Murashige Shuzo (村重酒造株式会社)
Murashige Shuzo is a sake brewery in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, that brews with subterranean water from the Nishiki River and makes brands such as Kinkan Kuromatsu.
What kind of brewery is Murashige Shuzo?
The brewery's predecessor, Morinoi Shuzo, was founded in the early Meiji period, and Murashige Shuzo took it over in 1951 (Showa 26). Under the motto of quality first, it has kept to handcrafted brewing. It moved the brewery in search of good water and now sits in the hills about 5 km upstream of Kintai Bridge. Brewing runs from mashing to pressing in a refrigerated environment, in small lots by a small team.
- Water
- The brewing water comes from the on-site Ganryu well, subterranean water of the Nishiki River, and is very soft.
- Ingredients
- Mainly uses Yamaguchi-grown rice, including Yamadanishiki from contract farmers in the prefecture.
- Yeast
- It is taking on a new challenge using Kyokai No. 8 yeast.
Can you visit Murashige Shuzo?
- Tours
A mini tour of about one hour starts from 500 yen (excl. tax), with screenings from 10:00 to 16:00; groups under 3 or of 10 or more must book two weeks ahead.
- Shop
The shop is open 10:00 to 17:00 (from June 1, 2026) and closed January 1 to 3.
- Tasting & food
A cafe is also inside the shop.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Other brewery tours in Yamaguchi
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: murashige-sake.co.jp