Shimomura Sake Brewery

Shimomura Sake Brewery, located in Yasutomicho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been producing traditional sake since 1884. For over 140 years, the brewery has adhered to its family motto: "no art is greater than that made by hand." The brewery produces its signature brand Okuharima, which has maintained the same handmade production process without introducing machinery or mass production. Since 2008, Shimomura has exclusively brewed Junmaishu (pure rice sake), using only rice, rice malt, and water without any additives.

The brewery sits in Yasutomicho, a town that is 90% mountain and forest, providing ideal conditions for sake production. The region benefits from clean mountain water, pure air, and abundant supplies of Yamada Nishiki, a premium sake rice variety cultivated locally in Hyogo Prefecture. Cold winter air descending from the Chugoku Mountains creates optimal temperatures for sake fermentation. This area serves as a gateway to the Shiso Forest Kingdom, known for its natural beauty across Japan's four seasons.

Visitors to Shimomura Sake Brewery can explore the direct sales store where most varieties of Okuharima sake are available for tasting and purchase. The brewery produces approximately 22 to 23 varieties of sake using different rice types including Yamada Nishiki and Hyogo Yume Nishiki, each with distinct aromas, tastes, and characteristics suited to different meals and occasions. The brewery is managed by Motoki Shimomura, representing the third generation of the family business. Staff members handle both brewing and sales, allowing direct communication with customers and incorporating feedback into product development.

By car, it can be reached in approximately 10 minutes from Yamasaki Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway heading toward Himeji, or about 20 minutes from Yumesaki Smart Interchange. For public transportation, take the Shinki bus bound for Yamasaki from JR Himeji Station on the Sanyo Main Line for approximately one hour, then disembark at Anji and walk about five minutes. Parking is available on site, and nationwide delivery services are offered. Admission to the store is free.