Asahi-Shuzo

朝日酒造（株）

A leading sake brewery in Niigata, one of Japan’s most renowned sake producing regions. Enjoy refined sake while admiring the beautiful seasonal countryside.

View Photos

Since its founding in 1830, Asahi-Shuzo has continued to brew sake under the “quality first” principle, supported by the area’s rich natural environment. They use soft water drawn from pure underground streams flowing beneath their brewery, as well as superb local rice developed through ongoing research with regional farmers. Combined with the skills and knowledge passed down by brewers, Asahi-Shuzo’s passion for using only Niigata-grown ingredients has earned them numerous awards both in Japan and abroad.

Asahi-Shuzo runs year-round brewery tours for visitors. You’ll start by viewing the enormous stylish entrance hall—about 90 meters long and 9 meters wide—while learning about the brewery’s history and how their sake is made. Then, you’ll indulge in sake tastings at the shop.

The brewery grounds also contain Shoraikaku, a historic residence built by the company’s first president and now a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, which is open to visitors. You can also dine on dishes made with the seasonal flavors of Niigata at the restaurant, and plenty more. Immerse yourself in this serene rural setting and savor Niigata’s finest sake and time-honored culture.

Area: Nagaoka and Kashiwazaki Area

Category: Shopping

General Information

Address	新潟県長岡市朝日880-1
Directions	●Approx. 15-minute walk from Raikoji Station (Shinetsu Main Line), or approx. 30-minute drive from Nagaoka Station (Joetsu Shinkansen). ●Approx. 15-minute drive from the Nagaoka IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Car Park	Approx. 20 spaces
Opening Times	●Brewery Tours: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm (about 20 minutes each) Closed on the 3rd Saturday of each month and during the New Year’s holiday period. ●Brewery Shop Sara no Sato Asahiyama: 10:00 am–6:00 pm ●Restaurant Asahiyama Hotaru-an: 11:00 am–5:30 pm Both the restaurant and shop are closed on January 1. ●Shoraikaku: 11:00 am–3:00 pm *Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from December through March.
Prices	Brewery Tours: Free
Notes	Special tours showcasing the sake brewing process are held from December through late April (reservation required). *Check the official website for details.