Sagara Shuzo (株式会社相良酒造)
Sagara Shuzo is a sake brewery in Iwafune, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, founded in 1831 and brewing the Asahisakae, Tosho and Mikamoyama brands.
What kind of brewery is Sagara Shuzo?
The brewery was founded in 1831 by Yohei Sagara under the trade name Shimizuya. Born in Kariwa District of Echigo Province, he is said to have searched for water suited to his ideal sake and settled on the present site, taking over the Sagara Hikoshiro name to begin brewing. Before incorporation it operated as Sagara Yohei Shoten, and its house mark and family crest of plum blossom are still carried on. The company was established in 1954.
- Water
- Brewing water is subterranean flow from the Nikko mountains welling up on the grounds, soft at 33 mg/l hardness.
- Ingredients
- Mainly Tochigi-grown rice is used, with Asahi no Yume, Gohyakumangoku and Yumesasara chosen to suit the intended style.
- Yeast
- Several Tochigi yeast strains are used, varying by brand.
- Other
- Sake is bottled quickly to keep its fresh character and held in an ice-temperature storage room until shipping.
Can you visit Sagara Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are available only outside the brewing season and require advance booking (not during October to April). Mikamoyama is sold at the brewery only when no retailer is nearby; Asahisakae and Tosho are not sold there.
- ShopOffered
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Other brewery tours in Tochigi
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: asahisakae.com