Step into the world of Iwate Meijo in Oshu City, where tradition, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of Iwate intertwine to create sake of remarkable purity and character. This brewery tour offers a rare chance to step behind the scenes of one of the region’s most respected producers.
Begin with an introduction to the history of Iwate Meijo and the deep cultural ties between sake brewing and the traditions of southern Iwate, a region shaped by pristine water sources, cold winters that foster clean fermentation, and a commitment to agricultural excellence that ensures only the finest rice finds its way into the brewery.
As you move deeper into the facility, learn how each step of the brewing process—washing and soaking the rice, steaming, koji cultivation, fermentation, and pressing—is carried out with an attention to detail that reflects decades of accumulated skill. Witness first-hand the quiet focus of the artisans who devote themselves to maintaining the brewery’s standards.
One of the highlights of the experience is the opportunity to taste Iwate Meijo’s highest-grade daiginjo, a sake meticulously brewed using carefully polished rice, soft and pure water, and a fermentation process overseen with extraordinary care. This daiginjo is available in extremely limited quantities, and the brewery tour is one of the few occasions where visitors can enjoy it directly at its source.
In addition to this rare daiginjo, the tour also features exclusive sakes unavailable anywhere else, produced in small batches and kept only for visitors who make the journey to the brewery. These limited selections often showcase experimental techniques or local rice varieties that express unique regional character, and tasting them allows guests to discover the creativity and innovation that exist alongside Iwate Meijo’s deep respect for tradition.
Another exceptional highlight is “OkuRoku,” a sake that has gained attention even overseas for its wine-like qualities and elegant profile, making it a favourite among international visitors who may be encountering Japanese sake for the first time. With a refreshing acidity, delicate sweetness, and smooth texture, OkuRoku bridges the world of sake and wine, embodying a modern interpretation of what Japanese brewing can achieve while still honouring the natural environment that shapes its flavour.
Throughout the tour, visitors are offered rich explanations of the brewery’s philosophy, which blends respect for inherited techniques with a forward-thinking spirit that encourages exploration of new styles and flavours. This balance allows Iwate Meijo to create sakes that remain grounded in the region’s traditions while continuing to captivate modern palates.
By the time the tour concludes, gain not only a deeper understanding of sake as a craft but also a genuine appreciation for the passion that drives Iwate Meijo’s work. The tasting session at the end serves as a culmination of everything you have learned.
