Sawanoi Tokyo Kurabito

Sawanoi Tokyo Kurabito (澤乃井東京蔵人) is a junmai ginjōshu brewed according to the traditional kimoto (生酛) method. Ozawa Shuzō describes it as a full-bodied sake with both muscle tone and finesses that open with an earthy koji character and red notes fruit, plum wine, lychee, and yellow apple, and finishes softly spiced. It is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Ozawa Brewery is located in the Mitake Valley in Ōme, western Tōkyō, just three minutes from Sawai Station on the JR Ōme Line. The brewery is right beside the banks of the Tama River, in sight of the spectacular Okutama mountains. It was founded in 1702 which makes it one of the oldest breweries in Tōkyō. Sawanoi is the brand name of Ozawa Shuzō, named after the local area of Sawai (沢井).

The brewery offers free tours that last about 45 minutes and include sake tasting. Visitors can see the spring water pouring from vertical holes dug 140 metres into the Chichibu rock formations. Several times a month, the brewery organises English tours (application forms here). The tours take place daily (except Monday, 08:00-17:00). The brewery has its own garden on the banks of the Tamagawa, Sawanoi-en (澤乃井園, Sawanoi Garden), where visitors can sit, eat, enjoy sake and buy souvenirs.