HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Discover Sake and Soba Culture
Experience traditional sake brewing and handmade soba noodles in Yamagata’s historic Furusawa Sake Brewery
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
Furusawa Sake Brewery in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture is a place to experience the rich cultural world of Japanese sake and soba. This historic brewery, founded in 1836, not only offers visitors sake tasting, but the opportunity to try hands-on soba noodle making.
The journey begins at the Furusawa Sake Museum, which was created by restoring a traditional dozo—, an earthen-walled storehouse typical of sake breweries, originally built in 1917. Learn about traditional sake brewing tools and techniques, and enjoy tastings of various sake varieties, including daiginjo, junmai, and umeshu (Japanese plum wine).
Then, over at Koyoan, a soba noodle workshop located within the brewery that is named after the brewery’s sake brand Koyomori, guests can roll, cut, and cook their own noodles using local buckwheat flour. The experience uses the brewery’s home-grown “Dewa Kaori” buckwheat, known for its rich aroma and taste. Expert instructors offer guidance step by step, making it perfect for beginners.
Whether one is a foodie, sake lover, or cultural explorer, this immersive experience is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors and traditions of northern Japan. Advance reservations are required.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes). From there, transfer to the JR Aterazawa Line and get off at Sagae Station. Furusawa Sake Brewery is a 10-15 minute walk from the station.
3-5-7 Marunouchi, Sagae-shi, Yamagata-ken
