Fujii Honke Sake Brewery — Preserving Tradition and Prestige Since 1831
Founded in 1831 (Tenpō 2), Fujii Honke Sake Brewery is a historic sake maker that has inherited the brewing traditions of the Ōmi merchant region.
To this day, it brews special sake dedicated to Niinamesai, the Imperial Harvest Festival, held annually at the Imperial Court.
Among its buildings, the Higashi-gura (East Storehouse), dating back to the Taishō era, is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The brewery complex also features a stately structure built entirely of zelkova, a prized Japanese hardwood, more than 70 years old, with a massive round pillar carved from a 700-year-old tree—an impressive sight even from the street.
Brewery tours are available by reservation year-round (except during the New Year holidays) from 9:00 to 17:00.
Visitors begin by tasting the spring water drawn from the Suzuka Mountains, followed by a tour of the storage cellars, and finally sake tasting and shopping.
Flagship brands such as Kyokujitsu and Biwa no Mai can be sampled on-site, allowing guests to appreciate their fragrance and flavor before making a selection.
The grounds also feature a spacious garden filled with seasonal flowers, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.
Seasonal events are held to complement the natural scenery.
In addition, the hidden-style restaurant Kakure-gura Fujii, housed in a Taishō-era storehouse, offers dishes prepared with local ingredients paired with Fujii Honke sake, providing a memorable harmony of food and drink in a historic setting.
