and received a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Various events are held throughout the four seasons, such as tea gathering and moon viewing, and for a limited time, you can enjoy the ``Fantasy Garden,'' which is specially opened at night and lights up the garden in a different way than during the day. Volunteer guides (free of charge) are also popular with tourists.

Akaiwa Brewery | Akaiwa City

Founded in 1923, Akaiwa Brewery is a sake brewery that produces the sake "Momonosato" using local Omachi (Sake Rice) rice and Asahi rice. They are particular about the rice steaming process and continue to brew sake using traditional Japanese kettles and koshiki (rice steaming tools).

The brewery tour, which requires reservations, allows you to see the traditional Japanese kettles still in use, and you can also sample and purchase sake. Learning about the ingredients, tools, and the ingenuity of the brewers will broaden your enjoyment of Japanese sake.

Akaiwa Brewing Co., Ltd.

Marumoto Brewery | Asakuchi City

Founded in 1867, Marumoto Sake Brewery is a sake brewery that is involved in everything from rice cultivation. They produce sake using rice grown on their own farm, and value the connection between the rice used as raw material and the sake brewing process.

This historic building, registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, still produces sake today. It's a place where you'll want to appreciate not only the taste of the sake but also the rich history of the brewery that has been passed down through generations. If you wish to visit, please inquire about their availability in advance.

Marumoto Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.

Tsuji Honten (Gozenshu/NISHIKURA) | Maniwa City

Founded in 1804, Tsuji Honten is the brewery of "Gozenshu" sake located in Katsuyama , Maniwa City . Maiko Tsuji, who became the master brewer in 2007, is in charge of sake brewing, and currently uses 100% Omachi (Sake Rice) from Okayama Prefecture . The brewery also uses its own unique "Bodaimoto" brewing method to bring out the individuality of Omachi (Sake Rice).

"NISHIKURA," housed in a historic sake brewery, features the brewery's direct-sales shop "SUMIYA" and the Nishigura Restaurant," where you can purchase sake and enjoy a meal. It's also recommended to visit in conjunction with a stroll through the townscape of Katsuyama.

Tsuji Main Store (Nishikura)

Winery and brewery

Hiruzen Winery| Maniwa City

Hiruzen Winery , located in the Hiruzen-kogen Heights , produces wine using wild grapes. At the attached shop, "Coagne," you can sample and purchase wines, allowing you to find a bottle that suits your taste.

The restaurant and cafe offers dishes made with local ingredients and wine, as well as wild grape juice. It's a convenient place to stop by for shopping and a break during your sightseeing in Hiruzen.

Hiruzen Winery

1205-32 Hiruzen Kamifukuda, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture 710-0602

A shop, restaurant and cafe are attached to the wine brewing facility. Shop ``Koanier'' carries a selection of carefully selected products, including our own wines and confitures. The restaurant and cafe offers lunch plates made with plenty of local ingredients, Jersey beef curry, wild grape soft serve ice cream, and more. There is also a space where you can see the storage room and bottling process through glass.

Kirin Beer Okayama Factory

Kirin Beer's Okayama Factory is hosting the "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Taste Experience Tour." Participants can learn about the ingredients and manufacturing process, and enjoy a beer tasting after the factory tour.

The tour takes approximately 75 minutes. Advance online reservations and payment are required, and the tour is conducted in Japanese. Depending on the operating status of the production line, the tour may be conducted via video. Please check the official website for fees, dates, and participation requirements.

Kirin Beer Okayama Factory

Shops where you can buy sake from Okayama

Even if you don't have time to visit a sake brewery, you can find sake at Okayama Momotaro Airport, JR Okayama Station, and commercial facilities in central Okayama City. Please use this service for souvenir shopping before you travel or for shopping while strolling around the city. The brands and stocks available vary depending on the store and time of year.

Okayama Momotaro Airport

At the Tenmaya Airport Shop on the second floor of the terminal building, you can purchase local sake, wine, and other specialty products from Okayama. It's a convenient place to choose souvenirs when using the airport.

Okayama Airport

1277 Nichioji, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 701-1131

Okayama Airport (Okayama Airport) is a locally managed airport located in Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. The nickname is "Okayama Momotaro Airport". It is located 15 km northwest of the center of Okayama City.

JR Okayama Station

"Sun Station Sun Station Terrace Okayama," directly connected to the station, features a souvenir shop called "Omiyage Kaido" that sells local sake. Since you can choose sake and Okayama sweets and food items together, it's convenient for shopping while waiting for your train.

Okayama station

700-0024 1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Tenmaya Okayama Main Store

This department store is located in Omotecho, in the heart of Okayama City. While you're browsing the food floor in the basement, be sure to look for some Okayama sake. It's a convenient stop during a stroll through the Omotecho Shopping Street or while sightseeing in the city.

Tenmaya Okayama main store

2-1-1 Omotemachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8625

Located near Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan, and boasting a history spanning back 189 years Tenmaya is a respected, Okayama-original department store loved by local residents. This convenient shopping destination offers everything from leading brands from around the world to Okayama Prefecture’s own fruit, cosmetics, clothing, daily goods, and food. Tenmaya also offers one-stop tax exemption counters (5F and B1F) that cover not only the department store but also some 30 stores in nearby Omotecho Shopping Street, making it easy for visitors to receive their tax exemptions for all their shopping all at once. Shop to your heart’s content at Okayama’s famous shopping mall and department store!

AEON MALL Okayama

This is a commercial facility near JR Okayama Station where you can enjoy shopping and dining. Inside the building, Aeon Style Okayama has a liquor section on the first floor. You can look for alcoholic beverages as souvenirs while doing your other shopping.

AEON MALL Okayama

1-2-1 Shimoishii, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-0907

*Please note that the dates, content, operating hours, and product availability of the tours may change. Please check the official information of each facility before visiting.