Exterior of a historic sake brewery in Sakata, Yamagata, home of the exclusive 99% polished sake brewing experience.
Guests touring a traditional Japanese sake brewery while learning about the rare 99% rice polishing process.
Close-up of premium sake bottles and glasses prepared for a private tasting at a historic Yamagata brewery.
Traditional sake brewing equipment inside a restored Japanese brewery showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship.
Private sake tasting featuring award-winning 99% polished sake at a historic brewery in Yamagata, Japan.

99% Polished Sake Brewery

from $440.00

See sake rice polished to pure 1% starch on a sake brewery tour and tasting

People:

See sake rice polished to pure 1% starch on a sake brewery tour and tasting

  • 2 hour private experience

  • Location: Sakata, Yamagata

  • You will be accompanied by a friendly guide who will provide interpretation in English.

  • A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate

Meet the Master

 

What you’ll do

Tour an exclusive sake brewery, learn about the unique creation process, and experience a private tasting of various sake styles.

Who can attend

  • Sake tasting is only available to those who are 20 years of age (legal drinking age in Japan) and above.

  • Vegetarian/vegan dietary needs can be accommodated.

  • Please inform us of any dietary requirements at checkout, including allergies.

What else you should know

While a comprehensive tour of the facilities is always provided, actual sake production is seasonal. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that guests will see the active manufacturing process during their visit.

Availability

Monday to Friday
Session 1 (9:00 - 11:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Not available every Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays

Access

20 minutes by car from Sakata Station

 

The Top 1%

With around 200 years of tradition, this special sake brewery was considered a favorite of the wealthy feudal warlord Sakai. In an unprecedented method of brewing, the rice used for sake undergoes a robust polishing process, leaving behind only the most pure 1% of starch, known as shimpaku. Together with pristine water flowing from Choukai-san and the Yamagata mountains, this sake is known throughout Japan for its delicate profile and pure taste. In this experience, step into a newly restored sake brewery and observe the process of brewing traditional rice wine. Enjoy a private tasting of award-winning sake varieties, and even try your hand at contributing to the brewing process.

 

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 24 hours in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.