Saijotsuru Jozo (西條鶴醸造株式会社)
Saijotsuru Jozo is a small sake brewery in Saijo, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, that makes the Saijotsuru sake. Founded in 1904, it brews in buildings that keep a Meiji-era look.
- Makes
- Sake
- Japan Sake Awards
- 2 prizes
Where to buy
What kind of brewery is it?
Ichimatsu Inomoto founded the brewery in 1904 and named the brand by combining the place name Saijo with the auspicious crane (tsuru). The original brewery buildings and main house, still in use, were registered as national Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2016. From the 2006 brewing season, after the previous toji retired, the brewery dropped seasonal toji and moved to brewing with its own employees. Today the owner joins the winter brewing, and the whole team works together rather than dividing the processes.
What makes it distinct
- Master brewer
- Mitsuyoshi Miyaji became toji at age 38 and brews in the Hiroshima toji tradition.
- Style
- The brewery aims for sake that pairs with Hiroshima food, blending classic Hiroshima flavor with a modern touch.
- Also
- The toji lets the moromi ferment slowly on its own, without sudden temperature changes.
Visiting
- Tours
- Shop
The Sakagura Monogatari tour runs every Saturday and Sunday at 14:00 for about 45 minutes, 2,200 yen, up to 6 people per tour, booked through the Discover Higashihiroshima form. The on-site shop is open 11:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and on weekends and holidays (irregular closures on weekends and holidays), with tastings and brewery-only sake.
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: saijotsuru.co.jp
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 2 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025.
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).