Sawanotsuru Sake Museum

The Sawanotsuru Sake Museum (沢の鶴資料館), located in Kobe’s Nada district—Japan’s most renowned sake-producing region—offers a fascinating glimpse into the centuries-old craft of sake brewing. Housed in a reconstructed traditional kura (brewery warehouse), the museum highlights the legacy of Sawanotsuru, a sake brewery with over 300 years of history. Although the original building was devastated by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, it was faithfully rebuilt in 1999 using authentic materials and traditional construction techniques, preserving its original atmosphere. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail each stage of the brewing process—from rice polishing and fermentation to bottling—accompanied by antique tools, wooden barrels, and brewer’s clothing.

The museum experience is both educational and immersive, with English-language pamphlets and explanatory signage available to help international visitors appreciate the intricacies of sake-making. Seasonal exhibits and video presentations offer further insight into the role of climate, water, and craftsmanship in producing high-quality sake. Guests can also sample various types of Sawanotsuru sake at the tasting counter, where knowledgeable staff provide recommendations based on flavor profiles. A well-stocked gift shop offers beautifully packaged bottles and sake-related goods, making it easy to take home a taste of Kobe’s brewing heritage.