๐ 2025/6/15
#Sake
Immerse Yourself in History at Nagoya Castle and Savor the Refined Spirit of Owari Through Local Sake
ใTable of Contents
- Recommended Sake Breweries Near Nagoya Castle
- Recommended Sake Selection from Around Nagoya Castle
- History and Highlights of Nagoya Castle
- Model Course: Nagoya Castle and Sake Brewery Tour
Introduction
From the Warring States period to the Edo era. The magnificent castle “Nagoya Castle,” built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, served as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan and stands as one of the most iconic historical stages of early modern Japan. In the castle town below, another cultural heritage quietly took root — the world of local sake. In and around Nagoya, there are remarkably distinctive sake breweries scattered throughout the area, and the skills and passion of master brewers (toji) who carry on tradition continue to produce rich and fragrant cups of sake to this day.
In this article, we use “the history and highlights of Nagoya Castle” as a starting point to comprehensively introduce the local sake culture spreading around the castle, visitable sake breweries, and recommended sake selections. We also propose a model course that efficiently combines sightseeing and sake brewery visits. Enjoy a day unique to Nagoya, where history and flavor intersect.
Recommended Sake Breweries Near Nagoya Castle
The Local Sake Culture and Brewery Passion Rooted in the Castle Town
In the area surrounding Nagoya Castle, there are long-established sake breweries that have preserved traditional sake-making despite being situated in an urban setting. By visiting them alongside Nagoya Castle, you can experience the distinctive sake culture of Nagoya. The following breweries, with their convenient access and unique brewing philosophies, are particularly recommended for those who want to enjoy both sightseeing and local sake experiences.
ใ1. Kintora Shuzo: A Historic Brewery Breathing Life in the City
Source: https://kintora.jp/
Kintora Shuzo is a historic sake brewery established in 1891 (Meiji 24), located in Kita Ward, Nagoya. Despite being situated in an urban area, the brewery is known for its local sake-making using high-quality underground water drawn from 120 meters below and Aichi Prefecture’s sake rice variety “Yume Ginka.”
Its flagship brand “Kintora” is characterized by a bold, Nagoya-style strength with a crisp finish. The brewery also offers a diverse lineup including “Kohen” and limited-edition daiginjo varieties. Tours and tastings are available at the brewery (reservation required), allowing you to directly experience the background and depth of flavor behind their sake-making.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kintora Shuzo (Kita Ward, Nagoya) |
| Founded | 1891 (Meiji 24) |
| Main Brands | Kintora, Kohen, Yume Ginka Series, etc. |
| Features | Urban brewery using Kiso River underground water and Aichi Prefecture sake rice |
| Tours | Available (advance reservation required) |
| Tasting | Available (details and pricing should be confirmed) |
| Access | Approx. 15-minute walk from Shigahondori Station on the Meijo Subway Line |
ใ2. Toshun Shuzo: Inheriting the Owari Tradition with “Azuma Ryu”
Source: https://www.azumaryu.co.jp
Toshun Shuzo is a brewery with over 140 years of history, located in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya. Known for its flagship brand “Azuma Ryu,” the brewery is characterized by its commitment to junmai ginjo made with local sake rice “Wakamizu” and traditional hand-crafted brewing methods.
Among their offerings, “Azuma Ryu Junmai Ginjo Tatsutaya” features a well-balanced umami and crisp finish. Tasting is available at the on-site shop (hours may vary). It is a hidden gem where you can experience sake-making infused with local pride.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Toshun Shuzo (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya) |
| Founded | 1877 (Meiji 10) |
| Main Brands | Azuma Ryu (Junmai Ginjo Tatsutaya, etc.) |
| Features | Uses local rice varieties including Wakamizu and Yume Ginka; traditional hand-crafted brewing |
| Tours | Available (reservation required; hours may vary) |
| Tasting | Available (at the on-site shop; check business days) |
| Access | Approx. 15-minute walk from Shin-Moriyama Station on the JR Chuo Line |
ใ3. Kamisugi Shuzo: A Historic Brewery in Anjo Crafting “Jinsei Gekijo”
Source: https://www.kamisugi.co.jp
Located slightly outside Nagoya in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, **Kamisugi Shuzo** is another brewery well worth visiting. Its flagship brands “Kamisugi” and “Jinsei Gekijo” are characterized by their full-bodied flavors, made with locally grown rice and underground water.
In recent years, the brewery has also focused on fruity junmai sake using the sake rice “Yume Ginka,” demonstrating an appealing blend of tradition and innovation. Brewery tours and tastings are available by advance reservation, making it a must-visit for local sake enthusiasts.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kamisugi Shuzo (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture) |
| Founded | 1871 (Meiji 4) |
| Main Brands | Kamisugi, Jinsei Gekijo, Yume Ginka Junmai, etc. |
| Features | Uses local rice and underground water; well-balanced flavor profile |
| Tours | Available (reservation required) |
| Tasting | Available (at the on-site shop) |
| Access | Approx. 10 minutes by taxi from Anjo Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line |
We are currently building a sightseeing destinations x sake website. It is a site where you can find information that has never been available before.We will continue adding more information, so please bookmark the page.
Recommended Sake Selection from Around Nagoya Castle
Local Sake to Savor When Visiting Nagoya Castle
At the sake breweries, restaurants, and liquor shops accessible between visits to Nagoya Castle, you can enjoy distinctive sake nurtured by Aichi’s terroir and artisan skills. In this section, we present a curated selection of local sake, introducing them from the perspectives of “flavor profile,” “serving style,” and “food pairing.” Encounters with local sake will deepen your travel experience even further.
ใ1. Kintora Junmai Daiginjo | Kintora Shuzo (Kita Ward, Nagoya)
A representative brand from Kintora Shuzo, which has been crafting sake for over 130 years in Kita Ward, Nagoya. This junmai daiginjo, made with local sake rice “Yume Ginka,” offers a rich umami and elegant ginjo aroma. Its clean finish pairs beautifully with Nagoya specialties such as hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kintora Shuzo (Kita Ward, Nagoya) |
| Type | Junmai Daiginjo |
| Flavor | Elegant aroma, slightly sweet with a rich rice umami |
| Serving Style | Well chilled / Enjoy the aroma in a wine glass |
| Food Pairing | Hitsumabushi, tempura, white fish sashimi, etc. |
ใ2. Azuma Ryu Junmai Ginjo Tatsutaya | Toshun Shuzo (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya)
A well-balanced sake with a rich umami and crisp, dry finish. Made with local sake rice “Wakamizu” and carefully hand-crafted, its composed flavor profile makes it an ideal pairing with Nagoya cuisine. This sake is particularly popular among connoisseurs for its refined taste.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Toshun Shuzo (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya) |
| Type | Junmai Ginjo |
| Flavor | Gentle ginjo aroma; well-balanced rice umami with dry finish |
| Serving Style | Chilled to room temperature |
| Food Pairing | Miso nikomi udon, tebasaki (chicken wings), grilled fish, etc. |
ใ3. Kamisugi Junmai Yume Ginka | Kamisugi Shuzo (Anjo City, Aichi)
Made with 100% Aichi Prefecture sake rice “Yume Ginka,” this sake achieves a light, fruity aroma with a crisp finish. Excellent as a food sake, it pairs well with dishes that highlight natural flavors. It is particularly compatible with kishimen (flat noodles) and tempura, making it perfect for a leisurely meal.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kamisugi Shuzo (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture) |
| Type | Junmai (using Yume Ginka) |
| Flavor | Fruity and light, with a clean finish |
| Serving Style | Chilled / Room temperature |
| Food Pairing | Kishimen, tempura, simmered vegetables, etc. |
[Bonus: Where to Drink and Buy]
Here are some recommended spots where you can taste or purchase sake alongside your Nagoya Castle sightseeing. Be sure to include them in your itinerary.
| Shop Name | Features | Location / Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kintora Shuzo Direct Shop | Brewery-exclusive limited sake and tasting available | 15-min walk from Shigahondori Station on the Meijo Line |
| Toshun Shuzo Direct Shop | In-store tasting and sales available | Approx. 15-min walk from Shin-Moriyama Station on the JR Chuo Line |
| Shusendo Horiichi | Specialty liquor shop with a diverse selection of Aichi’s finest sake | 10-min walk from Sengencho Station on the Tsurumai Line |
| Sekai no Yamachan (Main Branch) | An izakaya where you can enjoy tebasaki chicken wings alongside local sake | Nagoya Station / Sakae area |
| Sakatsuya Nakamise | Standing bar style where you can enjoy Aichi local sake | Near Fushimi Station; also walkable from Sakae |
