🕓 2025/6/15
#Japanese sake
Immerse yourself in history at Nagoya Castle and taste Owari’s chic moments with local sake
more
table of contents
- Recommended sake breweries in Nagoya Castle
- Recommended selection of sake around Nagoya Castle
- History and highlights of Nagoya Castle
- Model course for visiting Nagoya Castle and sake breweries
Introduction
From Sengoku to Edo. Nagoya Castle, a magnificent castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, is the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family and is one of the historical scenes that symbolizes early modern Japan. Another cultural heritage – the world of local sake – continues to quietly take root in this castle town. The city of Nagoya and its suburbs are dotted with sake breweries that are so unique that you would not think they are in an urban area, and even today, mellow sake is still brewed by the skill and passion of the brewers who have inherited the tradition.
In this article, we will comprehensively introduce the local sake culture surrounding the castle, the sake breweries you can visit, and the recommended selection of sake, starting with the history and highlights of Nagoya Castle. We also propose model courses that allow you to enjoy sightseeing and local sake tours efficiently. Enjoy a day unique to Nagoya, where history and taste intersect.
- 1. Recommended sake breweries around Nagoya Castle
- 2. Recommended selection of sake around Nagoya Castle
- 1. Kintora Junmai Daiginjo | Kintora Sake Brewery (Kita Ward, Nagoya City)
- 2. Toryu Junmai Ginjo Ryutaya | Toharu Sake Brewery (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City)
- 3. Kamisugi Junmai Yume Ginko | Kamisugi Sake Brewery (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture)
- [Supplementary information: Where can I drink it? Can I buy it? ]
1. Recommended sake breweries around Nagoya Castle
Aichi’s local sake culture and brewer’s passion rooted in the castle town
The area around Nagoya Castle is dotted with long-established sake breweries that maintain traditional sake brewing even though they are located in urban areas. By visiting along with a tour of Nagoya Castle, you will be able to experience the unique sake culture of Nagoya. In particular, the sake breweries listed below, which have easy access and unique brewing philosophies, are recommended for those who want to enjoy both sightseeing and local sake experience.
1. Kintora Sake Brewery | A long-established sake brewery that lives in the city
Exhibitor:https://kintora.jp/
Kintora Sake Brewery is a long-established sake brewery founded in 1891, located in Kita Ward, Nagoya City. Although it is located in an urban area, it is known for producing local sake using high-quality underground water pumped up from 120 meters underground and the sake rice “Yume Ginga” from Aichi Prefecture.
Kintora, the representative brand, is characterized by its strength and crisp flavor typical of Nagoya. They also have a diverse lineup, including “Torahen” and the limited edition Daiginjo. Tours and tastings are available at the brewery (reservations required), allowing you to experience first-hand the background of sake brewing and the depth of its flavor.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery name | Kintora Sake Brewery (Kita Ward, Nagoya City) |
| Founding year | 1891 |
| Main brands | Kintora, Kohen, Yume Ginka series, etc. |
| Features | Urban sake brewery uses underground water from the Kiso River and sake rice from Aichi Prefecture. |
| visit | Possible (advance reservation required) |
| Tasting | Possible (please confirm details and fees) |
| access | Approximately 15 minutes walk from Shigahondori Station on the Meijo Subway Line |
2. Toharu Sake Brewery | “Toryu” brewery inherits the tradition of Owari
Exhibitor: https://www.azumaryu.co.jp
Toshun Shuzo is a brewery located in Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City that has been in business for over 140 years and is known for its representative brand, Azuma Ryu. It is characterized by its continued commitment to Junmai Ginjo sake using local sake rice “Wakamizu” and traditional hand-brewing methods.
Among them, “Toryu Junmai Ginjo Tatsutaya” is attractive for its well-balanced flavor and sharpness. Tastings are possible at the direct sales store within the brewery (confirmation required depending on business conditions). This is a little-known spot where you can experience sake brewing with local love.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery name | Toharu Sake Brewery (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City) |
| Founding year | 1877 |
| Main brands | Toryu (Junmai Ginjo Ryutaya, etc.) |
| Features | Using local rice such as Wakamizu and Yume Ginko, and preparing using traditional manual methods. |
| visit | Possible (reservation required, subject to change depending on business conditions) |
| Tasting | Possible (confirm business days at direct sales office) |
| access | Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Chuo Line “Shin-Moriyama Station” |
3. Kamisugi Sake Brewery | A long-established brewery that creates a “theater of life” in Anjo
Exhibitor:https://www.kamisugi.co.jp
Although it is a little far from Nagoya City, Kamisugi Sake Brewery in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture is also worth a visit. The representative brands “Kamisugi” and “Seikatsu Gekijo” are characterized by their strong flavor and are made using locally produced rice and groundwater.
In recent years, they have also been focusing on fruity Junmai sake using the sake rice “Yume Ginka”, and their sake brewing is both traditional and innovative. Advance reservations are required for sake brewery tours and tastings, making this a must-stop stop for local sake fans.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery name | Kamisugi Sake Brewery (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture) |
| Founding year | 4th year of Meiji (1871) |
| Main brands | Kamisugi, Life Theater, Yume Ginka Junmai, etc. |
| Features | A well-balanced drink using local rice and groundwater |
| visit | Possible (reservation required) |
| Tasting | Possible (at the direct sales office) |
| access | Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Anjo Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line |
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. Recommended selection of sake around Nagoya Castle
Local sake from Owari that you must try when visiting Nagoya Castle
At the sake breweries, restaurants, and liquor stores that you can stop by while sightseeing around Nagoya Castle, you can enjoy unique Japanese sake cultivated by Aichi’s climate and craftsmanship. In this section, we will select particularly recommended local sake and introduce it from the perspectives of “taste”, “how to drink it”, and “compatibility with dishes”. Encountering local sake will surely deepen your enjoyment of your trip.
1. Kintora Junmai Daiginjo | Kintora Sake Brewery (Kita Ward, Nagoya City)
A representative brand of Kintora Sake Brewery, which has been brewing sake in Kita Ward, Nagoya City for over 130 years. Junmai Daiginjo, made using the local sake rice “Yume Ginka,” has a rich flavor and a gorgeous ginjo aroma. It has a refreshing aftertaste and goes well with Nagoya’s specialty, Hitsumabushi.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kintora Sake Brewery (Kita Ward, Nagoya City) |
| type | Junmai Daiginjo |
| taste | Bright aroma, slightly sweet taste, and you can really feel the flavor of the rice. |
| How to drink | Chill well/enjoy the aroma with a wine glass |
| Compatible dishes | Hitsumabushi, tempura, white fish sashimi, etc. |
2. Toryu Junmai Ginjo Ryutaya | Toharu Sake Brewery (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City)
It is characterized by its well-balanced flavor and sharp dryness. The carefully handcrafted flavor using local sake rice “Wakasui” is perfect for pairing with Nagoya food. It has a calm taste and is a popular brand among alcohol lovers.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Toharu Sake Brewery (Moriyama Ward, Nagoya City) |
| type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Gentle ginjo aroma, good balance of rice flavor and dryness |
| How to drink | Cold sake to room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | Miso stewed udon, chicken wings, grilled fish, etc. |
3. Kamisugi Junmai Yume Ginko | Kamisugi Sake Brewery (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture)
Made using 100% Yume Ginka sake rice from Aichi Prefecture, it has a light, fruity aroma and sharp taste. It is also an excellent drink to accompany meals, and goes well with dishes that bring out the flavors of the ingredients. It goes particularly well with kishimen and tempura, and is a dish that you can enjoy leisurely with your meal.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Kamisugi Sake Brewery (Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture) |
| type | Junmaishu (using Yume Ginko) |
| taste | Fruity, light and refreshing aftertaste |
| How to drink | Chilled/at room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | Kishimen, tempura, boiled vegetables, etc. |
[Supplementary information: Where can I drink it? Can I buy it? ]
In addition to sightseeing at Nagoya Castle, we will introduce recommended spots where you can taste and purchase sake. Please include it in your sightseeing route.
| Store name | Features | Location/Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kintora Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office | Limited edition sake and tasting available only at the brewery | 15 minutes walk from Shigahondori Station on the Meijo Subway Line |
| Toharu Sake Brewery Direct Sales Office | Tasting and sales available at store | Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Chuo Line “Shin-Moriyama Station” |
| Shusendo Horiichi | A liquor store specializing in local sake. A wide variety of Aichi’s famous sakes are available. | 10 minutes walk from Sengencho Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line |
| World Yamachan main store | Izakaya where you can enjoy chicken wings and local sake together | Nagoya Station/Sakae area |
| Sakazuya Nakaten | Enjoy Aichi’s local sake in Kakuuchi style | Close to Fushimi Subway Station and within walking distance from Sakae |
![[Okayama/Kurashiki × Sake] Tipsy stroll in the white-walled town](https://article.bespes-jt.com/wp-content/uploads/hubfs/d9d0fbd2911ce47364b27e2a4a3c64ab.jpg)
![[Shimane/Izumo × Sake] A drink that invites the gods | “Mythical journey” around Izumo Taisha Shrine and sake breweries](https://article.bespes-jt.com/wp-content/uploads/hubfs/2f246c222bade7744ca88da54ee7837d.jpg)
