Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery: A Taste of Tradition
Discover Tokyo's oldest sake brewery in the scenic Okutama region, offering tours, tastings, and a tranquil escape from the city.
Escape the hustle of Tokyo and discover the tranquil beauty of Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery, the oldest sake brewery in the Tokyo region. Founded in 1702, the brewery is nestled in the scenic Mitake Valley, where the clear waters of the Tama River and the surrounding Okutama Mountains provide the perfect setting for crafting exceptional sake. Ozawa Brewery's Sawanoi sake is named after the Sawai area, known for its pristine water. The brewery uses both medium-hard spring water from its on-site Brewery Well and soft water from the Mountain Well to create a variety of sake flavors. Some of their sakes are even brewed in wooden barrels, a traditional method that imparts a unique character to the final product. Visitors can explore the brewery's picturesque grounds, including a beautiful Japanese garden, and learn about the sake-making process. While tours are typically conducted in Japanese, English brochures are available, and English-language tours can be booked in advance. After the tour, sample a variety of Sawanoi sake at the tasting place and savor seasonal dishes at the on-site restaurant, which pairs traditional Japanese cuisine with their sake. Don't forget to visit the brewery shop to take home a bottle of your favorite sake and other souvenirs. Whether you're a sake enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful day trip from Tokyo, Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Local tips
- Take the JR Ome Line from Shinjuku to Sawai Station for convenient access to the brewery.
- Book a brewery tour in advance to learn about the sake-making process (English tours available on select dates).
- Enjoy a sake tasting at the Sawanoi Tasting Place and sample different varieties of sake.
- Explore the beautiful Japanese garden and the surrounding Mitake Valley.
- Visit the brewery's restaurant to savor traditional Japanese cuisine paired with Sawanoi sake.
A brief summary to Sawanoi - Ozawa brewery
- 2 Chome-770 Sawai, Ome, 2 Chome Sawai, Tokyo, 198-0172, JP
- +81428-78-8215
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
-
Public Transport
The most convenient way to reach Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery is by train. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Ome Station, then transfer to the JR Ome Line and continue to Sawai Station. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. From Sawai Station, it's a 3-5 minute walk to the brewery. Cost: * JR Train from Shinjuku to Sawai: Approximately ¥900-1200 (depending on the type of train).
-
Taxi
While not recommended for the entire journey from central Tokyo, a taxi from Ome or Haijima Station could be an option. From Ome Station, the taxi ride is approximately 15-20 minutes. Cost: * Taxi from Ome Station to Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery: Approximately ¥3,000-4,000.
-
Walking
From Sawai Station, exit the ticket gate and go down the hill. Turn left at the intersection, and Ozawa Brewery will immediately come into view. The walk is about 3-5 minutes.
