Sake Breweries
Taisetsu no Kura
Fancy local sake brewer with tasting room, restaurant, lounge, and gift shop all located in the same traditional Japanese-style building. Local art decorates the elegant halls and is available to be purchased. The majority of Taisetsu no Kura’s sake is produced from locally grown Asahikawa rice and sake that is only available in Asahikawa can be sampled in this store.
Hours: Gift shop 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Restaurant 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch, and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner.
Address: Minami 6-jo-dori 19-chome, Asahikawa
Tel: 0166-39-3788
Otokoyama
Otokoyama has been in the sake brewing business for over 340 years, utilizing the natural spring water that flows from the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range. The great taste of Otokoyama’s sake is recognized throughout Japan and abroad, and was the drink of choice of the Tokugawa Shogun family. Otokoyama won their first gold medal in the 1977 International Wine and Spirits competition and was continued to win the prize for 28 consecutive years. Otokoyama also has a sake museum with various artifacts dating back to the Edo Period that are open to public viewing. The beautiful Japanese garden located at the distillery is popular in the summer months because of the variety of flowers that bloom. Otokoyama also has an impressive gallery of traditional Ukiyoe woodblock print paintings. The famous artist Utamaro was a fan of Otokoyama sake and made a number of woodblock prints related to Otokoyama sake.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 2-jo-dori 7-chome, Nagayama, Asahikawa
Tel: 0166-47-7080
Bus information: Buses take approximately 20 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station. Buses numbered 667, 67, 68, 70, 71, 669 all run to Otokoyama Brewery Bus stops are located at in front of the Maruiimai Department Store on 1-jo-dori 8-chome
Takasago
Takasago has been making great sake for over a century winning numerous awards. Visit the brewery in winter to sample the unique sake brewed in a snow dome. Sake tasting is available.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Address: Miyashita-dori 17-chome, Asahikawa
Tel: 0166-23-2251
