Kobayashi Sake Brewery Buildings｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Kobayashi Sake Brewery Buildings

Discover Hokkaido’s Oldest Sake Brewery in Kuriyama

Founded in 1878, the Kobayashi Sake Brewery complex is the oldest sake brewery in Hokkaido, known for its historic red-brick and stone warehouses and long-standing brewing heritage.

Once a key supplier to the coal mining communities of Yūbari and surrounding areas, the brewery played an important role in Hokkaido’s early industrial development through its signature brand “Kita no Nishiki.” The spacious estate features a group of historic buildings, 13 of which are designated as National Registered Cultural Properties. Walking through the grounds, visitors are surrounded by red-brick walls and Sapporo soft stone structures that reflect the spirit of the early brewers.

To overcome Hokkaido’s severe winters, brewers developed innovative techniques to maintain fermentation, including the use of heat from local coal. This spirit of craftsmanship continues today. Inside the “Ichiban-gura,” built in 1900, the scent of aged wood evokes the atmosphere of traditional brewing practices.

After exploring the site, visitors can relax in a warm wooden setting while enjoying handmade soba noodles. The on-site shop also offers seasonal, limited-edition unpasteurized sake made with 100% Hokkaido-grown rice.