Tokyo is encouraging travellers to experience Japan's national drink at its source, with sake breweries across Tokyo Prefecture welcoming visitors for guided tours and tastings. From the forested river valley of Okutama to modern breweries in the heart of central Tokyo, these brewery visits offer a uniquely Tokyo way to explore Japanese craftsmanship, seasonal flavours, and local food culture. They are ideal for travellers seeking authentic, hands-on experiences in 2026.

Sake production began in Tokyo during the Edo period (1603–1868), when the city, known then as Edo, grew into Japan's political and cultural centre. As the population expanded, so did the demand for sake, leading to the establishment of numerous breweries throughout the region. Access to high-quality water and nearby rice-growing areas supported sake production, helping Tokyo develop a thriving brewing culture. Although many producers eventually left the city as urban development intensified, several breweries endured. These remaining producers continue to safeguard traditional brewing methods while responding to changing tastes, ensuring that sake remains an active part of Tokyo's cultural landscape today.

Sake Breweries in Tokyo Prefecture

Ozawa Shuzo (Sawanoi Brewery), Ome City, Okutama Area

Located along the Tama River in western Tokyo, Ozawa Shuzo sits at the edge of the Okutama Mountains, a short walk from JR Sawai Station. Set near forested slopes and flowing water, creating a relaxed environment in which to experience sake culture. The brewery has produced sake here for more than 300 years and opens its historic buildings to visitors for tours that require reservations in advance. Guests can explore the traditional kura structures, including the earthen-walled Genroku-gura used in the brewing process. After the tour, visitors can sample a variety of sake in the riverside garden tasting area, where soba noodles are also served. Tours are available on weekdays by reservation.

Ishikawa Brewery (Tamajiman), Fussa City, Tama Area

Ishikawa Brewery is set among mature keyaki trees and a collection of traditional tiled-roof kura buildings that evoke Japan's samurai past. Sake has been brewed on this site since 1863, with craft beer added to production in 1998. Visitors can trace the brewery's history through exhibits in the museum on the second floor of the Zougura building before touring the original warehouse facilities. Guided tours are offered by reservation, and the site also features dining options and a shop selling brewery-made products. Guesthouse Shubou-Tamajiman is located right next door for those who wish to stay. Restaurant Kitchen & Bar Tanomi serves breakfast for hotel guests and visitors too.

Toshimaya Shuzo, Higashimurayama City, Tama Area

With origins dating back to 1596, Toshimaya Shuzo is the brewery of city's oldest sake shop and stands among the oldest sake producers in Tokyo. The brewery is in a quiet residential area of Higashimurayama City, within easy reach of central Tokyo by train. The brewery offers private tours conducted in Japanese, during which guests can taste various sake.

Tamura Shuzojo Brewery, Fussa City, Tama Area

Tamura Brewery has operated for 203 years and is located approximately 40 kilometres west of central Tokyo, in an area characterised by rivers, mountains and a slower pace of life. The brewery remains family-run, now under the stewardship of its 16th-generation brewer. The site includes a warehouse that is around 200 years old. Sake tours and tastings are offered, with reservations required. Tours in English are available on request and must be arranged in advance.

Sake Breweries in Central Tokyo

KONOHANANO Brewery, Asakusa, Taito City

Opened in 2020, KONOHANANO Brewery is Asakusa's first producer of doburoku, an unrefined style of sake. The brewery was established to support and train the next generation of independent sake makers. A distinctive feature of the brewery is its koji room, which enables the production of a wider range of flavour profiles. Visitors can experience doburoku brewing in a central Tokyo setting that blends innovation with tradition.

Tokyo Port Brewing, Shiba, Minato City

Situated close to Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Port Brewing resumed operations in 2011 after being closed for more than a century. The brewery focuses on junmai-ginjo and junmai-daiginjo styles of sake. Tokyo is the city where old meets new, its sake breweries tell the story of a living tradition. Tucked between river valleys and city streets, these breweries invite travellers to slow down, explore local craftsmanship and discover a side of Tokyo that many visitors never expect to find.

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