A Tour of Sake Breweries in Yokkaichi City. Famous waters flow in the Spirits of Mie
Crystal clear waters, a cold winter wind, and deep knowledge are crucial for truly great sake. Yokkaichi City has it all, blessed with pure waters gushing from countless wells fed by the Suzuka Mountains from where, in colder months, the winter wind “Suzuka Oroshi” blows down from the peaks. Combined with generations of expertise, it’s the perfect place for brewing sake, the iconic spirit of Japan known locally as nihonshu. This trip I visited two of the city’s six sake breweries.
In the center stands the well after which the main brand “Fukii” is named.
From its spout, the exceptionally soft water poured out, powered by the natural pressure of the aquifer, a refreshing sight! It was easy to imagine that nihonshu made with such high-quality water would be divine. Though sake made with soft water requires more advanced technology, fermentation is gentler, producing a smooth, mellow flavor.
Inside, the brewery was like a different world. The air was suddenly comfortably cool and engulfed in a beguiling fragrance. Above me, the high ceilings were crossed with heavy timber beams. All around, the two-story wood building emanated a stately sense of history.
For more information about Ishikawa Sake Brewery: e-sakagura.co.jp/
Beyond Yokkaichi, Mie overflows with famous sake brands and producers. At the 2016 Ise-Shima Summit, the talk of the town was not only of politics, but also the nihonshu from breweries in Iga and Suzuka served to world leaders as a drink for a toast.
Come take a tour and some tastings at one of the many local breweries, and discover what everyone is talking about, the world of nihonshu.
Come take a tour and some tastings at one of the many local breweries, and discover what everyone is talking about, the world of nihonshu.