Toshimaya Sake Brewery

Toshimaya is Tokyo’s oldest sake store, with roots going all the way back to 1596. Through this sake video, we can explore the history of the Toshimaya tavern and sake brewery, the ingredients and processes involved in sake brewing.

Toshimaya Juemon, the founder of the sake store, opened a sake store and tavern in 1596 at Kamakura Waterfront in central Edo (modern day Tokyo). When Juemon began brewing sake (Shirozake), its reputation spread throughout Edo. Shirozake is a sweet white sake that was popular with women at the time. Even today, Toshimaya preserves the traditional recipes and makes Shirozake once a year.