Joetsu Shuzo (上越酒造株式会社)
Joetsu Shuzo is a sake brewery in Joetsu, Niigata, founded in 1804. It brews gentle sake using well water and equipment that allows year-round brewing.
What kind of brewery is Joetsu Shuzo?
The brewery was founded in 1804 and has continued for over 200 years. Brewing was suspended in 1944 during the Second World War and resumed in 1956 as Joetsu Shuzo Co., Ltd. In 2021 it became a subsidiary of Nihon Toter Co., Ltd. through a business transfer, and the fundamentals of brewing were passed down directly from the previous president, who was the toji. New equipment was introduced in 2022, partly automated, aiming for stable quality throughout the year.
- Water
- The well water used here since long ago never runs dry and underlies the gentle taste of the sake.
- Style
- The sake is mild in character, with a gentle flavor and soft mouthfeel.
- Other
- Automated temperature control enables year-round brewing in small batches so fresh sake can be shipped. Rice steaming, koji making and fermentation still rely on human hands and intuition.
Can you visit Joetsu Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are by reservation; the tour is free and tasting is charged. Group tours are available.
- Tasting & food
It takes about 60 minutes (20-30 minutes touring, 30-40 minutes tasting). Closed during Obon, the year-end and New Year holidays, and some irregular days.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Other brewery tours in Niigata
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: joetsu-shuzo.com