Satsuma Kinzangura Shochu Brewery

"Aging in the brewery using the mine caves - A tour of the Kanayama brewery's shochu brewery"

Utilizing the caverns of a former gold mine, the Kanayama Brewery maintains an ideal environment of approximately 19°C and high humidity throughout the year. You can experience the behind-the-scenes process of the brewery's unique shochu production on a tour of the mine on a trolley train.

"The exquisite taste of golden koji and aging - the one and only Satsuma shochu"

Using the brewery's own golden koji (malted rice) as the raw material, this sake is slowly aged in a mine cave using a unique method.The deep aroma, smooth taste, and gorgeous aftertaste are the culmination of the brewery's individuality.

"The Story of Shochu Told Through the Mine - A Journey of the Five Senses at the Satsuma Kinzan Brewery"

Located in Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima, the Satsuma Kinzangura, quietly nestled in the forests of the hillside, is a place where the history of gold and shochu culture intersect. Excavated over 350 years, the gold mine tunnels stretch for over 120km. Shochu is aged in the cool underground space. Here, you can enjoy a unique brewing experience, where the environment inside the mine itself becomes the "kura."

This place is not just a place to try sake, but rather serves as a "shochu theme park" that conveys the origins, background, and techniques of shochu through visual and experiential means.

1. History and concept of the brewery: From gold mine to shochu brewery

Kushikino Gold Mine. Once a prosperous area producing gold, the mine caverns were converted into a shochu aging warehouse, and this is the Kanayamagura. The underground environment of the mine acts like a natural refrigerator, maintaining ideal aging conditions of around 19°C and high humidity throughout the year.

Kanayamagura is a place that combines the history of gold mining with the tradition of Satsuma shochu. As you walk through the exhibition space, which combines the structure of the mine tunnels, the aging techniques that utilize the tunnels, and the philosophy of the brewery, you can feel the intersection of past and present.

2. Highlights and Experiences: Experience the mine tunnels and aging

• On the mine exploration tour by trolley train , you can ride the trolley train to the inside of the mine. You can get a close-up look at the structure of the mine, the storehouse, and the rows of shochu jars being aged. The tour runs twice a day at 11:00 and 14:00 (weekends and holidays only), and the entire tour takes about an hour, including the approximately 8-minute ride.

• At the back of the tunnel, there are rows of jars and barrels in which shochu is aged. You can see with your own eyes and taste the effects that the temperature and humidity environment unique to the tunnel has on the aging process inside the jars.

• Golden Koji and Manufacturing Methods Corner This exhibit introduces the unique koji method used by breweries, known as "golden koji," as well as the distillation techniques of the past and the relationship between koji and yeast. It is a place to learn about the shochu manufacturing process.

• After touring the brewery, there is also a corner where you can sample the brewery's own shochu (available only to those 20 years of age and older, with a paid course).You can also enjoy looking for souvenirs at the "Kurano Nakamise" shop, which has a wide selection of brewery-specific brands, limited edition labels, and shochu goods.

• The beautiful scenery of the mine tunnels - the tunnel walls, stonework, damp surfaces, and dimly lit atmosphere - the space itself is a production. Another great attraction is experiencing the atmosphere that develops over time, with light and shadow, unevenness and humidity.

3. Visitor Tips and Cautions

• Check reservations and operating dates. Mine tours (including the trolley train) only operate on weekends and public holidays. It is recommended that you make a reservation in advance on the day you wish to visit.

• If you include exploring the mine , touring the storehouse, tastings, and time at the shop, it's a good idea to set aside about an hour to an hour and a half.

• The tunnels are dimly lit, so the order of the exhibits and the flow of visitors are important. Following the guide's directions and route signs will help you gain a deeper understanding.

• Clothing and footing: The tunnels and storehouses are humid and have slippery floors in some places, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. A light jacket to cope with temperature changes is also recommended.

• Tasting etiquette and age restrictions : Tasting is available to those aged 20 and over. Please be mindful of your manners and do not drive after drinking.

4. Model Tourism Plan

Morning plan <br data-start="2145" data-end="2148">Depart from Kushikino city center → Arrive at Kanayama Brewery → Visit the brewery and mine tunnels → Tasting and shop visit → Lunch (local cuisine) → Sightseeing in the surrounding area

Afternoon to evening plan <br data-start="2221" data-end="2224"> Enter the facility in the afternoon → tour the brewery → exhibition on the brewery's history and introduction to golden koji → tasting and souvenirs → leave the brewery before dusk → finish off at a nearby hot spring or beach

Relaxed Course <br data-start="2302" data-end="2305">Based at Kanayamagura, you can take your time sightseeing in the morning, touring Kushikino City and natural scenery in the afternoon, and then travel to Kagoshima City in the evening.

Satsuma Kinzan Brewery is a place that brews time, connecting the history of gold mining with shochu culture. As you walk through the mine tunnels, confront the earthenware jars, and sample the shochu, the depth and background of the alcoholic beverage known as shochu will naturally be etched in your memory. This is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the unique alcoholic beverage culture of Kagoshima.