Kimura Shuzo (株式会社木村酒造)
Kimura Shuzo is a brewery in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, making sake and shochu, with the Fukukomachi brand. It has operated since the early Edo period. It was founded in 1615.
What kind of brewery is Kimura Shuzo?
In 1615 a family linked to Kimura Shigenari, a senior retainer of the Toyotomi clan, began brewing here using the local land's resources. The brewery grew alongside stable rice farming in the Edo period and the busy Innai silver mine in the domain era. After the Ouu Main Line opened in 1905, it began shipping outside the prefecture. It relies on handcrafted methods without major automation and opens its brewery to visitors.
Can you visit Kimura Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are by reservation only, requested by phone or email at least three business days ahead. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, with morning and afternoon slots, and about 40 minutes long. Tours pause during the brewing season from October.
- Shop
The shop is open weekdays only, 9:00 to 16:00.
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: fukukomachi.com
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 9 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 6.
- Prize (nyusho)福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
- Prize (nyusho)福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
- Prize (nyusho)福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
- Gold prize福小町PDF
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.