🕓 2025/5/2
#Japanese sake
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A trip to Mt. Fuji that soothes the soul with nature and delights the palate with local sake.
table of contents
- What is sake made on Mt. Fuji?
- Around Mt.Fuji“Recommended sake brewery”
- Around Mt.Fuji“Recommended Sake Selection”
- Touring Mt. Fuji and sake breweriesRu“Model course”
Introduction
Rising above the clouds, Mt. Fuji has been a mountain of faith since ancient times, and at the same time has been a mountain of blessings, with underground water from melting snow flowing into the village. The clear, soft water was made into brewed water by the brewers, and transformed into “yawa-umami” dishes at sake breweries in the temple town of Fujinomiya, the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, and the Asagiri Highlands. In this article, we will take you on a trip to enjoy sake brewed with famous water while visiting Sengen Taisha Shrine’s Shuromon gate and the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji.
Historical exploration, brewing experience, sake tasting bar – along with model courses tailored to your travel style, we have covered five famous sakes cultivated in this sacred mountain, as well as information on brewery openings. Now, let’s set out on a “story of water and sake” that can only be experienced in the bosom of Mt. Fuji.
- 1. What is sake made on Mt. Fuji?
- [Mt. Fuji area overview information]
- 2. “Recommended sake breweries” around Mt. Fuji
- 1. Ide Brewery｜Fuji Five Lakes’ only “Kai no Kaiun” brewery
- 2. Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery | A long-established “Yamahai Shikomi” brewery guarded in front of the gates of Sengen Taisha Shrine
- 3. Fujimasa Sake Brewery | Experience brewery where you can enjoy “seeing, eating, and making” in Asagiri Plateau
- 3. “Recommended Sake Selection” around Mt. Fuji
- The local sake at the foot of Mt. Fuji, which is grown in the underground waters of the sacred mountain Mt. Fuji, is a “soft flavor” type that has both flavor and sharpness.
- 1. Kai no Kaiun Junmai Ginjo | Ide Jozoten
- 2. Takasago Yamahai Junmai Dry｜Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery
- 3. Fuji Nishiki Junmai Ginjo Homare Fuji | Fuji Nishiki Sake Brewery
- 4. Mt. Fuji Junmai Ginjo｜Makino Sake Brewery
- 5. Fujimasa Asagiri mini brewing experience sake｜Fujisho Sake Brewery
- 4. “Model course” touring Mt. Fuji and sake breweries
- Finally
1. What is sake made on Mt. Fuji?
A symbol of Japan that worships the sacred mountain Mt. Fuji from afar.
Mt. Fuji, registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, has been an object of worship since ancient times and has fascinated people as a source of art and literature. Scenic spots such as Sengen Shrine and Shiraito Falls, which are scattered at the foot of the mountain, still convey the majestic landscape of Mt. Fuji worship and nature. The blessings of these sacred mountains – rich underground water and a cool climate – are the driving force behind the sake culture at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
・Encounter of faith in sacred mountains and pure water
Sengen shrines, including Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, have been worshiped for over a thousand years to quell eruptions and enshrine mountain spirits. The underground water from Wakutama Pond that flows along the approach to the shrine is so clear that brewers in Fujinomiya City use it as water for brewing sake. In the Fuji Five Lakes on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, polished soft water flows deep underground, and businesses such as Ide Jozo (founded in 1864) benefit from this water.
Breweries such as Fuji Nishiki Sake Brewery, Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery, Makino Sake Brewery, and Fujimasa Sake Brewery also brew their sake with water from Mt. Fuji, preserving the soft texture of their sake that can only be achieved with soft water.
・The scenery in front of the gate where the majestic mountain view and the white walls of the storehouse echo
After enjoying the view of Mt. Fuji through the vermilion-painted tower gate of Sengen Taisha Shrine or the inverted view of Mt. Fuji reflected on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, you can visit the white-walled earthenware sake brewery, where the majesty of nature contrasts with the delicacy of handicrafts, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Each brewery offers tours with advance reservations and free tastings, and in the winter, the best part is getting up close to the tanks where fermentation takes place at low temperatures and tasting freshly squeezed sake.
・Local sake with a “soft flavor” produced by brewing with soft water
The underground water from Mt. Fuji is soft water with low hardness, and fermentation proceeds slowly, resulting in sake with a fine flavor and a refreshing crispness. Ide Brewery’s Junmai Ginjo “Kai no Kaiun” has a clear finish and refreshing acidity, while Fuji Takasago Sake Brewing Company’s Yamahai Junmai Dry has a mellow sweet flavor with a strong dryness.
“Fuji Nishiki Junmai Ginjo”, made from 100% Shizuoka Prefecture sake rice <Homafuji>, has a fruit aroma and sharpness, while “Fuji Masa Junmai Ginjo”, produced by Fujisho Sake Brewery, which is brewed on the Asagiri Plateau, has a clear taste reminiscent of the clear air of the highlands.
[Mt. Fuji area overview information]
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| location | Fujikawaguchiko Town, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture / Fujinomiya City, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc. |
| access | Tokaido Shinkansen Shinfuji Station→30 minutes by bus to Fujinomiya/JR Minobu Line Fujinomiya Station(within walking distance of the brewery)/Fujikyuko Line Kawaguchiko Station(5 minutes by car to Kawaguchiko Kura) / |
| Main tourist destinations | Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha, Shiraito Falls, Fuji Five Lakes, Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, Asagiri Plateau |
| Japanese sake spot | Fujinomiya Shizo (Fuji Takasago, Fuji Nishiki, Makino, Fuji Masa), Ide Brewery (Kawaguchiko), Asagiri Food Park |
| Event information | January “Ide Brewery New Year Brewery Opening” /Early March “Fuji Nishiki Sake Brewing Brewery Opening” /Mid-March “Fuji Takasago Sake Brewing Brewery Open” /November “Local Sake Festival in Mt. Fuji” |
2. “Recommended sake breweries” around Mt. Fuji
Taste the “famous water of the sacred mountain” and the “skills of the brewer” all at once
From Mt.Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha and Lake Kawaguchi Within 20-30 minutes by car The area is dotted with sake breweries and experience facilities that are known as famous spots for brewing water. In contrast to the majestic mountain range, you can feel the simple and warm handiwork from the white walls of the storehouse. It is easy to stop here in conjunction with Mt. Fuji sightseeing. 3 sake breweries We will introduce carefully selected items.
1. Ide Brewery｜Fuji Five Lakes’ only “Kai no Kaiun” brewery
Exhibit: https://www.kainokaiun.jp/
Founded in 1864 at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji and on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The signature brand Kaiun Kaiun is brewed using underground Mt. Fuji water (soft water, hardness 40 mg/L) pumped from 50 meters underground in the brewery. Although the brewery is small in production, producing just under 500 koku per year, it is well-known for its careful sake brewing, which focuses on ginjo sake.
Brewery tours are held twice a day (9:30/15:00), 60 minutes, 800 yen (tasting included). After touring the koji room and historic storage cellar, you can taste 3 to 5 types of sake, including Junmai Ginjo and seasonal Nama Genshu. English pamphlets are available, making it popular among foreign tourists. It’s a 20-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, so you can combine it with sightseeing around the area.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Ide Jozoten Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1864 (first year of Genji) |
| Main brands | Kai’s good fortune (Junmai Ginjo, Daiginjo, etc.) |
| visit | 〇(Reservation required/Paid) |
| Tasting | 〇 (about 3-5 types) |
| Direct sales office | Available (limited sake and sake lees sweets) |
| access | Fujikyuko Line Kawaguchiko Station 20 minutes walk/5 minutes by car |
2. Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery | A long-established “Yamahai Shikomi” brewery guarded in front of the gates of Sengen Taisha Shrine
Exhibitor: https://fuji-takasago.com/
Founded in 1831. Located in front of the gate of Mt. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha, a 5-minute walk, we use the same underground spring water from Wakutama Pond (super soft water, hardness 20 mg/L) as the spring water within the shrine grounds. While preserving the traditional Yamahai brewing method, we use yeast developed in the prefecture to bring out the gorgeous ginjo aroma.
Tours are available anytime from 10:30 to 15:30, approximately 45 minutes, and are free (reservations required). You can get a close look at the koji lids and wooden barrels in the cultural property-class storehouse, and sample “Takasago Yamahai Junmai Karakuchi” and several other varieties for free at the store “Kurakura”. English information boards are also available. This is a warehouse that is easy to visit as part of a visit to Sengen Taisha Shrine.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1831 (Tenpo 2nd year) |
| Main brands | Takasago Yamahai Junmai Dry/Takasago Daiginjo |
| visit | 〇(Reservation required/Free) |
| Tasting | 〇(At Kura Shop) |
| Direct sales office | Available (limited raw unprocessed sake/sake lees ice cream) |
| access | JR Fujinomiya Station 15 minutes walk |
3. Fujimasa Sake Brewery | Experience brewery where you can enjoy “seeing, eating, and making” in Asagiri Plateau
Source: https://www.shizuoka-sake.jp/
Founded in 1866. In 2012, the entire sake brewery was relocated to **Asagiri Plateau (altitude 900 m)** and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a glass-enclosed tour path inside Asagiri Food Park. Fujimasa Junmai Ginjo Homarefuji, brewed with the clear air of the highlands and Mt. Fuji underground water, is characterized by its fruity aroma and sharpness derived from Shizuoka yeast.
Inside the facility, you can freely tour the brewing tank (no reservation required, free of charge), and there is also a wide selection of sake tastings, sake soft serve ice cream, amazake lattes, and other sake sweets. In addition to holding sake lees sweets classes and mini-brewing experiences on weekends only, you can also enjoy the pairing of sake and Asagiri Yogurt pork at the BBQ area on the premises.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Fujimasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1866 (Keio 2nd year) |
| Main brands | Fujimasa Junmai Ginjo Homare Fuji/Asagiri Fujimasa |
| visit | 〇 (Free tour, no reservation required) |
| Tasting | 〇(Paid/Free) |
| Direct sales office | Available (limited sake, sake soft drinks, etc.) |
| access | JR Fujinomiya Station→40 minutes by bus and get off at “Food Park Mae” |
3. “Recommended Sake Selection” around Mt. Fuji
The local sake at the foot of Mt. Fuji, which is grown in the underground waters of the sacred mountain Mt. Fuji, is a “soft flavor” type that has both flavor and sharpness.
門前町・富士宮の老舗蔵に加え、河口湖や朝霧高原の個性派蔵も台頭し、日本酒ファンの注目度が年々高まっています。 Here, we have carefully selected 5 brands that you would want to enjoy as part of your trip to Mt. Fuji, and summarized their taste, how to drink them, and pairings.
1. Kai no Kaiun Junmai Ginjo | Ide Jozoten
A signature sake brewed by the only brewery in the Fuji Five Lakes with the slogan “All Yamanashi.” Fuji subterranean water (hardness approximately 40 mg/L) and prefecture-produced Gohyakumangoku are polished to 55% and finished by long-term fermentation at low temperatures. The gentle ginjo aroma reminiscent of white peach, clear sweet flavor, and sharp acidity overlap, and the two-sided charm of this sake is that it is refreshing when served cold, and the rice becomes more plump when served warm. It is widely available at inns and souvenir shops along Lake Kawaguchi.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Muscat-like aroma, refreshing acidity, and light aftertaste |
| How to drink | Cold sake ◎/Nurukan○ |
| Compatible dishes | Hotou nabe, Fujikawa sweetfish grilled with salt, Yamanashi peach caprese |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | 井出醸造店直売所、河口湖・西湖周辺旅館、富士山駅前酒店 |
2. Takasago Yamahai Junmai Dry｜Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery
A core brand of Yamahai Shikomi, protected by a brewery that has been in operation for 190 years in front of the gates of Sengen Taisha Shrine. The soft texture of Wakutama Pond’s ultra-soft water (hardness approx. 20 mg/L), the richness of the Yamahai water, and the sharp dryness create an exquisite balance. The umami will stand out at room temperature to lukewarm,Fujinomiya YakisobaGoes well with sauce and pork miso.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Yamahai Junmai |
| taste | Mild aroma, thick flavor, and sharp dryness |
| How to drink | Room temperature◎/Lukewarm◎ |
| Compatible dishes | Fujinomiya yakisoba, grilled pork marinated in miso, smoked nuts |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Fuji Takasago Sake Brewing Store “Kurakura”, restaurants around Sengen Taisha Shrine |
3. Fuji Nishiki Junmai Ginjo Homare Fuji | Fuji Nishiki Sake Brewery
A fresh and fruity Junmai Ginjo brewed with Shizuoka Prefecture’s original sake rice, Homafuji, polished to 55% and brewed with Shizuoka yeast. The aroma of apple and melon, the transparent sweetness, and the sharp aftertaste harmonize, making it a perfect accompaniment to both Japanese and Western dining.Limited to spring brewery opening, freshly squeezed rawis an instant hit every year.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Fruity Ginjo aroma, light sweetness, and refreshing aftertaste |
| How to drink | Cold sake◎ |
| Compatible dishes | 富士宮やきそば、カマンベールチーズ、シーフードサラダ |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Fuji Nishiki Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office, Roadside Station Asagiri Kogen, Brewery Opening Event Limited Raw Unblended Sake |
4. Mt. Fuji Junmai Ginjo｜Makino Sake Brewery
The only sake with the trademark “Mt. Fuji”, brewed with Shibakawa underground water from Shiraito Falls. Made with ultra-soft water, it has less unpleasant taste, and has a scent reminiscent of white flowers and a refreshing sweet taste. Cold sake makes it fresh, and warming it around 45℃ brings out the flavor.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Slightly gorgeous aroma, soft sweetness, clean acidity |
| How to drink | Cold sake ◎/Nurukan○ |
| Compatible dishes | Shiraito Falls Soba, Rainbow Trout Meuniere, Yuba Sashimi |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Makino Sake Brewery Direct Sales Store, Shiraito Falls Shop, Fujinomiya Station Liquor Store |
5. Fujimasa Asagiri mini brewing experience sake｜Fujisho Sake Brewery
“The only junmai sake in the world” is made by a brewery in Asagiri Kogen during a mini-brewing experience held only on weekends. After the chief brewer’s lecture, you will experience the brewing process and receive the moromi that you have stirred yourself in a 720 ml bottle approximately two months later (experience fee: 9,900 yen/bottle, with original label). You can freely choose from sweet to dry depending on the preparation design. Completed sake is not distributed at the roadside station Asagiri Kogen or online, and can only be obtained by trial participants.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Experience brewing/junmai sake |
| taste | Depends on the design (gorgeous to pale) |
| How to drink | Set as you like |
| Compatible dishes | Original suggestions from experienced users |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Fujimasa Sake Brewery (Asagiri Food Park) Limited to trial participants |
4. “Model course” touring Mt. Fuji and sake breweries
Local sake nurtured by underground water from the sacred mountain Mt. Fuji and the cool climate of the plateau. The Monzen town of Fujinomiya is lined with long-established breweries dating back to the Edo and Meiji eras, and if you take a trip to Lake Kawaguchi and Asagiri Plateau, you can even experience making your own sake. In addition to visiting historical sites of Mt. Fuji worship, you can also enjoy spectacular views, tour sake breweries, and sample sake. We offer three courses that you can choose from to suit your travel style.
①｜Royal sake brewery tour course that goes around the classics in front of Fujinomiya gate
🕒 Time required: Approximately 5-6 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★☆☆｜🍶 Estimated number of tastings: 2-3 locations
Source: https://shizuoka.hellonavi.jp/
For people who want to first learn about Fujinomiya’s representative breweries. Visit Sengen Taisha Shrine first thing in the morning and efficiently tour the two long-established breweries right in front of the gate. Compare the flavors of Mt. Fuji with a free tasting.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00～10:00 | Mt.Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine | Visit Shuromon Gate and Wakutama Pond. Mornings are comfortable with less traffic and crowds. |
| 10:10-11:20 | Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery | Brewery tour at 10:30 (reservation required). Tasted Yamahai Junmai Dry and others. (45 minutes) |
| 11:30-12:20 | Lunch (Monzen Town) | Local gourmet food such as Fujinomiya yakisoba and salt-grilled rainbow trout. |
| 12:35-13:45 | Fujinishiki Sake Brewery | Take a car or bus to Kamiyuno (about 30 minutes). Brewery tour + tasting, etc. |
| 14:10-15:00 | Shiraito Falls & Makino Sake Brewery | Stroll around the waterfall → Sample “Mt. Fuji Junmai Ginjo” and purchase souvenirs at Makino Sake Brewery’s direct sales store. |
| 15:00～ | Purchase souvenirs/Go to Fujinomiya Station | I bought local sake yokan and sake lees ice cream and headed home from JR Fujinomiya Station. |
②｜See, touch, and taste! Sake brewery and brewing workshop course with an emphasis on experience
🕒 Time required: Approximately 7-8 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★★☆｜🍶 Estimated number of tastings: 3 locations + trial sake
For those who want history, experiences, and tastings. In the morning, we enjoyed the spectacular view at Lake Kawaguchi and toured the brewery, in the afternoon we brewed our “one and only sake in the world” at Fujimasa Sake Brewery in Asagiri Plateau, and in the evening we added Fujinomiya Brewery.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-9:30 | Stroll along Lake Kawaguchi | Inverted Mt. Fuji photography at Oishi Park, Mt. Fuji panoramic ropeway, etc. |
| 9:30-10:45 | Ide Brewery Brewery Tour | Participate in the 9:30 session (reservation required/pay). Tasting “Kai no Kaiun”. |
| 11:00-12:00 | Drive to Asagiri Highlands | Approximately 40 minutes by car. On the way, we had a snack at the roadside station Asagiri Kogen. |
| 12:00-14:30 | Fujimasa Sake Brewery Mini Brewing Experience | Lecture → Washing rice and putting it into paddles. Trial fee: 9,900 yen, 1 bottle of 720 ml delivered the next day. |
| 14:30-15:15 | Highland lunch | Cheese fondue & non-alcoholic amazake in the food park. |
| 15:15-16:00 | Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery Kura Shop | Returning to Fujinomiya city, we sampled and purchased limited edition unprocessed sake and sake lees ice cream. |
| 16:15-17:00 | Asama Taisha sunset view & return trip | I took a photo of Fuji at sunset over the Shuromon Gate and headed to JR Fujinomiya Station. |
③｜Sake tasting at Lake Kawaguchi! tasting light plan
🕒 Time required: Approximately 4-5 hours｜🧭 Difficulty: ★☆☆｜🍶 Approximate number of tastings: 1 brewery + tasting bar
![公式] フジ酒場 -FUJI SAKE BAR-](https://img.retty.me/img_ebisu/restaurant/100001769274/archive/3539543-67c8ea40af67f.JPG)
Exhibitor: https://fujisakaba.foodre.jp/
For people who find it difficult to tour breweries but want to try a variety of brands. In the afternoon, you will sightsee around Lake Kawaguchi and sample local sake from Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures at a tasting bar.
| time zone | itinerary | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch (around Kawaguchiko Station) | Hotou nabe, Fujizakura pork bowl, etc. |
| 13:10-14:00 | Ide Brewery Direct Sales Office | Tasting 3 types at the Kura shop (free/paid). |
| 14:15-15:30 | Fuji Sake Bar – FUJI SAKE BAR – |
Tasting 24 types of Yamanashi sake on a coin-operated server (3-4 drink set from 1,100 yen) |
| 15:30-16:30 | Lakeside walk & Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway | Stroll around with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji in the background. |
| 16:30~ | Return by express bus/Fujikyuko line | From Kawaguchiko Station → towards Shinjuku/Tokyo. |
Finally
The murmuring of Wakutama Pond, the clear breeze of the Asagiri Plateau, and the sound of the moromi brewing in the brewery – a sake trip at the foot of Mt. Fuji not only captures the scenery and tastes, but also the time itself woven together by people and water. What dwells in every drop is the reverence for the sacred mountain and the pride of the brewers. Every time you take a sip of your glass, you’ll see that mountain in your mind’s eye, and you won’t be able to help but plan a return visit. Please come and see the blessings of Mt. Fuji again next season.
Whether it’s a chilled Ginjo or a swollen Yamahai, you’ll be warmly welcomed along with the same famous water.
