Aizu Sake Museum

The Aizu Sake Museum (會津酒造歴史館, Aizu Shuzo Rekishikan) was built using the old brewery of Miyaizumi. Inside the museum are displays and explanations on the sake brewing process in Aizu. They make use of mannequins to show how the tools were used back in the day. Modern and traditional sake making equipment is both exhibited to show the difference of the times. There are signs explaining the different qualities sake can possess. The Miyaizumi brewery has been around for over 400 years and still produces sake to this day. There are 3 components required to make good sake which are an abundance of pure water, high quality rice and cold weather for the fermentation process. Since Aizu meets these requirements there are many breweries in the area. If you time your visit to when it is time to brew sake you can see the process in action inside the Miyaizumi brewery. As an extra treat they offer a sampling opportunity of their products. They will ask what it is that you prefer and match certain sake to that preference. It is a great place to stop by since it is located five minutes away from Tsuruga Castle, which is the number tourist spot in Aizuwakamatsu.