Sugita Shuzo (杉田酒造株式会社)
Sugita Shuzo is a sake brewery in Kamiizumi, Oyama, Tochigi, pressing all of its sake from regular grades to daiginjo with the Sase-style tank press; Yuto Masamune is its flagship brand. It was founded in 1873.
What kind of brewery is Sugita Shuzo?
In 1873 the first generation, Fusakichi Sugita, moved from the Chuetsu area of Niigata to Kamiizumi in Oyama and began brewing there, drawn by the quality of the water. The brewery has continued for five generations under the motto of not sparing effort in brewing. The fifth generation aims to make sake that goes well with meals. The brewing water is groundwater from the Nikko mountain range.
- Water
- Brewing water is groundwater from the Nikko mountain range.
- Style
- All sake, from regular to daiginjo, is pressed with the Sase-style tank press.
- Master brewer
- The Nanbu toji, a first-class sake brewing technician, handles brewery visits.
Can you visit Sugita Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are by reservation only and free of charge. The guide is often away, so contact the brewery beforehand.
- Tasting & foodNot offered
No tasting is offered.
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: sugitasyuzou.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). Brewing year 2019 had no final judging, so no gold prizes.