Former Sake Brewery Is Now a Unique Guest House

A 150-year-old establishment in Kagawa Prefecture puts visitors through the sake-brewing process

In the small coastal town of Mitoyo in Kagawa prefecture is a completely private guest house with a curious catch phrase: “Brew a New You.” And that’s what Mitoyotsuru, a restored 150-year-old former sakagura (sake brewery), offers its overnight guests: a playful course in which visitors put themselves through the sake brewing process by “becoming” the rice with which sake is made. The course includes husking (undressing), steaming (rinsing), fermentation (adding bath salts) in the brewing barrels (baths) to soak, and aging (getting a good night’s rest). 

The entire facility is a restoration of premises that were once used by the toji (brewing master) and his team of brewers as they dedicated themselves to the long process of producing this potent alcoholic beverage. The four varieties of baths are converted barrels and brewing tubs, and the rooms come with original, refurbished fittings that create an atmosphere dating back to the brewery’s Meiji period (1868–1912) origins. 

With shared sleeping space for up to 11 and outdoor barbecue facilities, this guest house is ideal for hosting groups of friends and family interested in new and memorable activities. It’s a refreshing immersion into the atmosphere of traditional sake culture, something that has fueled Japanese society for centuries.

Access: Take the local train from Shin-Osaka Station to Takuma Station (about two hours). The guest house is a 10 minute drive away.

Mitoyotsuru TOJI