Okayama , the birthplace of the sake rice " Omachi (Sake Rice) ," is a region where you can enjoy a wide variety of sake, including unique Japanese sake, fruit-based alcoholic beverages, craft beers, and wines. From brewery tours that showcase the dedication to rice cultivation and brewing, to meals that pair well with sake and cuisine, and souvenir shopping, we introduce the charm of Okayama's alcoholic beverages.
2026.09.21-
Table of Contents
- Okayama's sake is nurtured by "good rice," "good water," and "good techniques."
- Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice, which was once called the "phantom sake rice."
- Japanese sake breweries
- Winery and brewery
- Shops where you can buy sake from Okayama
Okayama's sake is nurtured by "good rice," "good water," and "good techniques."
The foundation of Okayama's sake lies in its high-quality rice and water, and the brewing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Okayama is a production area for "sake rice," which is suitable for sake brewing, and among them, " Omachi (Sake Rice) ," which originated in Okayama , is used by sake breweries all over Japan. Each brewery uses different rice, brewing water, and brewing methods, resulting in unique characteristics in the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of their sake.
The enjoyment of alcoholic beverages in Okayama isn't limited to sake. Wines and liqueurs that make the most of fruit flavors are also produced. For example, Tsuji Honten's "Yuzu Sake" is a drink made by combining sake with yuzu juice from Kumenan-cho , Okayama Prefecture Kumenan Town . It can be enjoyed chilled on its own, or on the rocks or mixed with soda.
Choosing a sake set made from Bizen Pottery , a traditional craft of Okayama , is another pleasure of traveling. Pay attention to the texture of the clay, the shape of the vessel, and how it feels in your hands, and try to find your favorite sake and sake set.
References: JA Zen- Omachi (Sake Rice)- Explanation of Miyashita Brewery, Miyashita Sake Brewery - Brewery and brewing water , Tsuji Honten - Yuzu sake
Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice, which was once called the "phantom sake rice."
Omachi (Sake Rice) is a sake rice variety that originated in Okayama Prefecture and was discovered in 1859. It is also the root variety of sake rice varieties that are widely used today, such as Yamada Nishiki and Gohyakumangoku.
Because it grows tall and is difficult to cultivate, production once dropped significantly, and it came to be known as the "phantom sake rice." However, production recovered thanks to the demand from brewers, and it is now used in sake breweries all over Japan.
Sake made with Omachi (Sake Rice) rice is appealing for its full-bodied flavor and the rich umami of the rice. The impression changes depending on the degree of rice polishing and the brewing method, so you can enjoy the differences between breweries and brands. When choosing sake in Okayama, be sure to pay attention to the name of the rice used for brewing written on the label.
Japanese sake breweries
The activities you can enjoy, such as tours, meals, and shopping, vary depending on the facility. If you wish to take a tour, please check the information provided by each facility for dates and reservation methods before you go.
Miyashita Brewery(Sake Workshop Doppokan) | Okayama City
Founded in 1915, Miyashita Brewery produces a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including the sake "Kiwami Hijiri," the craft beer "Doppo," and whiskey.
The adjacent "Sake Workshop Doppo-kan" houses a restaurant and shop where you can enjoy pairing sake with food and choose souvenirs. Factory tours require advance reservations, and different tours with varying locations and tasting contents are available. The ability to choose a tour based on your interests is another attractive feature.
Located just a 3-minute walk from Nishigawa -Shujitsu Station, which is one stop from JR Okayama Station, this facility is easily accessible by public transportation.
Okayama Korakuen Garden is a great place to visit along with Miyashita Brewery (Doppo-kan).
Okayama Korakuen Garden , one of Three Great Gardens of Japan , is a daimyo garden built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of the Okayama domain. You can stroll through the spacious lawns, ponds, and gardens adorned with seasonal flowers. Why not combine a visit to the garden with a meal or shopping at Doppokan and enjoy the history and food culture of Okayama City?
Akaiwa Brewery | Akaiwa City
Founded in 1923, Akaiwa Brewery is a sake brewery that produces the sake "Momonosato" using local Omachi (Sake Rice) rice and Asahi rice. They are particular about the rice steaming process and continue to brew sake using traditional Japanese kettles and koshiki (rice steaming tools).
The brewery tour, which requires reservations, allows you to see the traditional Japanese kettles still in use, and you can also sample and purchase sake. Learning about the ingredients, tools, and the ingenuity of the brewers will broaden your enjoyment of Japanese sake.
Marumoto Brewery | Asakuchi City
Founded in 1867, Marumoto Sake Brewery is a sake brewery that is involved in everything from rice cultivation. They produce sake using rice grown on their own farm, and value the connection between the rice used as raw material and the sake brewing process.
This historic building, registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, still produces sake today. It's a place where you'll want to appreciate not only the taste of the sake but also the rich history of the brewery that has been passed down through generations. If you wish to visit, please inquire about their availability in advance.
Tsuji Honten (Gozenshu/NISHIKURA) | Maniwa City
Founded in 1804, Tsuji Honten is the brewery of "Gozenshu" sake located in Katsuyama , Maniwa City . Maiko Tsuji, who became the master brewer in 2007, is in charge of sake brewing, and currently uses 100% Omachi (Sake Rice) from Okayama Prefecture . The brewery also uses its own unique "Bodaimoto" brewing method to bring out the individuality of Omachi (Sake Rice).
"NISHIKURA," housed in a historic sake brewery, features the brewery's direct-sales shop "SUMIYA" and the Nishigura Restaurant," where you can purchase sake and enjoy a meal. It's also recommended to visit in conjunction with a stroll through the townscape of Katsuyama.
Winery and brewery
Hiruzen Winery| Maniwa City
Hiruzen Winery , located in the Hiruzen-kogen Heights , produces wine using wild grapes. At the attached shop, "Coagne," you can sample and purchase wines, allowing you to find a bottle that suits your taste.
The restaurant and cafe offers dishes made with local ingredients and wine, as well as wild grape juice. It's a convenient place to stop by for shopping and a break during your sightseeing in Hiruzen.
Kirin Beer Okayama Factory
Kirin Beer's Okayama Factory is hosting the "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Taste Experience Tour." Participants can learn about the ingredients and manufacturing process, and enjoy a beer tasting after the factory tour.
The tour takes approximately 75 minutes. Advance online reservations and payment are required, and the tour is conducted in Japanese. Depending on the operating status of the production line, the tour may be conducted via video. Please check the official website for fees, dates, and participation requirements.
Shops where you can buy sake from Okayama
Even if you don't have time to visit a sake brewery, you can find sake at Okayama Momotaro Airport, JR Okayama Station, and commercial facilities in central Okayama City. Please use this service for souvenir shopping before you travel or for shopping while strolling around the city. The brands and stocks available vary depending on the store and time of year.
Okayama Momotaro Airport
At the Tenmaya Airport Shop on the second floor of the terminal building, you can purchase local sake, wine, and other specialty products from Okayama. It's a convenient place to choose souvenirs when using the airport.
JR Okayama Station
"Sun Station Sun Station Terrace Okayama," directly connected to the station, features a souvenir shop called "Omiyage Kaido" that sells local sake. Since you can choose sake and Okayama sweets and food items together, it's convenient for shopping while waiting for your train.
Tenmaya Okayama Main Store
This department store is located in Omotecho, in the heart of Okayama City. While you're browsing the food floor in the basement, be sure to look for some Okayama sake. It's a convenient stop during a stroll through the Omotecho Shopping Street or while sightseeing in the city.
AEON MALL Okayama
This is a commercial facility near JR Okayama Station where you can enjoy shopping and dining. Inside the building, Aeon Style Okayama has a liquor section on the first floor. You can look for alcoholic beverages as souvenirs while doing your other shopping.
*Please note that the dates, content, operating hours, and product availability of the tours may change. Please check the official information of each facility before visiting.
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