The largest kura, spreading its long roof at the north end
Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse (賀茂鶴酒造四号蔵, Kamotsuru Shuzō Yongōgura) is a two-story Dozo-zukuri earthen-walled sake brewhouse from the late Taisho era (1919 to 1926) at the head office of Kamotsuru Sake Brewery in Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on June 28, 2017.
It stands near the north end of the site, north of the No. 3 Brewhouse. Covering 1,099 square meters, it is the largest of Kamotsuru's 19 listings. The plan turns a right angle, and a lean-to (Geya) 3 ken (about 5.5 meters) deep runs along the west side of the north-south range.
Namako plaster and a steam vent
The walls are faced with Namako-kabe tilework at the base and white Shikkui plaster above. Toward the north end of the lean-to is a roof vent for the steam and smoke of the rice-steaming room. The No. 4 chimney stands almost against the west side, and the No. 4 well lies outside to the west, so the steaming room, chimney and well form one working line.
The agency notes that the long sweep of roof expresses the prosperity of the sake trade. The late Taisho years were when Saijo breweries expanded sharply, and Higashihiroshima City counts the large brewhouses built at the back of the plots as a hallmark of the Saijo Sake Breweries.
Later history of the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse
According to the brewery, the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse was renovated in 1987. When the new Misonou brewery, completed in 1994, began production the following year, No. 4 was closed along with No. 7, while hand brewing continued in Nos. 2 and 8.
It was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.
Visiting the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse
The Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse lies at the back of the brewery grounds and no public access is announced. The 22-meter No. 4 chimney, lettered for the fourth brewery, rises beside it to the west and shows where it stands.
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Q&A
- How large is the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse?
- 1,099 square meters on two floors, the largest of Kamotsuru's 19 listings.
- When was the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse built?
- The national database dates it to the late Taisho era (1919 to 1926); it was renovated in 1987.
- Is sake still brewed in the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse?
- According to the brewery, it was closed in 1995 when the Misonou brewery began production.
- What should I look for on the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse?
- The namako tile base, the long roof and the steam vent toward the north of the lean-to.
- Can I visit the Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse?
- No public access is announced; the No. 4 chimney to the west marks its position.
Basic Information
| Name | Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse (賀茂鶴酒造四号蔵, Kamotsuru Shuzō Yongōgura) |
|---|---|
| Location | 574-1 Saijo Honmachi, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and other locations |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure), No. 34-0222 |
| Year Designated | Registered June 28, 2017 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-story dozo-zukuri, tiled roof, L-shaped plan, 3-ken lean-to on the west, building area 1,099 square meters |
| Owner | Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | Inside the brewery grounds; no public access announced |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Kamotsuru Sake Brewery No. 4 Brewhouse
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00011811
- Kamotsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.: 150 Years of History (Japanese)
- https://www.kamotsuru.jp/history/
- Higashihiroshima City: Historic Site, Saijo Sake Breweries
- https://www.city.higashihiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/kyoikuiinkaishogaigakushu/3/11/bunkazai/town/saijo/sakaguragun/index.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
