The brewery does not normally accept visitors inside, but it opens to the public on one day a year for its Kura Biraki. You can see the brewery, taste new sake and buy limited sake and sake-lees products.
What you can do
Open-brewery event
Kura Biraki (Brewery Open Day)
Charged
- Reservation required
- Tasting included
Held one day a year, the open day has offered brewery tours, tastings and sales of fresh-from-the-cask sake, new sake tastings, limited sake, sake lees and pickles, and a sake-brewing talk.
- When
Feb
Usually around February. In 2025 it was held on Feb 8, 10:00-15:00 (entry 10:00-11:30 / 13:00-14:30). Dates are announced each year.
- Booking
By web form, email, phone or fax
Advance application required (previously by phone, fax, email or the website inquiry form). Entry is in morning and afternoon sessions.
- Price
- Participation fee is charged at cost (souvenir included). Check the amount for each year.
- Included
- Souvenir included
- Language
- Japanese
See how to book ↗Call 0875-25-0001
Before you go
- The site is private property; do not enter buildings without permission
- Ask permission before taking photos
- Tasting is for those aged 20 and over. If you are driving or cycling, you cannot taste.
- The brewery does not say whether English is available. Expect Japanese only.
- Language
- Japanese
- Good to know
- Brewery tours are not currently accepted (per the Kanonji city page). The Kawatsuru museum is normally closed to the public and opens during events. The city page says the neighboring Seravy workshop opens on the 1st-5th of each month (except January), but it is not on the official site so it is not listed as an offer. Check the official news page for the latest open-day dates.
Getting there
- Address
〒768-0022 香川県観音寺市本大町836
Open in Google Maps ↗- Nearest station
- 15 min by taxi from JR Kanonji Station
- Directions
- According to the Kanonji city page, a shared community bus (outer loop line, 4 trips a day) from JR Kanonji Station can also be used; tell the driver "Kawatsuru Shuzo". About 15 min by car from Onohara IC on the Takamatsu Expressway.
- Parking
- Available
Free parking available (per the Kanonji city page).
About the brewery
Kawatsuru Shuzo is a sake brewery founded in 1891 (Meiji 24) by the first-generation Seizo Kawahito in Kanonji, Kagawa Prefecture. It uses subsoil water from the Sai-ta River, which flows behind the brewery, and most of its rice is grown in Kagawa, including home-grown rice and rice from contract farmers. The name "Kawatsuru" comes from the founder's dream of a crane alighting on the Sai-ta River. The brewery also makes sake with Kagawa-grown rice such as Ooseto and Sanuki Yoimai, and with Sanuki Olive yeast. In 2023 it won a Silver medal in the SAKE category at the IWC.
Brewery profile, brands and bottles (5 brands, 7 bottles)
Sources: city.kanonji.kagawa.jp/soshiki/21/14017.html, nihonshucalendar.com/show_event.php, kawatsuru.com
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