Cave Brewery (Shimazaki Brewery)

History of “Shimazaki Brewery”

The Shimazaki Brewery’s history began in Kaei 2 (1849), and have continued to brew sake for more than 170 years. Using of the highest-grade raw rice, natural spring water from the Nasu Mountains, which have made Shimazaki Sake one of Tochigi Prefecture’s best-known sake brewing brands.

History of Cave Brewery

The Cave Brewery was originally a cave dug for the establishment of an underground chariot factory at the end of World War II, but the war ended before production could begin. After decades of inactivity, the cave became a natural cellar for Shimazaki Brewery to mature sake.

Features of Cave Brewery

As the cave is completely protected from the sun, the temperature inside is maintained at around 50°F all year round, so it is advisable to bring a thin jacket to keep warm even in summer.

Inside the cave, you can see a whole row of matured sake that extends deep into the cave. Those are purchased by the consumer, stored by the brewery, and then handed back to the consumer after 5~20 years to commemorate important moments such as the coming-of-age ceremony, the birthday of family, or housewarming, and it is very popular. Sake that has been matured for half a year is also sold as a New Year’s gift.

◇Opening Days: Weekend, Holiday, Japanese Golden Week, the Bon Festival