Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum
Discover the art of sake at Kamotsuru, a historic brewery offering free tastings, informative exhibits, and the famous 'Obama sake'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the art of sake at Kamotsuru, a historic brewery offering free tastings, informative exhibits, and the famous 'Obama sake'.
"A must-visit for sake lovers, offering free tastings and a deep dive into brewing history."
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop.
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Obama's Sake
Tasting Area
Taste the renowned Daijō (Daijinjo) sake, famously enjoyed by President Obama. A smooth, fragrant brew.

Sake-Making Exhibits
Museum
Discover the intricate history and process of sake brewing through engaging displays and videos.

Free Sake Tasting
Tasting Counter
Sample a variety of Kamotsuru sakes to find your favorite flavor profile. A delightful sensory experience.

Brewery Spring Water
Spring Station
Refill your water bottle with the pure, mineral-rich spring water essential for brewing exceptional sake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sake Tasting & History
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop.
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious!
🚶♀️ Explore Sakaguradori
Kamotsuru is in Saijo's famous sake district. Wander and explore other breweries too!
🚗 Ample Parking
Don't worry about parking; the brewery has plenty of lots available for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the free tasting! It's the best way to discover your favorite sake before purchasing from the shop.
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Refill your bottle with the famous sake-brewing spring water – it's pure and delicious!
🚶♀️ Explore Sakaguradori
Kamotsuru is in Saijo's famous sake district. Wander and explore other breweries too!
🚗 Ample Parking
Don't worry about parking; the brewery has plenty of lots available for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum for its free admission and the opportunity to taste high-quality sake, including the famous 'Obama sake.' The exhibits are informative, and the spring water is a unique bonus. Some find the museum a bit small, but the overall experience is highly positive and educational.
"probably the most visited brewery in Saijo and has plenty of parking lots
It has the famous sake consumed by Obama"
Ben
"This famous sake brewery in Sakaguradori, Saijo City, has a museum inside that displays the history and process of sake-making. The exhibits are well-presented and easy to understand, with videos to help explain the process. There's also a sake shop inside, and the staff provide excellent service."
NNchan
"Free admission, inside there is a showroom explaining how sake is made, a spring, which is used for brewing sake, for your water bottle, a free tasting table and merchandising selling section.
I thought all sake tastes the same (sorry my Japanese friends), until I tried a few back to back there. Highly recommending this place."
Xiang Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Saijo City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If using public transport, you can take a train to Saijo Station and then a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk through the sake district.
No, Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is located in Saijo City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, not in Tokyo. It's a key attraction in the Saijo Sake District.
Walking is a great way to explore the Saijo Sake District and visit multiple breweries, including Kamotsuru. Taxis are also readily available for shorter distances or if you prefer not to walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery Museum is free! This makes it a very accessible and popular destination for visitors interested in sake culture.
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, there is a gift shop and merchandising section where you can purchase a wide variety of Kamotsuru sakes, as well as sake-related goods.
While tours are not explicitly mentioned as mandatory, the museum offers exhibits and a tasting area. For specific guided tours or group visits, it's advisable to inquire directly with the brewery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits detailing the history and process of sake making, enjoy a free sake tasting, refill your water bottle with the famous brewing spring water, and purchase sake and souvenirs from the shop.
Absolutely! A free sake tasting is a highlight of the visit, allowing you to sample different Kamotsuru sakes and find your favorites.
The 'Obama sake' refers to Kamotsuru's Daijō (Daijinjo) sake, which gained fame for being served to President Obama. It's known for its beautiful fragrance and smooth taste.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to refill their water bottles with the pure spring water used in sake brewing. It's a unique and refreshing experience.
While the exhibits focus on sake making, the interactive elements and the opportunity to see the brewing process might be interesting for older children. The tasting is, of course, for adults.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself primarily focuses on sake brewing and tasting. However, the surrounding Saijo Sake District has several restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy local cuisine, often paired with sake.
While there aren't dedicated dining facilities within the museum, it's always a good idea to have some light snacks or a meal before or after your tasting to enjoy the sake responsibly.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of the museum for personal use. However, it's always polite to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits.
The exterior of the traditional brewery buildings, the sake barrels, the tasting counter, and the spring water station are all picturesque spots. Capturing the essence of sake culture here is easy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🍶 Sake Enthusiasts
Don't just stop at Kamotsuru; explore the wider Saijo Sake District to compare and contrast the offerings of other breweries. Understanding the regional variations and the impact of local water and rice on the final product will deepen your appreciation for this complex beverage.
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the tasting area is for adults. However, the museum's free admission and the pleasant atmosphere of the Saijo Sake District make it a worthwhile stop. Consider pairing your visit with a meal at a local restaurant in Saijo that offers a broader menu.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bring your own water bottle to take advantage of the free spring water refill. You can also find affordable sake and souvenirs in the gift shop, allowing you to take a piece of the experience home without breaking the bank. Exploring the rest of the Saijo Sake District on foot is also a free and enjoyable activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sake Making at Kamotsuru
Interactive displays and videos make the complex process accessible and engaging, even for those new to sake. It’s not just about the science; it’s about the artistry and heritage passed down through generations. Understanding these nuances enhances the appreciation of the final product, making the tasting experience even more rewarding.
Experiencing the Saijo Sake District
Beyond Kamotsuru, consider visiting other breweries like Saijo Chō and Kamoizumi. Each offers its own distinct character and sake varieties. The district also hosts events, such as the Saijo Sake Matsuri (Sake Festival), which is a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide array of local brews and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Walking through Saijo, you'll often catch the faint, pleasant aroma of fermenting rice, a constant reminder of the region's proud brewing legacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit