Eguchiya Brewery

Eguchiya Brewery has an incredible historical scale. It carries on the family name that has been associated with farming and sake brewing since the Kansei era, around 1790.

Exactly. This place originally brewed sake called "Sawanofuji," but they stopped brewing in the Taisho era, then after the war it became a liquor store, and later even a post office. Then in 2020, they renovated a Meiji-era building into a guesthouse called Kominka Eguchiya, and in March 2023 they converted the kura and resumed brewing. It was a revival of brewing after about 70 years.

What's more, they revived the name "Sawanofuji" as their flagship label. They even brought back the old sake label design from that time and reborn it as a pale ale. They use a generous amount of Idaho 7 as the bittering hop, giving it a crisp finish.

The lineup is interesting too: Kasumigaura Yuzu Ale, Kasumigaura Coffee Stout, Kasumigaura Hazy IPA, and Kasumigaura Strawberry Ale. They use local fruit and other ingredients as adjuncts quite freely. It seems they even do harvest experiences with guesthouse guests and brew beer using those crops.

It's located along the lakeside of Kasumigaura, with the lake stretching out right in front of you. They also hold regular brewery tours, and you can visit, taste, and buy without a reservation.