<p>Within in the grounds of the brewery, this building is open to the public.</p>

Within in the grounds of the brewery, this building is open to the public. (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Hokkaido's Otokoyama Sake Brewery

340 years of history in Asahikawa

Sandra Isaka Dec 08, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Within in the grounds of the brewery, this building is open to the public.</p>

<p>Visitors can take a look at the sake making process.</p>

<p>The brewery is open everyday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, last entry is at 4:30pm.</p>

<p>Some of the museum exhibits have English explanations.</p>

<p>Pamphlets are available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.</p>

<p>The tasting room. There is usually an English-speaking staff member here to assist non-Japanese visitors.</p>

<p>The brewery is about 15 minutes by taxi from the center of Asahikawa Station or 30 minutes from Asahikawa airport. There is also a bus stop nearby.</p>

<p>As long as you are not driving, purchase some sake and enjoy it while overlooking the lovely Japanese garden.</p>

<p>In addition to these gourds, a variety of flowers bloom in the garden from May to September.</p>

For anyone with an interest in Japanese sake, the Otokoyama Sake Brewery, in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is a must see. With a history spanning over 340 years, the brewery's sake was a favorite of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was even depicted in works by one of Japan's most famous Ukiyoe masters, Utamaro. As you enter the Otokoyama property, a lovely Japanese garden welcomes you. Inside the brewery are large glass windows where you can view production facilities, and there is a museum dedicated to the art of making sake. Of course, there is also a sake tasting room and gift shop.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.