Nestled in the serene landscapes of Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kubota Brewery invites you to step into a world where traditional Japanese craftsmanship, natural ingredients, and centuries-old brewing methods come together to create an unforgettable sake experience.
As you enter the brewery, the air fills with the soft aroma of steamed rice and fermenting koji—a sensory hint of the deep cultural heritage practised within these walls. One of the core highlights of this tour is the rare opportunity to observe both the pressing and steaming stages of production. These two steps—the precision of steaming rice to the ideal texture and the gentle pressing of fermented mash to separate clear sake from lees—are crucial moments that define the final flavour profile of each bottle.
Kubota Brewery opens these normally restricted zones for up to thirty guests per tour, offering a remarkably close and genuine look at the techniques that master brewers have refined over generations. Be guided by knowledgeable staff who explain each process clearly, offering not only technical understanding but also the historical and cultural stories behind the craft. This brewery is deeply rooted in regional tradition, yet it continues to evolve with the times, maintaining an ideal balance between heritage and innovation.
After exploring the production floor, enjoy a curated tasting of the brewery’s signature sakes. This is not an ordinary sampling session; it includes selections that express various brewing philosophies—from crisp, clean styles to richer, more aromatic expressions—allowing you to experience how subtle differences in production methods directly translate into flavour, aroma, and texture. Whether you are a seasoned sake fan or a curious beginner, this tasting offers new appreciation for the depth and diversity of Japanese sake.
In addition to its value as a sake-focused journey, this location offers an exceptional advantage for those wishing to explore more of Japan’s drink culture. Kubota Brewery sits relatively close to Yamanashi’s Koshu wine region, one of Japan’s most celebrated areas for white wine production. Visitors often choose to combine the brewery tour with a side trip to Yamanashi, making this experience a perfect starting point or midpoint in a broader exploration of Japan’s artisanal drinks. This geographic connection allows travellers to compare the philosophies of sake brewing and winemaking, deepening their understanding of Japanese craftsmanship as a whole.
For international visitors especially, few regions offer such accessible access to both iconic Japanese sake traditions and award-winning Japanese wine culture within a single trip. Kubota Brewery ensures that every guest, whether travelling alone, as a couple, or within a group of up to thirty people, feels both welcomed and enriched.
