Kunimare Sake Brewery Revisited 2022

The first time I visited Kunimare Sake Brewery (国稀酒造㈱) was with my fellow Rumoi ALTs during our Mashike Biking Trip last April 10, 2022.

Kunimare Sake Brewery

I revisited Kunimare Sake Brewery with my family during our Mashike Road Trip last September 3, 2022. It was my 306th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme.

Kunimare Sake Brewery details

For those who are unfamiliar with Kunimare Sake Brewery, it is the northernmost sake brewery in Japan with a history that dates back to the late 1800s. It is still producing high-quality sake using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. The brewery has also been designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government.

Kunimare Sake Brewery - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture

During our recent visit, I was amazed by the sheer size of the facility and how well-maintained everything was. There was an information center where visitors can learn about the history of the brewery and sake-making process, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase their famous sake and other souvenirs.

Checking out the giant side doors of Kunimare Sake Brewery

Kunimare Sake Brewery spring water

We didn't miss the opportunity to refill our water containers

Inside Kunimare Sake Brewery

The highlight of my visit, of course, was the free sake tasting. It was a great opportunity to try their different sake varieties and appreciate the unique taste of each one. I especially enjoyed the Junmai Daiginjo, which had a complex yet smooth flavor.

Free Sake Tasting at Kunimare Sake Brewery

Mini-museum inside Kunimare Sake Brewery

After the tasting, I took a tour of the brewery and saw the actual brewing process up close. It was fascinating to see how the sake was made, from washing the rice to the fermentation process. The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.

Team Nicerio revisits Kunimare Sake Brewery

I bought the best-tasting sake during the free taste

Overall, my second visit to Kunimare Sake Brewery was even more enjoyable than the first. It was a great way to experience a part of Japanese culture and history, and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Hokkaido.

Kunimare Sake Brewery Admission Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Kunimare Sake Brewery. However, I highly suggest that you bring money for souvenirs.

Kunimare Sake Brewery Operating Hours

Kunimare Sake Brewery is open in all seasons. It operates 9AM - 5:00PM daily except during New Year. 

Why visit Kunimare Sake Brewery?

If you love history or fancy sake then this place is for you. It's like hitting two birds with one stone. Make sure to try out the sake-tasting activity. Well, unless you're driving or biking after then you shouldn't. 

Getting to Kunimare Sake Brewery

Commuting to Mashike became less convenient after the closure of the JR Mashike Line. Regardless, tourists can still ride the bus to Mashike from Rumoi City. 

Here are the timetable, fare, and bus stops of the Engan Bus that ply the Mashike route and back.

👉 Engan Bus Rumoi - Mashike 👈

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