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SETO SHUZO-TEN Co., Ltd.

Three ingredients are required to make fine sake: water, yeast, and—of course—rice. The Ashigara Plain, located to the east of Mount Hakone, has a long flourishing history as a sake rice growing region. Right at the center of this rural area is SETO SHUZO-TEN, a sake brewery founded in 1865. Although in 1980, the brewery was forced to suspend production when it was unable to secure the services of a chief brewer and skilled brewery workers, in 2018, it reopened under the leadership of a new chief brewer.

A mere five years later, on November 20, 2023, “Setoichi ※O” became the first sake ever served at the LA LISTE Gala Dinner in Paris, one of the world’s premier culinary events, impressing leading chefs, gourmets, and other attendees from around the world.

SETO SHUZO-TEN produces three series of sake: Sakata-nishiki, Ashigari-go, and Setoichi.

The Sakata-nishiki series revives the original signature sake of SETO SHUZO-TEN. Brewed with rice grown on the Ashigara Plain and yeast that lives naturally in the brewery, it is an ideal accompaniment to everyday meals. The Ashigari-go series is brewed using yeast found in the hydrangea, the official flower of the town where the company’s brewery is located, Kaisei-machi. This sake is notable for its refreshing, white wine-like acidity,
and clear taste. Lastly, the Setoichi series was crafted to be enjoyed in a variety of settings. It includes different types of sake, each with a richly distinctive flavor.

In the five years since it reopened its doors, the brewery has received international recognition and 93 awards at global competitions, such as the International Wine Challenge and Kura Master. In 2023, SETO SHUZO-TEN was ranked the world’s 11th-best sake brewery by the Sakagura Rankings and has a best-ever ranking of ninth.

The brewery has a store where visitors can purchase its sake and is happy to offer guided tours of its premises for visitors who make a reservation. It is approximately 40 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by taxi, from Kaisei Station or Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line connecting Shinjuku and Odawara.

SETO SHUZO-TEN restarted sake making to share the pleasures and richness of delicious Japanese sake, and to teach people how to enjoy it. Visitors to the brewery have a unique chance to savor globally-acclaimed sake.

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Details

SETO SHUZO-TEN Co., Ltd.

Address
17, Kanaishima, Kaisei-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, KANAGAWA Pref.

Telephone Number
+81-465-82-0055

Official site
https://setosyuzo.ashigarigo.com/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/setoshuzo1865/

Tour request
https://www.facebook.com/SETOSHUZO1865/

facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SETOSHUZO1865/

X
https://x.com/SETO_SHUZO_1865

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed: Mon. Tue. Wed.