A story of Edo, shaping the future of urban brewing.
Mission & Vision
“Preserving the legacy of Edo, while pioneering the future of sake through the lens of modern Tokyo.”
Reviving the soul of “Wakamatsuya,” founded in 1812, we pursue high-quality urban brewing by utilizing Tokyo’s world-class water purification technology and our unique “Compact Brewing System.” Our mission is to shift the paradigm from mass production to “small-batch, premium quality,” bridging the gap between traditional sake culture and the next generation of global enthusiasts.
A Legendary Brewery Reborn After 100 Years. ～A miracle revived from the turbulent final days of the Edo period.～
・Purveyor to the Satsuma Domain
In the mid-19th century, this site was home to the renowned brewery “Wakamatsuya.” It famously served as a clandestine meeting point for historical icons Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu, where they reportedly held secret talks that led to the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle.
・The Miraculous Revival in 2011.
Although its history was once cut short during the Meiji era, the brewery was reborn as “Tokyo Minato Brewery” in 2011 amidst the skyscrapers of Shiba, Minato-ku. Today, it stands as a rare and precious sake brewery crafting refined spirits within the heart of Tokyo’s 23 wards
Craftsmanship: The Ultimate Purity Possible Only in the City.
・Refinement Brewed with Tokyo’s Water.
Our brewing water is sourced from Tokyo’s municipal supply and processed with advanced purification technologies. The resulting water is soft and mellow—reminiscent of the famous waters of Fushimi, Kyoto—allowing us to craft an elegant, sophisticated style of sake known as “Mezake” (feminine sake).
・The Pinnacle of Micro-Brewing.
Within a compact 72-square-meter building, we conduct precision brewing under rigorous temperature control. Through “Shiki-Jozo” (year-round brewing), our Master Brewer, Yoshimi Terasawa, oversees every detail of production, ensuring we deliver fresh, “just-pressed” sake year-round.
Innovation & Sustainability: Revolutionizing Tradition.
・The “Craft-Kura® Factory” System.
We have implemented a patented system developed by Master Brewer Yoshimi Terasawa, enabling high-quality sake production in extremely confined spaces. This revolutionary technology even enabled the establishment of a functional brewery in a mere 23-square-meter space inside Tokyo Station.
・A Commitment to Sustainability.
We embrace flexible, eco-friendly brewing methods unique to an urban setting, such as “Musenmai-Jozo” (brewing with water-saving polished rice) and the innovative use of live lactic acid bacteria. This forward-thinking approach ensures our tradition remains sustainable for the future.
