Sip the Spirit of Tradition at Japan’s Hidden Wine Heritage
Nestled in the lush, mountain-ringed heart of Okuizumo, Sake Brewery Okuizumo Exchange Hall is more than a roadside station—it’s a living celebration of Japan’s deep-rooted brewing culture. Located in the historic town of Kamekakushi, this vibrant hub sits at the crossroads of nature, tradition, and local craftsmanship, where the legacy of centuries-old sake-making meets the modern spirit of regional pride.
What sets this roadside station apart is its unwavering commitment to terroir. Every drop of sake is crafted from 100% locally grown rice—most notably the famed "Nita Rice," a premium variety cultivated in terraced fields shaped by the ancient iron-mining practice of kannanagashi. Visitors can taste award-winning pure rice sakes, sample regional delicacies like pickled vegetables and traditional sweets, and explore exhibits on the area’s designation as a UNESCO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site. With a dedicated tasting bar, seasonal events like the New Rice Festival, and a curated selection of local products, this is a destination where every visit feels like a journey into the soul of rural Japan.
Why Visit
Visit Sake Brewery Okuizumo Exchange Hall to experience the only roadside station in Japan where you can taste and purchase Nita Rice CoShihikari—a premium rice known as the "Western Emperor"—grown in the UNESCO-recognized terraced fields of Okuizumo. This is the only place where you can sample rare limited-edition sake made from this rice, including the award-winning Nita Rice CoShihikari Junmai Daiginjo. The site also offers exclusive access to the region’s historic takara tetsu iron-smelting heritage, with exhibits on the ancient kanna nagashi water separation method that transformed mining sites into fertile rice paddies.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Sake Brewery Okuizumo Exchange Hall, where traditional dishes highlight regional ingredients and seasonal tastes.
Nita Rice House
仁多米屋
Specialty
Local rice-based cuisine with seasonal ingredients
A cozy dining space offering traditional meals made with locally grown Nita rice and regional ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, emphasizing the connection between local agriculture and culinary tradition.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a curated selection of local crafts, gourmet foods, and premium sake at Sake Brewery Okuizumo Exchange Hall.
Local Specialty Market
酒蔵特産市
A market featuring locally produced vegetables, processed foods, and regional agricultural products from the Okuizumo area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nita Rice
Nita Rice Store
仁多米販売
A dedicated shop selling high-quality Nita rice, available in 2kg and 5kg packaged and pre-milled options.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nita Rice (2kg, 5kg)
Traditional Craft and Food Shop
倉敷商店
A shop specializing in dried goods and traditional food items from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Vegetables
Traditional Sake and Alcohol Shop
酒蔵
A shop offering a wide range of sake, shochu, and liqueurs produced by Okuizumo Brewery.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okuizumo Pure Rice Sake
Traditional Confectionery Shop
もちより
A shop specializing in traditional Japanese sweets made with local ingredients.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mochi-based Confections
Pickled Food Shop
為正
A shop offering a variety of traditional pickled vegetables and fermented foods.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional Pickled Cucumber
Sake Tasting Corner
試飲コーナー
A dedicated tasting area where visitors can sample a variety of sake, shochu, and liqueurs from Okuizumo Brewery.
Products
Must-Try Item
Okuizumo Pure Ginjo Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature products like premium sake made from local仁多米 and traditional rice varieties, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Okuizumo Pure Ginjo Sake
奥出雲純米大吟醸
A premium sake made from locally grown rice with a delicate aroma and clean, crisp finish.
Okuizumo Pure Ginjo Sake
奥出雲純米吟醸
A refined sake with a balanced aroma and smooth, mellow flavor profile.
Okuizumo Pure Sake
奥出雲純米
A full-bodied, traditional sake made entirely from local rice with a rich, authentic taste.
Nita Rice Pure Ginjo Sake
仁多米コシヒカリ純米大吟醸
A premium sake crafted from the renowned Nita rice, known for its sweet and aromatic profile.
Nita Rice Pure Sake
仁多米コシヒカリ純米
A smooth and slightly sweet sake made from the famous Nita rice, highlighting the region's terroir.
Okuizumo's Drop - Improved Yatagura Flow
奥出雲の一滴・改良八反流
A unique sake with a refined flavor profile, crafted using traditional brewing techniques and improved fermentation methods.
Okuizumo's Drop - Five Million Stones
奥出雲の一滴 五百万石
A distinctive sake with a rich, deep flavor, made from a special rice variety known for its robust character.
Okuizumo's Drop - Improved Oumachi
奥出雲の一滴 改良雄町
A bold and aromatic sake made from the improved Oumachi rice variety, offering a unique taste experience.
Nita Rice Pure Ginjo Sake with Flower Yeast
仁多米純米吟醸花酵母
A fragrant and elegant sake made with flower yeast, offering a floral and delicate aroma.
Nita Rice
仁多米
Premium quality rice grown in the Nita region, known for its sweetness and excellent texture.
Nita Rice
仁多米
Premium quality rice grown in the Nita region, known for its sweetness and excellent texture.
Traditional Pickled Cucumber
漬物
A classic pickled cucumber made using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Dried Vegetables
乾物
A selection of dried vegetables preserved using traditional techniques, ideal for soups and stews.
Traditional Rice-based Confections
和菓子
Handcrafted Japanese sweets made with local rice and traditional recipes.
Sake Lees Soup Base
甘酒かす汁
A traditional soup base made from sake lees, known for its rich umami flavor.
Sake Tasting Set
試飲セット
A curated set of small bottles for sampling different types of sake, ideal for tasting and gift-giving.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy comfortable amenities including free parking, restrooms, and a relaxing lounge at Sake Brewery Okuizumo Exchange Hall.
Free Parking
Free parking available for 40 regular cars and 3 buses.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
Public restrooms available for visitors.
Inside the roadside station facility
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Information center providing local tourism information, maps, and assistance to visitors.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
A designated area for children to play, suitable for family visits.
Near the main entrance of the roadside station
Onsen
Hot spring facility located adjacent to the roadside station, available for day-use and overnight stays.
Next to the roadside station, at Kamekake Onsen Tampeizan Sō
Bike Rental
Bicycle rental service available for visitors exploring the local area.
At the nearby cycling terminal, operated by Okuizumo Cycling Terminal
Nursing Room
Private room equipped for breastfeeding and baby care, available for parents with infants.
Inside the roadside station facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available for visitors using electric cars.
Near the parking area
ATM
Cash machine available for visitors to withdraw money.
Near the entrance of the roadside station
Pet Area
Designated space for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals safely.
Outside the main building, near the parking area
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, sake tastings, and hands-on workshops that bring the spirit of Okuizumo to life.
New Rice Festival
新米祭り
Attend the New Rice Festival featuring local rice sales, traditional food stalls, and regional product displays. Enjoy fresh rice, salted rice balls, and local specialty dishes.
Duration
120 min
Local Rice and Craft Exhibition
地域の魅力発見
Explore exhibits about the traditional rice farming practices and the historic tata-tekishu iron smelting method in the region. Learn about the cultural heritage of the area.
Duration
60 min
Sake Tasting Corner
試飲コーナー
Sample a variety of sake, shochu, and liqueurs produced by the local brewery. Taste different types of sake and find your favorite before purchasing.
Duration
30 min
Not suitable for drivers
Local Product Market
酒蔵特産市
Visit the local product market to purchase fresh vegetables, processed foods, and regional specialties from local producers.
Duration
45 min
Rice and Sake Pairing Experience
仁多米屋
Participate in a hands-on session to learn how to pair local rice and traditional sake with regional dishes, enhancing your culinary experience.
Duration
90 min
Insider Tips
Visit during harvest season to experience the New Rice Festival and enjoy fresh local specialties and limited-edition releases.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the newly opened 仁多米屋 (Nita Rice House) counter during the 2025 New Rice Festival, which begins at 10:00 AM on September 27–28. This is when the limited new rice salted rice balls (2-piece set) and new rice with sake lees soup set are first available.
- Hidden Gems: At the セレクトショップ (Select Shop), look for the 仁多米コシヒカリ純米大吟醸 (Nita Rice Koshihikari Junmai Daiginjo) in the special display section near the entrance—this limited-edition release is only available during the New Rice Festival and sells out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the 仁多米屋 (Nita Rice House) counter between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to purchase 2-kilogram or 5-kilogram pre-milled Nita Rice directly from the on-site mill, which is only available during the New Rice Festival.
- Food & Drink Pairing: Order the 甘酒かす汁 (sweet sake lees soup) at the 仁多米屋 (Nita Rice House) counter and pair it with a mochi from もちより (Mochiyori), a local mochi vendor that sets up during the New Rice Festival—this combination is a seasonal favorite not available year-round.
- Try Before You Buy: Head to the 試飲コーナー (Tasting Corner) before 11:00 AM to sample the 奥出雲純米大吟醸 (Okuizumo Junmai Daiginjo) and 仁多米コシヒカリ純米大吟醸 (Nita Rice Koshihikari Junmai Daiginjo)—these are the top two award-winning sakes featured in the tasting lineup and are most enjoyable when sampled early in the day.
- Timing for Souvenirs: Visit the セレクトショップ (Select Shop) between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and get personalized recommendations on local snacks and sake pairings from staff who are trained in regional food culture.
- Photography Tip: If you're visiting during the 2025 New Rice Festival, take photos at the "仁多米" and "Tatara Iron Smelting" exhibition booth located just inside the entrance—this interactive display, which highlights the UNESCO World Agricultural Heritage status of Okuizumo, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and features historical visuals and tactile exhibits.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): New rice harvest preparations begin; the roadside station reopens in March with fresh仁多米 rice displays and seasonal local produce.
Summer (June–August): World Agricultural Heritage designation highlights traditional 菜畑 farming; summer festivals feature local rice and craft beer tastings.
Autumn (September–November): New Rice Festival held on September 27–28 with fresh rice, traditional foods, and local vendor booths.
Winter (December–February): Limited seasonal events; focus on sake tastings, gift sets, and year-end holiday shopping.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a dedicated food area with kid-friendly options, clean restrooms, and stroller access. While no dedicated play area is mentioned, the educational displays on local rice and traditional brewing engage children. The welcoming atmosphere supports family visits.
Food Lover Review
The station offers a wide variety of local specialties, including premium rice, artisanal sake, and regional snacks. The food market features fresh, high-quality produce and unique local products like仁多米 and traditional pickles. The focus on regional ingredients enhances the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The station provides ample free parking for 40 cars and basic facilities like restrooms and vending machines. It is relatively quiet, though not specifically designed for overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy is stated, limiting its suitability for extended camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a mountainous rural area, the station offers serene natural surroundings with views of rice terraces and surrounding forests. The seasonal landscape, especially during rice harvest, enhances visual appeal. Scenic viewpoints and peaceful atmosphere contribute to a strong aesthetic experience.