Kawashima Shuzo (川島酒造株式会社)
Kawashima Shuzo is a brewery in Shinasahi, Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, making the sake Matsunohana. It has been making sake on the western shore of Lake Biwa since its founding in 1865.
What kind of brewery is Kawashima Shuzo?
Founded in 1865 (Keio 1), the brewery took its name Matsunohana from old pine trees felled to build the brewhouse, a loss the founders felt deeply. A building from the founding period still stands, and the area around it is designated an important cultural landscape. The brewery continues to make sake in its lakeside setting and says it wishes to remain a keeper of local culture.
- Ingredients
- A special junmai sake is made with 100% Shiga-grown sake rice Tamaei.
- Water
- The brewing water is soft water drawn from about 12 meters underground, which some drinkers find gives a slightly sweet taste.
- Master brewer
- The toji is introduced as a Noto toji.
- Style
- The sake aims for few quirks, with flavor and an easy-drinking character.
- Other
- Brewing starts around November in winter and runs until March.
Can you visit Kawashima Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are by reservation, from 9:00 to 16:00 (not 12:00 to 13:00); request by phone.
- Shop
The front direct-sales shop offers purchases and tastings, and a rest area in a converted old brewhouse next to it serves meals and sake by reservation.
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: sake-kawashima.co.jp