Chitosezakari Shuzo (千歳盛酒造株式会社)
Chitosezakari Shuzo is a sake brewery in Kazuno, Akita Prefecture, producing sake under the Chitosezakari brands and also making liqueurs. It was founded in 1872.
What kind of brewery is Chitosezakari Shuzo?
The brewery began in 1872, first making doburoku for local people. The name Chitose was given by the first-generation founder, Tamura Mosuke, in hope of long life, and in 1922 the character for prosperity was added to make Chitosezakari. After wartime consolidation, postwar upheaval and changes of company name, it continues brewing in Kazuno as Chitosezakari Shuzo. Sake making in Kazuno traces back to the Sekizen sake shop, founded in 1856.
- Water
- The brewing water is natural subterranean water from the Shirasu plateau behind the brewery.
- Style
- The brewery follows the Akita-style long, low-temperature fermentation.
- Ingredients
- Mainly local Akita rice is used, with Hyogo-grown Yamada Nishiki for some ginjo sake.
- Other
- The brewhouse is a semi-underground structure on a slope, used for small-batch brewing. The Osarizawa mine tunnels stay at a steady 13°C and are used to age sake.
Can you visit Chitosezakari Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are offered, including the semi-underground brewhouse. Apply by phone or through the inquiry form.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: chitosezakari.jp
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 5 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 2.
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association). Brewing year 2019 had no final judging, so no gold prizes.