A Hidden Sake Brewery Producing Rare Artisan Sake

Founded in 1921, Yoro Sake Brewery is a historic sake brewery that handcrafts its products using the abundant underground water of the Hiji River. Their signature sake, Kaze no Sato, is made primarily from Ehime-grown Shizuku-hime and Matsuyama Mitsui rice varieties. At room temperature, it offers a rich and full-bodied flavor, while chilled, it reveals a mellow aroma of koji. This rare sake is seldom found in the market. The Junmai Ginjo Kaze no Sato boasts a smooth, velvety texture reminiscent of the crisp winter winds blowing through the Hiji River valley. Its refined aroma blossoms in the mouth, leaving a lasting impression.

All sake production here is done by hand—a true test of physical endurance. Each day begins with manually shoveling over 300 kg of steamed rice. This labor-intensive process allows only a limited quantity to be produced, making their sake exceptionally rare. The hands-on approach ensures that the sake retains the natural flavors of the rice. Their Junmai Nigori Kaze no Sato is completed during the fermentation process, offering a rich, full-bodied flavor. It is a perfect blend of the depth unique to junmai sake and a clean, refreshing finish.

In 2018, the brewery suffered devastating damage from the torrential rains of western Japan. Floodwaters reached up to three meters, forcing a temporary halt in production. Thanks to the support of sake associations and many individuals, the brewery has persevered, continuing to brew sake at the same location using traditional methods. Inside the brewery, a clock remains stopped at the time of the flood, serving as a poignant reminder of their resilience.

Brewery Tours

Reservations: Required
Fee: Free (Tasting available for an additional fee)
Capacity: 1 person or more
Availability: Generally from April to November
(For group tours, please inquire in advance. Foreign language support is not available.)
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes (Tasting is optional and incurs an additional charge.)

Sample Tour Itinerary

1. Reception 
2. Introduction
3. Fermentation Room
4. Yeast Starter Room
5. Koji Fermentation Room 
6. Analysis Lab
7. Workshop 
8. Bottling Machine 
9. Brewing Tanks
10. Pressing Machine 

Tours are guided by staff, so feel free to ask any questions about sake or the brewing process.