Tenzan Sake Brewery 150 years Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Mount Tenzan in Ogi City, Saga Prefecture, the Tenzan Sake Brewery stands as a testament to Japan's rich sake brewing tradition. With a history spanning nearly 150 years, this award-winning brewery has masterfully balanced time-honored techniques with modern innovation to produce some of the world's finest sake.

Founded in 1875 by Toshizo and Tsuki Shichida, Tenzan Sake Brewery's story begins with an unexpected turn of events. The Shichidas, who were originally running a flour and noodle milling business, were approached by a local brewery owner who was closing down his business. This serendipitous opportunity marked the beginning of a sake brewing legacy that would span six generations. The brewery's location along the pristine Gion River provides an ideal environment for sake production. The river, fed by abundant spring water from the Tenzan mountain range, is not only one of the 100 best waters selected by Japan's Ministry of Environment but also one of Kyushu's premier firefly habitats. This natural setting contributes significantly to the unique character of Tenzan's sake.

Tenzan's sake is characterized by its rich, fragrant, and sweet profile, typical of Saga sake. What sets it apart is the use of hard water from the Tenzan mountains, which is unusual for Saga Prefecture. This water, containing minerals like calcium and magnesium but no iron, imparts a unique fragrance and refreshing quality to their sake. Today, under the leadership of the sixth-generation owner, Kensuke Shichida, Tenzan Sake Brewery continues to innovate while respecting its rich heritage. The brewery produces about 450,000 liters of sake annually, which is exported internationally. Their commitment to quality has earned them over a hundred awards worldwide for their brewing craftsmanship.

Tenzan offers three main brands: Tenzan, which preserves the taste loved by locals for generations; Iwa-no-kura, launched in 1997 as a limited edition brand available only in Kyushu; and Shichida, which has gained international recognition and is exported to countries like Thailand. Each brand is brewed with a distinct flavor profile, showcasing the versatility and expertise of the brewery. The Shichida Junmai shu, in particular, is noted for its fruity, ripe melon-like aroma with a full-bodied, pleasant character. This sake has become a favorite among sake enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad. Visitors to Tenzan Sake Brewery are in for a treat. The brewery provides an immersive 40-minute tour experience, culminating in an optional tasting session for an extra charge. Guests are guided through the facility in groups of about 20, offering an intimate and informative experience. While the tour is comprehensive, visitors should be aware that they cannot bring their own food or drinks, and the brewery does not have dining options available.

The brewery offers tours throughout the year, except in December during peak production season. Upon entering, guests are transported back in time, with the brewery renovated to create a nostalgic yet modern space. Old photographs adorn the walls, while repurposed items like old wardrobes, wooden brewing barrels, and sake squeezing containers serve as unique decor elements. The tour typically begins in a room lined with monitors, where visitors learn about the brewery's rich history and sake-making process through engaging videos. Guests then explore the atmospheric koji room, which feels like stepping into another era. A highlight of the tour is the renovated second floor of the Taisho-era warehouse, a vast 30 by 14-meter space showcasing 22 massive brewing barrels, each holding an impressive 4,000 liters.

The tour culminates in a tasting session at the facility known as the Brick Brewery. Here, visitors can sample 12 different sakes, including their popular Shichida, Tenzan, and Iwanokura brands. For a modest fee of 500 yen, guests can taste three varieties. In a move that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, Tenzan Sake Brewery has partnered with Matterport, Inc. to create a digital twin of their historic facility. This innovative approach allows the brewery to reduce management costs while preserving and promoting their sake brewing traditions to a global audience. The entire 54,000 square-foot brewing facility was captured in immersive detail within a single day, without disrupting brewing operations.

Tenzan Sake Brewery's commitment to quality extends to every aspect of production. They source about 90% of their rice locally from Saga Prefecture, primarily using varieties like Yamada Nishiki and Saga no Hana. In 2015, they introduced a modern Italian monoblock filling machine that prevents oxidation by injecting nitrogen gas, reducing oxygen inside the bottle during filling and capping. The brewery's accolades are numerous and impressive. They have consistently won awards at the National New Sake Competition, including multiple gold prizes for their Daiginjo Hitenzan. They've also received recognition at international competitions like the International Wine Challenge, where they've won gold medals for various products, including their innovative sparkling sake, Tenzan Origarami.

Visitors to Tenzan Sake Brewery have consistently praised their experiences. One visitor commented, "I visited during a business trip, and they explained in detail about various sake and gave me a tasting, which was very nice." Another visitor highlighted the brewery's location, stating, "It is a very good location along the clear stream. I think it's worth a look regardless of whether you drink or not." The brewery's commitment to education and hospitality is evident in another review: "We are grateful to the sake breweries who responded to the kind and polite explanation of the process of Ginjo sake." Many visitors also appreciate the opportunity to purchase sake directly from the brewery, with one noting, "I bought Tenzan Daiginjo as a souvenir." As Tenzan Sake Brewery looks to the future, they continue to balance tradition and innovation. Kensuke Shichida, the current president, is actively working on developing world-class sparkling sake and is a director in the Japan Awasake Association. This forward-thinking approach, combined with a deep respect for their heritage, ensures that Tenzan will continue to produce exceptional sake for generations to come. For sake enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, Tenzan Sake Brewery offers a unique opportunity to experience the art and science of sake brewing. From the picturesque setting at the foot of Mount Tenzan to the state-of-the-art production facilities, every aspect of the brewery tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation. As you sip their exquisite sake, you're not just tasting a beverage – you're experiencing nearly 150 years of Japanese brewing history.