From Sado to the world, a venerable brewery creates local sake that is sought the world over
At Obata Sake Brewery, which has a long history going back to its beginnings in 1892, premium sake is continued to be brewed under the concept of “Shihou Wajou”(The Four Diamonds) which refers to the 4 treasures of rice, water, people and the harmony of Sado itself. Chosen as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the brewery makes high-grade sake under Sado Island’s ideal conditions including Sado rice that has been highly praised for its cultivation under natural farming methods, naturally filtered soft water, top-class techniques and staff who have preserved a strict old-fashioned formula, along with the honest passion of the owner. It has also gained fame through many awards including consecutive Gold Prizes from the National Research Institute of Brewing in Japan and a Gold Medal from the International Wine Challenge. Furthermore, the brewery’s famous brand of Manotsuru was selected as the sake served in the first class section of Air France and has been served on international flights of the finest airlines to earn its internationally recognized reputation.
Besides sampling the sake, learn about the culture of sake from knowledgeable staff
You can tour inside Obata Sake Brewery and sample the sake. At the entrance hall, there is a video presentation of the sake-brewing process (English/Chinese), and at the tasting corner inside the facility, you can try various types of local sake. At a specially-sized long counter which was designed by students at the Shibaura Institute of Technology, there are highly knowledgeable staff stationed there. Beyond the counter, enjoy the exchange and culture of Japanese sake. If you come across the sake that you enjoy, you can purchase it right there. One recommendation is the Manotsuru Junmai Set which is only available for visitors to the brewery. You can enjoy a variety of flavors from the 3 types of popular sake (each bottle is 720ml). The Daiginjo Sake cake is also delicious. The cake, which has become a hit for its superior taste, is liberally infused with the delicate yet fruity scent of Manotsuru and has a smooth and moist texture.