Yamaguchi, a Sake Region where Unique Breweries Resonate

Experience the rich history, pure water, and distinctive craftsmanship that shape Yamaguchi’s sake culture.

Yamaguchi Prefecture, located at the western tip of Honshu, is known for its beautiful coastline, tranquil landscapes, and historically charming tourist destinations. The region is also home to a remarkable sake culture that continues to gain recognition both within Japan and abroad.

Thanks to its pristine water sources, clean mountain air, and dedication to traditional craftsmanship, Yamaguchi has become a destination where sake brewing thrives. The area’s breweries range from world-renowned names to small, long-standing family operations. Each produces sake with a distinct character, shaped by the local environment and generations of expertise.

This guide will introduce you to the prefecture’s most notable breweries, explain what makes each one unique, and help you plan your visit to this emerging destination for sake lovers.

Explore sake breweries in eastern and northern Yamaguchi Prefecture

The eastern and northern parts of Yamaguchi Prefecture are home to several well-known sake breweries. These areas are surrounded by mountains and rivers, creating the ideal conditions for producing high-quality sake. 

Dassai – A global favorite with a smooth finish

Dassai, located in Iwakuni City, is one of Japan's most well-known sake brands. The brewery uses highly polished rice and mountain spring water to create a clean, fruity flavour. This sake is known for being smooth and easy to drink, even for those new to Japanese sake.

Dassai gained international attention when it was presented as a gift from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to President Barack Obama. It is often served in wine glasses to highlight its aroma and is popular among sake enthusiasts worldwide. Visitors can tour the brewery and learn more about the production process.

Address: 2167-4 Shūtōmachi Osogoe, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 742-0422, Japan

Operating hours: In-store sales are available daily from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Brewery tours are held twice a day—at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—and require advance reservations with an additional fee. (English guides are available.)

Contact information: +81-827-86-0800

How to get there: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or approximately 40-60 minutes by taxi from Tokuyama Station or Shin-Iwakuni Station. 

Horie Brewing Co., Ltd. – A fruity and refreshing introduction to sake

Horie Brewing is located in the quiet town of Nishiki in Iwakuni. It is known for producing "Kinsuzume," a sake with a fresh, muscat-like aroma and a mellow flavour. This sake is a good choice for beginners, as it is smooth and easy to enjoy.

It has won multiple awards and is known as a difficult-to-obtain sake. While brewery tours are not available, you can purchase sake directly at the store. 

Address: (Sales Shop) 6746-1 Hirose, Nishikimachi, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 740-0724, Japan

Operating hours: Business hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The shop is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Contact information: +81-827-72-2527

How to get there: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or approximately 1 hour by Nishikigawa Railway from Iwakuni Station to Nishiki Station, then approximately 3 minutes on foot from Nishiki Station.

Sumikawa Sake Brewery Inc. – A single-brand sake with a heartfelt story

Sumikawa Sake Brewery is located in Hagi City, known for its historical townscape and castle ruins. This brewery exclusively produces the "Toyo Bijin" brand.

The brewery uses rice that enhances the sake's natural sweetness and umami. Although the facility is not generally open for tours or shoppers, its story and careful approach to brewing make it worth knowing about. Sumikawa recovered from a major flood in 2013 and remains a respected name in the region.

Address: 611 Oaza Nakaogawa, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-3203, Japan

Operating hours: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brewery tours are not available, but sake is sold at the shop.
Closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays.

Contact information: +81-838-74-0001

How to get there: It is a 2-hour drive from Yamaguchi Ube Airport and a 60-minute drive from the city center.

Wander through sake breweries in central Yamaguchi

The central region of Yamaguchi includes cities such as Ube, Mine, and Yamaguchi City. Here, you’ll find breweries that blend modern techniques with a strong connection to nature. 

Ohmine Shuzou Co., Ltd. – A stylish sake using mystical spring water

Ohmine Shuzou is based in Mine City and uses water from the "Mystical Water of Beppu Benten Pond," a natural spring known for its purity. This brewery produces a modern-style sake called "Ohmine," with a lower alcohol content and a well-balanced flavour.

The brand is popular among younger sake fans and often collaborates with artists and fashion labels. Visitors can also enjoy a café on site that serves coffee made with brewing water and cheesecake made from sake 

Address: 2585-2 Beppu, Shuhocho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 754-0603, Japan

Operating hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact information: +81-837-64-0700

How to get there: About 50 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport. Take a bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Mine City (approx. 45 mins), or, if not staying in Mine, take a short taxi to the brewery, as it's not within walking distance of a station.

Shintani Sake brewery Co., Ltd. – A family-run brewery with award-winning sake

Shintani Sake brewery is located in Tokuji, Yamaguchi City. It is a small, family-run brewery led by Fumiko Shintani, a former nurse who now serves as the head brewer. The brewery produces "Wakamusume," a sake known for its rich umami and clean finish.

They focus entirely on Junmai and Genshu types of sake, meaning they use only rice, water, and koji, without dilution. It has received numerous awards at international sake competitions.

Address: 1673‑1 Hori, Tokuji, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747‑0231, Japan

Operating hours: Direct sales shop: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). Brewery tours are not available.

Contact information: +81-835-52-0016 

How to get there: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or by taxi from Yamaguchi City (difficult to reach on foot from the station). 

Nagayamahonke Shuzojo Co., Ltd. – A sake that reflects local rice and water

Nagayamahonke Shuzojo based in Ube City, has been in operation since 1888. They produce the "Taka" label using a domaine-style approach. That means they grow their own rice and handle the full brewing process in-house.

The brewery uses mineral-rich water from the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau and nearby mountains. Their sake is known for its sharp acidity and deep rice flavour, making it a favourite among those who enjoy full-bodied varieties.

Address: 138 Kurumaji, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759‑0133, Japan

Operating hours: Sake tasting is available year-round at the share café on the second floor.
(Futamatase Coffee) Open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Igual Coffee) Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brewery tours are held irregularly; please check the website for details.

Contact information: +81-836-62-0088

How to get there: About 50 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport.

Discover sake breweries in western Yamaguchi

The western side of Yamaguchi Prefecture offers a different flavor of sake exploration. This region is known for its coastal charm, historical connections, and innovative brewing styles.

Choshu Sake Brewery Corp. – Where tradition meets innovation

Choshu Sake Brewery is located in the peaceful town of Kikugawa in Shimonoseki. It carries on the 150-year legacy of the former Kodama Shuzō while also embracing modern sake-making techniques. This local favorite is best known for "Tenbi," a smooth and elegant sake that was selected as the in-flight beverage for JAL Domestic First Class in 2022. In 2025, it will also be featured in the JAL First Class Lounge, adding to its prestige.

Although the brewery is not currently open for tours or tastings, it is still worth a visit for those interested in the evolution of Yamaguchi’s sake tradition. Bottles are available for purchase on-site, and you’ll find limited-edition varieties that reflect the brewery’s deep connection to the region’s rice and water.

Address: 72 Oaza Yoshika, Kikugawa-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 750-0316, Japan

Operating hours: Brewery tours and the café are currently closed. At present, only sake sales are available, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.

Contact information: +81-832-87-0165

How to get there: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or 1 hour and 15 minutes to Shimonoseki Station by shuttle bus operated by Shimonoseki Sanden Taxi, then approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Ozuki Station. 

Shimonoseki Shuzou Co., Ltd. – Blend your own bottle of Japanese sake

Shimonoseki Shuzou offers something truly special for those who want a deeper connection to Japanese culture. Here, you can take part in a hands-on sake blending experience that transforms you from a curious visitor into a sake creator. The brewery is located in a historic building that has stood for over 100 years and serves as the perfect setting for this immersive journey.

Your experience begins with a guided tour of the brewery, followed by a sake lesson led by a knowledgeable sommelier. You’ll learn how sake is made, how to read Japanese labels, and how different flavor profiles come to life. Then comes the most exciting part.  You'll taste four varieties of sake and blend them to match your personal taste. Whether you prefer something sweet, dry, or rich in umami, your final bottle will be completely your own.

This experience is a memorable way to engage with Japanese craftsmanship. It’s ideal for travelers who want to do more than just taste sake and would love to take home something truly one of a kind.

Address: 8-23 Hatabu Miyanoshita-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 751-0829, Japan

Operating hours: Open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed weekends and holidays).

Contact information: +81-832-52-1877

How to get there: Approximately 1 hour by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or 1 hour and 15 minutes to Shimonoseki Station by shuttle bus operated by Shimonoseki Sanden Taxi, or approximately 10 minutes on foot from Hatabu Station. 

How to get to Yamaguchi

You can fly from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) to Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ) in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take the bullet train from Tokyo to Shin-Yamaguchi, which takes roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Taste the flavors of Yamaguchi

Ready to explore the rich sake culture of Yamaguchi for yourself? From historic breweries to unforgettable tasting experiences, this region has something for every curious traveler. Make your journey seamless by booking with the JAL Japan Explorer Pass and discover more of Japan with ease.