🕓 2025/6/15
#Japanese sake
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A trip to Aomori to soothe your soul at Hirosaki Castle and enjoy local sake
table of contents
- Around Hirosaki Castle“Recommended sake brewery”
- Around Hirosaki Castle“Recommended Sake Selection”
- Hirosaki Castle“History and highlights”
- Touring Hirosaki Castle and sake breweriesRu“Model course”
Introduction
Hirosaki Castle is famous for its cherry blossom viewing. But actually, it’s a really hot tourist destination where you can enjoy the perfect combination of “castle + local sake”!
After looking up at the castle tower that remains from the Edo period, get tipsy with a glass of sake packed with Tsugaru’s snow, water, and craftsmanship. Being able to tour the sake breweries…isn’t that great?
This article is a complete guide to the highlights of Hirosaki Castle, sake breweries you should stop by, recommended brands you’ll want to drink right away, and model itineraries for your trip! A must read for greedy people who want to enjoy both history and alcohol.
1. Recommended sake breweries in Hirosaki Castle
Visit Hirosaki’s famous local sake breweries, nurtured by the nature and skills of Tsugaru
Hirosaki City and its suburbs, centered around Hirosaki Castle, are dotted with unique sake breweries that reflect the climate of Tsugaru.
The local sake, which is cultivated through the Shirakami Mountains’ subterranean water, cold climate, and traditional handicrafts, is highly acclaimed nationwide.
Here, we will carefully select notable sake breweries that are accessible from Hirosaki City and introduce each one in an easy-to-understand manner, including their characteristics, brands, and whether tours and tastings are available.
1. Miura Sake Brewery | A famous family-run brewery known as “Toyo Sake”
source:https://houhai.co.jp/
Miura Sake Brewery, located in Hirosaki City at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, is a family-run sake brewery founded in 1930. The famous sake “Toyakasu”, which is produced by contract cultivation of “Toyosakabe rice”, which is rare even in Japan, and brewed using underground water from the Shirakami Mountains, is characterized by its aromatic and delicate taste, and is attracting attention among sake fans as “Aomori’s hidden gem.”
Toyosaka, which is made using the careful small brewing process unique to small-scale breweries, has many fans not only in its hometown of Hirosaki, but also at sake bars in Tokyo and Kansai, with some people visiting for the limited edition and seasonal sake. You can also sample the sake at the direct sales store in Kurauchi, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find a special bottle that’s only available locally.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Miura Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1930 (Showa 5) |
| Main brands | Rich sake cup (special junmai, junmai ginjo, junmai daiginjo, etc.) |
| visit | Not possible |
| Tasting | Possible (at the direct sales office) |
| Direct sales office | Available (Business hours 8:30-17:00) |
| access | About 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station, get off at “Hamanomachi 2-chome” and walk about 15 minutes |
2. Rokka Sake Brewery | A famous dry sake brewery known for “Joppari”
source:https://rokkashuzo.com
Rokka Sake Brewery, known as “Joppari” (meaning “stubborn” in the Tsugaru dialect), is a relatively new brewery that was established in 1972 as a result of the merger of three sake breweries in Hirosaki City. However, it has a long history, and one of its original warehouses was founded in 1719 in the middle of the Edo period.
Made with local sake rice and subterranean water from the Shirakami Mountains, it is characterized by its crisp, dry aftertaste, which gently spreads the flavor of the rice. In particular, the signature brand “Joppari” has a strong flavor that is a direct copy of Tsugaru’s climate and features, and goes perfectly with the strong flavors of local cuisine.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Rokka Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1972 (Showa 47) *Motozo’s history dates back to 1719 |
| Main brands | Joppari, Ryuhi, Tsugaru Musume |
| visit | Digital brewery tour (reservation required/paid) |
| Tasting | Possible (free tasting at the direct sales store, donation required) |
| Direct sales office | Available (Business hours 10:00-15:00/Closed on Sundays and holidays) |
| access | Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Hirosaki Station |
3. Matsumori Sake Brewery | A unique lineup including “Rokukon” and “Detective”
source:https://matsu-midori.com/
Founded in 1904 (Meiji 37), Matsumori Sake Brewery is known for its “locally-based” Junmai sake brewing using spring water from the Shirakami Mountains and rice produced in Aomori Prefecture. The fine-tuned sake brewing made in small quantities and an impressive lineup of unique names have attracted sake fans both inside and outside the prefecture.
The most popular series, “Rokukon”, is derived from the Buddhist “Rokukon” meaning “eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind”, and was developed with the concept of enjoying with the five senses and heart. Brands with jewels such as “Rokukon Jade” and “Rokukon Tiger Eye” are gorgeous not only in taste but also in appearance.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Matsumori Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1904 (Meiji 37) |
| Main brands | Rokune, Matsumori, Reiho, Detective (Big) |
| visit | Not possible |
| Tasting | No information (information may be provided at the direct sales store) |
| Direct sales office | Available (Business hours 10:00-16:00/Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) |
| access | Access by bus + foot from JR Hirosaki Station |
We are currently launching a tourist destination x sake site.This is a site where you can get the information you want that you didn’t have before.We will be adding more information in the future, so please bookmark it.
2. Hirosaki Castle’s recommended selection of sake
Enjoy Tsugaru’s unique local sake while sightseeing in Hirosaki.
The sake that is cultivated through the underground water of the Shirakami Mountains, the harsh cold of winter, and delicate handiwork has a rich aroma and deep flavor that is truly unique to this region.
Here, we have carefully selected sake that is easy to obtain around Hirosaki Castle and recommended for tourists. We will also introduce the characteristics of the brands and their pairing compatibility.
1. Hohai | Miura Sake Brewery (Hirosaki City)
Hirosaki’s famous sake “Toyohashi”, which has fans all over the country, is a sake full of local love that was born from contract-grown sake rice “Toyohakamai” and underground water from Mt. Iwaki.
The charm is the careful handwork that can only be achieved by a small, family-run brewery, and the taste that is free from any unpleasant tastes due to small preparations.
In particular, Junmai Ginjo has a perfect balance of elegant aroma and rice flavor, making it a perfect match with Japanese food. Multiple lineups are available for purchase at the direct sales store.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo/Junmai Daiginjo/Special Junmai etc. |
| taste | Soft flavor, refreshing acidity, and refreshing crispness |
| How to drink | Chilled/at room temperature (depending on brand) |
| Compatible dishes | Sashimi, hot pot dishes, tempura, grilled fish, etc. |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Miura Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office, Liquor Stores in Hirosaki City, Kakuuchi “Kato Sake Store”, “Hummingbird Sake Store”, etc. |
2. Joppari｜Rokka Sake Brewery (Hirosaki City)
“Joppari”, which means “stubborn” in the Tsugaru dialect, is recommended for dry drinkers.
The refreshing sharpness and the flavor of the rice coexist, and it goes well with meat dishes and strong-flavored local dishes.
In particular, the “Special Junmai” is made with Hanafubuki and has a strong aroma and a strong taste. It is also served at pubs around Hirosaki Station, and is a popular local sake among tourists.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Special Junmai/Honjozo/Junmai Daiginjo, etc. |
| taste | Light and dry, the flavor of the rice spreads later. |
| How to drink | Chilled or lukewarm |
| Compatible dishes | Igamenchi, yakitori, boiled fish, fried food |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Many liquor stores in the city, including Rokka Sake Brewery’s direct sales office and the Hirosaki izakaya “Domon” and “Hasuya”. |
3. Rokkon | Matsumori Sake Brewery (Hirosaki City)
This series is derived from the Buddhist term “Rokugen” (five senses + heart), and is based on the theme of experiencing things with the five senses and the heart.
In particular, products such as “Rokukon Hisui (Junmai Daiginjo)” and “Rokukon Tiger Eye (Junmai Ginjo)” are named after gemstones and are visually impressive.
It has an excellent balance of fruitiness and flavor, and goes well with Western-style dishes and cream-based stews. It also makes a great souvenir from your trip.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Junmai Ginjo/Junmai Daiginjo (Tiger Eye, Jade, etc.) |
| taste | Bright and mellow, with a good balance of flavor and acidity |
| How to drink | Chill in a glass |
| Compatible dishes | Cheese dishes, butter grilled dishes, seafood gratin, Aomori apple dishes |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Matsumori Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office, select liquor stores in Hirosaki City, hotels and restaurants, etc. |
4. Shirakami | Shirakami Sake Brewery (Hirosaki City)
Natural sake brewed at the foot of the Shirakami Mountains.
The sake is mainly made using Yamahai sake, and is praised as a “local sake that goes well with food”, with a strong flavor and acidity. Local ingredients and careful construction make it a perfect match for natural cuisine.
In particular, “Yamahai Junmai,” whose flavor increases when heated, goes perfectly with mushroom soup and stews.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| type | Yamahai Junmai/Special Junmai etc. |
| taste | Powerful flavor, acidity, and a satisfying body |
| How to drink | Room temperature to lukewarm and hot sake are also recommended. |
| Compatible dishes | Keno soup, simmered dishes, miso-based local cuisine |
| Where can I buy/drink it? | Liquor stores in Hirosaki City / Shirakami Sake Brewery (reservation required) / Some izakayas and local restaurants, etc. |
3. History and highlights of Hirosaki Castle
Memories of Tsugaru and the beauty of the four seasons told by the only existing castle tower in Tohoku
Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is the residence of the Tsugaru clan with a history of over 400 years, and is one of the most famous castles in the Tohoku region, with the only remaining Edo-period castle tower. With cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery, this place is a place where the natural beauty of each season is in harmony, and it attracts many people as a setting for a journey where history and beauty intersect.
・History of Tsugaru Domain and construction of Hirosaki Castle
The story of Hirosaki Castle begins in 1603 when Tamenobu Tsugaru, the first lord of the Tsugaru region, decided to build a castle here. Tamenobu was a man who overcame the turmoil of the Sengoku period to unify the Tsugaru area and established a unique culture and politics. After his death, the second lord of the domain, Nobuhira Tsugaru, who carried on his ambition, began full-scale construction of the castle, which was completed in 1611.
Initially, it had a five-story castle tower, but it was destroyed by lightning in 1627. After that, it was used as a castle without a castle tower for a long time, but in 1810 in the late Edo period, with special permission from the Shogunate, it was rebuilt as a three-story “Gosankaiyagura”. This castle tower continues to be a symbol of Hirosaki as the only existing castle tower in the Tohoku region.
・Legendary reconstruction of “Gosankaiyagura”
The current Hirosaki Castle tower was actually rebuilt in the late Edo period. In 1810, the shogunate gave permission for its reconstruction because it was a “proof of trust” that the Tsugaru clan was entrusted with guarding Ezochi (Hokkaido). In other words, it was considered important as a domain that protected the northern border.
The castle tower that was rebuilt at this time was called “Gosankaiyagura,” and was designed as a practical facility that also served as a government office and a lookout, rather than a defensive purpose. Compared to the original 5-story original castle tower, the structure has been changed to a much more compact 3-story structure, but its appearance still has a rugged, calming Tsugaru feel to it.
・Architecture that breathes the wisdom of the snow country
The architecture of Hirosaki Castle is filled with the wisdom unique to a snowy country, which teaches how to deal with the harsh nature of Tsugaru. For example, the roof uses durable copper tiles instead of regular tiles. It is designed to withstand the weight of snow.
Currently, in addition to the existing castle tower, Hirosaki Castle has three turrets and five castle gates, all of which have been designated as important national cultural properties. By taking your time touring these areas, you can get a sense of the defense and aesthetic sense of the Edo period at the same time.
・Scenery where history intersects with cherry blossoms that decorate spring
It is no exaggeration to say that Hirosaki Park, centered around Hirosaki Castle, is “Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing spot.” In spring, approximately 2,600 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry trees, bloom all at once, and the sight of the castle and the cherry blossoms is truly a sight to behold. Its beauty has become a hot topic on social media, and the view of the flower petals floating in the moat is particularly popular as a “scenic view you should see at least once in your lifetime.”
But Hirosaki Castle’s charm is not only in spring. In autumn, the colored leaves decorate the stone walls and castle gates, and in winter, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival creates a magical world of snow and light.
[Hirosaki Castle overview information]
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture |
| access | Approximately 15 minutes by Dotemachi Loop Bus from JR Hirosaki Station, get off at Shiyakusho-mae, and walk approximately 5 minutes. |
| Admission time | 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) *Subject to change depending on the season |
| Regular holiday | Open every day (however, the castle tower may be closed in winter) |
| Admission fee | Adults 320 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen (common ticket for the castle tower, main enclosure, and northern enclosure) |
| Best time to see cherry blossoms | Usually from late April to early May (Hirosaki Sakura Festival period) |
We are currently launching a tourist destination x sake site.This is a site where you can get the information you want that you didn’t have before.We will be adding more information in the future, so please bookmark it.
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