Hiraizumi, a sake brewery founded in the Muromachi period, is a place where you can experience the romance of history and sake!

ako
2018.04.28
Last updated: 2024.04.22

table of contents

1 Hiraizumi, a sake brewery that has been making sake since the Muromachi period
2 Heading towards the sea from Nikaho Station, you can see the sake brewery
3 Finally...Local flavors are best enjoyed locally
- 3.1 Hiraizumi Honpo ＜Information＞

The people of Akita Prefecture are known for their love of alcohol. Data shows that Akita Prefecture is the second largest consumer of sake in Japan. Because rice farming is so prevalent in Akita Prefecture, sake made from rice is loved as a very familiar drink. Of course, Akita sake is not only a favorite drink among the prefecture's residents, but it is also extremely popular as a souvenir representing the prefecture

This time, we will introduce "Hiraizumi," a sake brewery with a long history in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, out of the many sake breweries in Akita Prefecture. "Hiraizumi" is a sake brewery that produces high-quality sake that is loved as a souvenir

Hiraizumi, a sake brewery that has been making sake since the Muromachi period

Tobiraizumi, a sake brewery in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, is a brewery that dates back to the Muromachi period. The Muromachi period refers to the period when the Muromachi shogunate ruled Japan from 1336 to 1576. There are many sake breweries in Japan, but not many with such a long history. Tobiraizumi is one of the oldest sake breweries in Japan

The Muromachi period is the time when Inuyama Castle and Daigoji Temple, popular landmarks for foreign tourists to Japan, were built. Coincidentally, Tobirasen's sake brewery was founded around the same time that Ginkakuji Temple was built in Kyoto. They have been producing sake in Akita for the same number of years as Ginkakuji Temple...it really gives you a sense of history

Heading towards the sea from Nikaho Station, you can see the sake brewery

The sake brewery "Tobiraizumi" can be seen as you walk along the road that leads straight from Nikaho Station to the sea. The large sake brewing building is marked with eye-catching signs reading "Tobiraizumi," "Ryoizumi," and "Izumi."

If you continue walking along the building, you will see a sake store attached to the brewery and its sign. You can see many sake bottles lined up on the other side of the glass door

The sea (fishing port) is right next to the brewery. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of the waves crashing. Depending on the time of day, it may coincide with the time when the fish are unloaded at the port, and you can also hear the spirited voices of the fishermen. It really gives the impression of a brewery that is deeply connected to the local community

When you enter the shop, you'll be struck by the historic interior. It has a very atmospheric feel. The faint aroma of rice comes from the fact that it's a place where sake is made

There are many types of sake lined up in the store. Not only sake that is sold nationwide, but also sake that is produced in small quantities are lined up. Of course, you can also purchase it on the spot. The sake brewery staff will serve you attentively, so you're sure to find a bottle that you like

Finally...Local flavors are best enjoyed locally

Hiraizumi sake on display at the supermarket

Hiraizumi sake is lined up in liquor stores and supermarkets in Nikaho City, and of course, it can also be found in souvenir shops throughout Akita Prefecture and in the Akita Station building, which also has a souvenir shop attached

With a long history, Tobiraizumi sake is synonymous with Akita sake. It is now also sold in other prefectures and the Tokyo metropolitan area. It can be purchased on the brewery's website or online shopping sites

However, local flavors are best enjoyed locally, so be sure to enjoy the wide selection. You'll be able to feel the romance of history that has continued since the Muromachi period in the flavors