Kanazawa Sake Heritage — Old Houses of Kaga and the Onsen Towns

Kanazawa — castle town of the Kaga domain — and the onsen towns to its south have long brewed sake to match Ishikawa's famous cuisine. In Kanazawa's Ishibiki district, Fukumitsuya hosts visits at its SAKE SHOP Kanazawa store, bar counter included. Down in Komatsu, the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute — keeper of a legendary master brewer's craft — receives guests at Toan, a tearoom-inspired tasting room (reservation only), while Nishide Shuzo pours brewing-water coffee at its Saturday-only Kura Café Gururi. In Kaga, Hashimoto Shuzo bills its museum as the only brewery in Ishikawa offering free kikizake tastings, walk-ins welcome. Shops at Shata Shuzo (Tengumai) and Matsuura Shuzo in Yamanaka Onsen slot easily into the route. Many Noto breweries are still recovering from the earthquake — buying their sake in Kanazawa is one way to help.

Model course (two days)

Breweries & Facilities

Getting There

FAQ

Do I need a reservation?

Toan at the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute is reservation-only, as are tours at Kaetsu and Kuze Shuzo. Hashimoto Shuzo's museum takes individual walk-ins (groups book by fax). Check each brewery card for official details.

Can I visit breweries in Noto?

Some Noto breweries have suspended or reduced visits since the earthquake — Hiyoshi Shuzo's tours are paused, for example. Always check official updates before traveling; buying Noto sake at Kanazawa shops is another way to support them.

Is this doable without a car?

Kanazawa itself is easy by bus. For Komatsu and Kaga, combine JR trains with taxis. Keep to public transport if you plan to taste — drivers can't drink.