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Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura

Taste Authentic Hokkaido Sake in a Historic Otaru Brewery

If you want to experience Japan’s sake culture during your Hokkaido trip, Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura in Otaru is the perfect place to visit. Founded in 1899, this long-established brewery crafts premium sake using 100% Hokkaido-grown rice and crystal-clear groundwater from the melted snow of Mt. Tengu. Thanks to Hokkaido’s cool climate, Tanaka Shuzo is one of the few breweries in Japan that produces sake year-round.

The stone warehouse, designated as a historic building by Otaru City, adds to the charm of the visit. Visitors can join free tours throughout the year to observe the brewing process and enjoy fresh sake tastings. The experience includes unprocessed sake, seasonal varieties, and local delicacies such as sake lees senbei (rice crackers), sake manju (steamed buns), and black bean tea.

Tanaka’s sake is brewed in small batches and rarely available outside Otaru, making it a special treat for travelers seeking authentic Hokkaido flavors. Whether you are a sake enthusiast or simply curious, this blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and taste offers a unique glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich brewing culture. A stop at Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura is a must for your Hokkaido travel itinerary.