Sip Like a Local: 10 Must-Visit Sake Breweries Near Tokyo for English Speakers

Curious about Japanese sake? These 10 amazing breweries near Tokyo welcome English speakers for tastings, tours, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Travel

Whether you're a seasoned sake lover or simply curious about Japan's iconic rice wine, visiting a sake brewery is one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have near Tokyo.

 

The best part?

 

You don’t need to speak Japanese to enjoy it. Here's a curated list of 10 sake breweries that are either English-friendly or easily navigable for non-Japanese speakers.

🍾 1. Ozawa Shuzo (Sawanoi) – Tokyo (Ome City)

  • 小澤酒造(澤乃井)
  • Highlight: Beautiful riverside setting, rich history (founded in 1702), English brochures
  • Tour Info: Free guided tours (reservation required), tasting set available
  • Language: English pamphlets; limited staff English, but very tourist-friendly
  • Access: 2 min walk from Sawai Station (JR Ome Line)
  • Website: www.sawanoi-sake.com

🍾 2. Ishikawa Brewery – Tokyo (Fussa City)

  • 石川酒造
  • Highlight: Edo-period architecture, craft beer brewery on-site, Italian restaurant
  • Tour Info: Free English-language tours available on weekends (reservation required)
  • Language: English-speaking staff available during tours
  • Access: 10 min walk from Haijima Station
  • Website: www.tamajiman.co.jp

🍾 3. Toshimaya Shuzo – Tokyo (Higashimurayama)

  • 豊島屋酒造
  • Highlight: Family-run since 1596, rare sake brand “Okunokami”
  • Tour Info: Tours available on Saturdays with prior booking
  • Language: English-friendly materials provided
  • Access: 20 min walk or short taxi ride from Higashimurayama Station
  • Website: www.toshimayasyuzo.com

🍶 4. Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo – Saitama (Kawagoe)

  • 小江戸鏡山酒造
  • Highlight: Re-established in 2007, located in the heart of historic Kawagoe
  • Tour Info: Shop offers tastings, no formal tour but walk-in friendly
  • Language: Limited English, but signage and staff are welcoming
  • Access: About 10 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
  • Website: www.kagamiyama.jp

🍶 5. Takizawa Honten – Chiba (Narita)

  • 滝沢本店
  • Highlight: Only sake brewery on Narita’s famous temple street; great for travelers with a layover
  • Tour Info: No formal tours, but shop offers tastings and sake for purchase
  • Language: Some English signage; staff are welcoming to international visitors
  • Access: 10 min walk from Narita Station
  • Website: https://takizawahonten.jp/

🍶 6. Izumibashi Shuzo – Kanagawa (Ebina)

🍶 7. Kumazawa Shuzo – Kanagawa (Chigasaki)

  • 熊澤酒造
  • Highlight: Brewery complex includes Italian restaurant and bakery
  • Tour Info: Shop tastings available; brewery tours upon request
  • Language: Some English signage, staff can assist with simple English
  • Access: 5 min walk from Kagawa Station
  • Website: www.kumazawa.jp

🍶 8. Matsuoka Brewery – Saitama (Ogawa Town)

  • 松岡酒造
  • Highlight: Edo-era charm and the “Mikadomatsu” sake brand
  • Tour Info: Tours available with reservation
  • Language: Basic English guidance; use of translation app helpful
  • Access: 20 min walk or short taxi from Ogawa-machi Station
  • Website: www.mikadomatsu.com

🍶 9. Buko Shuzo – Saitama (Chichibu)

  • 武甲酒造
  • Highlight: Mountain town scenery and award-winning sake
  • Tour Info: Informal but welcoming; tastings available on site
  • Language: Minimal English spoken; very friendly to tourists
  • Access: 10 min walk from Chichibu Station
  • Website: www.bukou.co.jp

🍶 10. Nabedana Brewery (Jinyu) – Chiba (Narita area)

 

Highlight: Historic sake brewery with over 300 years of heritage, producer of “Jinyu” and “Fudoh” brands

 

Tour Info: Advance reservation required for tours; tasting and shopping available

 

Language: Some English support via materials or staff; check in advance

 

Access: Multiple locations; closest to Tokyo is Narita shop (Hon-Narita area)

 

Website: www.nabedana.co.jp

 

☑️ Useful Tips for English-Speaking Visitors

 

Reservations: Always check the brewery’s website or call ahead. Many require advance booking.

 

Translation Apps: Google Translate or Pocketalk can help with signage or communication

 

Don’t Drive: Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving

 

Cultural Etiquette:

 

Avoid wearing perfume during tastings

 

Ask for permission before taking photos

 

Be respectful—some breweries are family homes

 

Souvenirs: Many breweries sell exclusive bottles you can't find elsewhere

 

Children: Some breweries allow kids; check in advance if unsure

 

🇯🇵 Final Thoughts

 

Sake isn’t just a drink—it’s a reflection of Japan’s regions, history, and soul. A visit to any of these breweries near Tokyo offers more than just a taste of sake; it’s a chance to connect with the heart of Japanese tradition. Whether you're sipping riverside in Ome or exploring the streets of Kawagoe, these spots promise memories as rich as the sake itself.

 

 

Access: 10 min walk from Chichibu Station

 

Website: www.bukou.co.jp

 

☑️ Useful Tips for English-Speaking Visitors

 

Reservations: Always check the brewery’s website or call ahead. Many require advance booking.

 

Translation Apps: Google Translate or Pocketalk can help with signage or communication

 

Don’t Drive: Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving

 

Cultural Etiquette:

 

Avoid wearing perfume during tastings

 

Ask for permission before taking photos

 

Be respectful—some breweries are family homes

 

Souvenirs: Many breweries sell exclusive bottles you can't find elsewhere

 

Children: Some breweries allow kids; check in advance if unsure

 

Final Thoughts

 

Sake isn’t just a drink—it’s a reflection of Japan’s regions, history, and soul. A visit to any of these breweries near Tokyo offers more than just a taste of sake; it’s a chance to connect with the heart of Japanese tradition. Whether you're sipping riverside in Ome or exploring the streets of Kawagoe, these spots promise memories as rich as the sake itself.