Kumamotoken Shuzoukenkyusyo

This laboratory was founded in 1909 to improve the quality of sake produced in Kumamoto Prefecture.It is a very rare brewery (research institute) in Japan that brews and sells sake "Kouro" and maintains, manages, and distributes Kumamoto yeast (original strain of Association No. 9 yeast).The brewery is said to have laid the foundation for today's ginjo production with its Noshira-style skylight (natural ventilation system), bag pressing, and double vat system (the prototype for thermal tanks). Brewery tours and tastings are not available.