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A Sake Brewery with Over 360 Years of History in Otsuki City
Otsuki City in Yamanashi Prefecture. Located about 90 minutes from Tokyo, this quiet town near the base of Mt. Fuji is home to a sake brewery that has been drawing attention from sake enthusiasts. The name is “Sasaichi Sake Brewery.” Since its founding in 1661, Sasaichi Sake Brewery has been preserving traditional brewing techniques while continuously innovating to meet modern demands, making it a well-known secret among sake lovers.
In this article, we delve into the charm of Sasaichi Sake Brewery. From the historical atmosphere of the brewery, the meticulous brewing methods, to the exquisite taste of their sake. As a lover of Yamanashi’s local sake and tourism, we invite you to discover the appeal of Sasaichi Sake Brewery.
The History of Sasaichi Sake Brewery: Masterful Techniques Passed Down from the Edo Period to the Reiwa Era
The history of Sasaichi Sake Brewery dates back to 1661. For over 360 years, it has been dedicated to the art of sake brewing, rooted in the local community.
Through the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and now Reiwa eras, Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s passion for sake brewing has remained unchanged. They not only preserve tradition but also continuously embrace new challenges to meet the needs and technological advancements of each era.
For example, in recent years, they have focused on developing fruity and mellow sake to appeal to younger generations and women. Additionally, they produce wine alongside sake.
The Commitment of Sasaichi Sake Brewery: Supreme Sake Nurtured by Yamanashi’s Nature
The secret behind the supreme taste of Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s sake lies in its brewing water. This lifeline of sake brewing is none other than the famous “Gozen Water” from the sacred Mt. Fuji.
The name “Gozen Water” originates from its purity and high quality, once esteemed as the water offered to the imperial family. This precious water, sourced from Mt. Fuji, enhances its mystical and valuable nature.
The snowmelt from Mt. Fuji slowly passes through the earth over many years, accumulating rich minerals before being drawn from Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s well. This water, with its mellow and soft characteristics, imparts a unique flavor to their sake.
The skilled brewers at Sasaichi Sake Brewery carefully craft sake to maximize the potential of this “Gozen Water” from Mt. Fuji. The resulting sake captures the purity of the water and the blessings of the earth, creating a harmonious melody on the palate with every sip.
This unique taste, which Sasaichi Sake Brewery has been able to produce thanks to its deep connection with the local region and the blessings of Mt. Fuji, is truly an artistic masterpiece of sake. Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s sake is a supreme brew, a fusion of the sacred Mt. Fuji’s mystery and Japan’s sake brewing tradition.
The Three Famous Sakes of Sasaichi Sake Brewery: Supreme Flavors Woven by the Blessings of Mt. Fuji
Sasaichi Sake Brewery uses Gozen Water from the sacred Mt. Fuji and carefully selected rice grown in Yamanashi Prefecture to produce three distinctive sakes. Here, we introduce the rich aroma and deep flavors that each sake brings.
Sasaichi Junmai: Harmony of Refreshing Acidity and Mellow Umami
“Sasaichi Junmai” is crafted entirely with rice grown in Yamanashi Prefecture and brewed with Gozen Water from Mt. Fuji. It features a gentle aroma with a perfect balance of refreshing acidity and mellow umami. Its clean and crisp finish makes it a popular choice as a sake to enjoy with various dishes.
The rice is polished to a 65% ratio, and the alcohol content is between 15 and 16 degrees, bringing out the distinctive features of this Junmai sake. It is a flagship product of Sasaichi Sake Brewery, loved by both sake connoisseurs and beginners.
Sasaichi Junmai Ginjo Koshu Yumesansui: Gentle Umami that Spreads Softly
The next level up is the Junmai Ginjo sake, “Sasaichi Junmai Ginjo Koshu Yumesansui,” made with a special sake rice called “Koshu Yumesansui” grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. The combination with Gozen Water from Mt. Fuji enhances its unique characteristics.
When you take a sip, a clear fragrance spreads, and a mellow umami gently fills your mouth. The distinct fruity freshness of “Koshu Yumesansui” and the robust rice flavor and umami are beautifully balanced. With a polishing ratio of 60% and an alcohol content between 16 and 17 degrees, this Junmai Ginjo sake delivers a deep and rich flavor.
Sasaichi Junmai Daiginjo Koshu Yumesansui: Ultimate Harmony of Rich Umami and Gentle Sweetness
“Sasaichi Junmai Daiginjo Koshu Yumesansui,” considered the pinnacle of Sasaichi Sake Brewery, also uses “Koshu Yumesansui” rice grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. The advanced polishing technique to a 45% ratio and a slow fermentation process at low temperatures support the exceptional quality of this sake.
An elegant ginjo aroma wafts through, and the rich umami of “Koshu Yumesansui” fills your mouth. Additionally, a gentle sweetness is added, creating a rich yet refined taste. The balance of alcohol content between 16 and 17 degrees enhances the depth and drinkability of this Junmai Daiginjo sake.
These three labels are supreme products born from Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s technology and passion, combined with Yamanashi’s rich nature. Enjoying their unique characteristics while pairing them with food and choosing according to the occasion is a special pleasure. Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s sake is truly worthy of being called an artistic masterpiece of sake, offering a supreme experience in every sip.
Sasaichi Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo Koshu Yamada Nishiki 35: The Highest Quality Sake Born from Yamanashi’s Nature and Skills
“Sasaichi Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo Koshu Yamada Nishiki 35,” the most premium product of Sasaichi Sake Brewery, uses 100% of the finest sake rice, Yamada Nishiki, grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. The craftsmanship of polishing it down to an astonishing 35% achieves an extraordinary clarity and balance of rich umami and acidity.
Traditional Yamahai brewing and a slow fermentation process at low temperatures create a complex and profound flavor. A delicate yet refreshing taste spreads, and a floral ginjo aroma tickles the nostrils, with a lingering umami of rice telling the depth of this sake.
This special sake, filled with the desire to preserve the rich nature of Yamanashi as sake, is exclusively sold at Sasaichi Sake Brewery’s online store and directly managed shop (Sasaichi Shuyukan). Enjoy the supreme taste born from Yamanashi’s majestic nature and the brewing techniques passed down through generations.
- 720ml 12,000 yen (tax included) *With exclusive gift box
Shuyukan
“Shuyukan,” the directly managed shop of Sasaichi Sake Brewery, offers a shop space with a full range of Sasaichi products. From limited-edition sakes available only here to the standard products of Sasaichi, you can purchase your favorite bottle from a wide selection. There is also a tasting counter and gallery.
- Business hours
- 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year round
Sasaichi Junmai Hatsushibori Nama
Koshu Nigori Umeshu
Wine
SASAICHI KRAND CAFE
SASAICHI KRAND CAFE, adjacent to Shuyukan, offers a menu using sake lees from Sasaichi and ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture. You can also taste sake.
- Business hours
- Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sat - Sun & holidays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year round
Amazake: 300 yen
Sake Lees Hoto: 1100 yen
Tasting Events
Sasaichi Sake Brewery regularly holds tasting events. The new sake fair held in November, during the new sake season, is particularly popular, attracting many people seeking freshly brewed sake.
At the new sake fair, for 1,000 yen, you can enjoy unlimited tastings of new sake and wine.
Food trucks also set up at the new sake fair, creating a lively atmosphere with locals, tourists, and sake enthusiasts.
Access
Sasaichi Sake Brewery is a 5-minute walk from JR Chuo Main Line Sasago Station, making it easily accessible by train.
Upon exiting the station, you will see a large sign for Sasaichi Sake Brewery, so you won’t get lost. Just walk straight along the path, and you will arrive.
Sasaichi Sake Brewery: A Pride of Yamanashi
With over 360 years of history, Sasaichi Sake Brewery has continuously adapted to changes over time while maintaining its dedication to innovation. Using the underground water of Mt. Fuji and rice grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, they have created unique sake by blending traditional techniques with modern technology.
Their sake is a true “Pride of Yamanashi,” encapsulating the rich nature, history, and passion of the brewers.
Sasaichi Sake Brewery, nurtured by Yamanashi’s abundant nature and tradition, offers a profound experience of the depth and mystery of sake brewing. Whether you are a sake fan, interested in Yamanashi’s culture and history, or looking for new experiences, we highly recommend visiting Sasaichi Sake Brewery.
- Business hours
- 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year round
- Telephone number
- +081-554-25-2111
- Official site
- http://www.sasaichi.co.jp/
- Parking
- Available
- How to visit
- Train: 5 - minute walk from JR Sasago Station
- Car: 25 minutes from Chuo Expressway Otsuki IC exit
- Address
- 26 Yoshikubo, Sasago - cho, Otsuki City, Yamanashi 401 - 0024
