The 13 Sake Breweries of Saku

The ridges of the mountains receive the morning light, and in the clear air, white steam rises gently.

This is Saku in Shinshu, surrounded by the Yatsugatake, Mount Tateshina, and Mount Asama, and home to the upper reaches of the Chikuma River.

With a high rate of sunny days and a cool climate, this highland area is truly an ideal place for sake brewing, where pure spring water and high-quality rice thrive. What captivates travelers who visit this land is not only the beauty of the scenery.

The very essence of the region seems to drift as the aroma of sake, creating a quiet and luxurious atmosphere.

In the Saku region, there are thirteen unique sake breweries scattered throughout.

'Asamadake' from Otsuka Brewery, which breathes life in the castle town of Komoro, 'Chikumanishiki' from Chikuma Nishiki Brewery, reflecting the blessings of the land under the spacious sky of Saku, 'Kantake' from Totsuka Brewery, which carries the essence of the dignified winter, and 'Miyama Sakura' from Koya Sake Brewery, beautifully reflecting the echoes of the mountain village.

As you follow the names of the breweries along the path, the scenery gradually changes, and the impression of the sake also transforms. The journey in Saku gently teaches that tasting sake is akin to savoring the light, wind, and colors of the four seasons of this land.

Moreover, 'Misonotake' from Bukeju Honke Brewery, which evokes a sense of historical depth, 'Shinano no Kataribe' from Osawa Brewery, which softly narrates the stories of Shinshu, 'Kame no Umi' from Tsuchiya Brewery, which possesses both depth and elegance, and 'Kinpo Fuyo' from Fuyo Brewery, which blooms with the aura of celebration, are also important landscapes of this region. 'Sawano Hana' from Banano Brewery, reminiscent of flowers blooming by the clear stream, and 'Hatsuuguisu' from Kiuchi Brewery, light and cheerful like the voice announcing the arrival of spring, also reflect the delicate expressions of the land called Saku.

Though each brewery has its own charm, every cup holds the warmth of mountain water, highland air, and human touch.

What you want to encounter at the end of your journey is the elegance of a storied sake brewery. Tachibana Brewery's 'Kikushuu' straightens the back of travelers with its polished refinement, while Saku Hanabira Brewery's 'Saku no Hana' blooms gracefully and directly, just like the name suggests, embodying the essence of this land. If you extend your visit to Minami-Saku, Kurozawa Brewery's 'Izutsu-naga' will welcome you with a calm aftertaste, as if it has slowly melted the time of the mountains. The famous waters, the remnants of the post town, the white walls of the brewery, the old townscape, and the crisp air of a winter morning. Every time you drink Saku sake, it brings back those scenes deep in your heart.

The charm of this place is not just that thirteen breweries stand side by side.

The sake brewers of Saku are united as 'SAKU13' and continue the initiative of brewing a single sake together each year. Competing while sharing the pride of the land. This spirit is reminiscent of the warmth of the landscapes and people you encounter on your travels.

No matter which brewery you visit, what welcomes you is not merely a product but the very essence of the time that has been brewed here. That is why the Saku sake tour does not end with just drinking. You will gaze at the mountain ridges, walk through the town, and touch the breath of the brewery, receiving one story at a time that is unique to that land.

If you travel to Saku, be sure not to be satisfied with just one brewery, but explore to map the personalities of all thirteen in your heart.

A cup reflecting the presence of Asama, a cup reminiscent of the flow of the Chikuma River, and an elegant cup bearing the name of a flower, all are irreplaceable flavors born only from this land's climate.

With each sip, the scenery deepens, and the land draws closer. The thirteen breweries of Shinshu Saku may be, before being sake breweries, the very essence of travel itself.

On your next holiday, seek a memorable cup in fragrant Saku. The mountain waters will surely enrich your journey.