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March 6, 2026
Brewing history, pouring the future. The revived Izu Honten, a long-established sake brewery in Munakata, Fukuoka, crafts a new sake filled with the aroma of its terroir.
EAT | Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten
On January 7, 2026, Izu Honten, a long-established sake brewery in Munakata, Fukuoka, with over 300 years of history, reopened with a new vision. After facing a crisis that threatened its very existence, the brewery was revived with the support of Kubara Honke Group, known for its "Kayanoya" brand. The entire premises have been renovated, and the brewery embarks on a new chapter under the new name "Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten." More than just a revival, it has been reborn as a "showcase brewery." We explored the transformed grounds to learn about the passion behind crafting Japanese sake that embodies the terroir of Munakata.
Text & Photographs by MORI Erika
Rooted in Munakata for over 300 years. A long-established sake brewery begins anew.
Munakata City, located in the northeastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, is a fertile land surrounded by the Genkai Sea and rolling hills. It is home to World Heritage sites such as "The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in Munakata" and "Munakata Taisha Shrine," where ancient history and human life gently intertwine.
"Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten" is situated in the eastern part of Munakata City. About an hour's drive from the center of Fukuoka City, or a five-minute taxi ride from JR Kyudai-mae Station. As you drive through the serene rural landscape, you'll soon spot the red brick chimney, signaling that the entrance is near.
Izu Honten was founded in 1717 (Kyōhō 2), beginning its sake brewing business after receiving a brewing license from the lord of the Fukuoka domain. Its traditional Japanese sake, including "Kamenoo," brewed with a revived rare sake rice variety, has been loved by locals.
However, in 2023, the passing of the 12th-generation brewery owner forced a halt to sake production, pushing the brewery to the brink of closure. It was then that Kubara Honke Group, famous for "Kayanoya Dashi," stepped in with the belief that "the history must not be lost," providing crucial support for its revival.
Preserving and passing on tradition—Kubara Honke, deeply connected, makes a dedicated effort.
Izu Honten is the maternal ancestral home of Tetsuji Kawabe, the fourth-generation owner of Kubara Honke Group, making the Izu family relatives. Mr. Kawabe was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship of the artisans he witnessed during the re-thatching of the brewery's main house. This formative experience led to the creation of "Go-ryori Kayanoya" in Hisayama Town, Kasuya District. This natural food restaurant with a thatched roof is the origin of the now nationally renowned "Kayanoya" brand.
"We want to preserve the traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations for the future. We want to protect and convey Japan's food culture rooted in the region." This aspiration took shape in "Go-ryori Kayanoya," and the same sentiment resonates with Izu Honten. Furthermore, recognizing that "innovation is also necessary to continue tradition," they decided to steer towards rebranding and renovation.
Reborn as a "showcase brewery" with five new experiential areas.
The newly established concept is "A showcase brewery to be enjoyed with all five senses."
The branding and logo design were entrusted to Manabu Mizuno (good design company), known as the creator of "Kumamon." The overall facility and spatial design were handled by Koichi Futatsumata (Case-Real), a spatial and product designer. Local artisans, including those in construction and landscaping, also contributed, completing the extensive renovation over approximately one year and eight months.
Within the 1650-tsubo premises, five new experiential areas have been created: a "Direct Sales Store," a "Brewing Facility," a "Sake Brewery BAR," a "Sweets" area, and a "Historical Exhibition." While preserving the historical charm and beauty of elements like the iconic thatched main house and the hexagonal red brick chimney, the brewery has evolved with an eye toward the future, becoming a new landmark in Munakata where both sake enthusiasts and non-drinkers can enjoy their visit.
Brewing sake that embodies Munakata's climate: tradition and innovation.
The "Brewing Facility" at the back of the premises has been renovated to allow visitors to observe the sake-making process through glass. While retaining the historic beams, all brewing equipment has been updated. State-of-the-art equipment has been introduced, including a new steamer capable of reheating steam (superheating and drying) and precise pressure control, as well as fermentation tanks and a Yabuta automatic filter press to prevent oxidation and maintain clear, stable quality. While focusing on small-batch brewing that highlights the craftsmanship of the toji and brewers, they have established a system for year-round brewing across autumn, winter, and spring.
The new head brewer is Kenichiro Wakayama, who has 30 years of experience in sake brewing, including at renowned breweries and at "Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo" in Hokkaido.
"I put aside what I had done at breweries in Hokkaido and elsewhere, and started by approaching the sake rice and sake of Munakata with a completely fresh perspective. Even with a change in brewers, the character of the land and the taste of Izu Honten naturally emerge. I want to cherish that, and I believe that's the fascinating aspect of Japanese sake."
"And as we proceeded with the brewing, I encountered many things that differed from my 'sake brewing common sense' and exceeded my expectations. The Munakata ingredients, such as the sake rice and groundwater, have a unique character that shines through, requiring a natural, straightforward approach and adaptability to express them. In addition to the daily measurements, analysis, and accumulated data, honing the five senses is crucial. While preserving the essence of Izu Honten and evolving the sake, I was surprised to find that I myself still had room for growth. In that sense, the new brand has a distinctive flavor that differs from the sake I have brewed before. I rediscovered the true pleasure of sake brewing through this new learning experience," Mr. Wakayama stated with a sincere gaze.
"Sake brewing is agriculture. You can't make good sake without good rice. Munakata is a land blessed with rice, and I've met young, ambitious farmers here. We want to work with farmers to produce sake and also encourage more people to become farmers," says Mr. Kawabe of Kubara Honke Group, his voice filled with passion.
The new brand "Munakata," enjoyed at the adjacent Sake Brewery BAR.
Brewing sake that walks hand-in-hand with the region—this sentiment is poured into the newly created brand, "Munakata." It is a Japanese sake that breathes the terroir, brewed with sake rice and groundwater cultivated in Munakata. Furthermore, the representative brand "Kamenoo," which has supported the brewery, is revived as a brewery-exclusive sake, available only here for tasting and purchase. A new plum wine, "Umesake Fukubai," made by steeping plums in sake, has also been introduced.
Sake can be purchased at the "Direct Sales Store," renovated from the thatched main house, or enjoyed through paid tastings at the "Sake Brewery BAR" adjacent to the "Brewing Facility."
Upon entering the "Sake Brewery BAR," the first thing that catches the eye is the unique standing table. This was created by repurposing equipment that was once used for "fune-shibori" (tank pressing) at the old Izu Honten. Enjoying sake while feeling the atmosphere of the traditional brewery is a truly special experience.
"Munakata Junmai Yumeikko" is a junmai sake brewed with 70% of "Yumeikko," a sake rice variety original to Fukuoka Prefecture, cultivated in Munakata. It has a good balance of sweetness, dryness, acidity, umami, and bitterness, offering a smooth and gentle drinking experience that pairs subtly with food.
"Munakata Tokubetsu Junmai Yamadanishiki," brewed with 60% polished Munakata-grown Yamadanishiki, offers an elegant aroma upon first sip. A rich, full-bodied umami and sweetness expand, leaving a pleasant, lingering finish.
"Munakata Tokubetsu Junmai Jukundamu," brewed with 60% polished "Jukundamu," a sake rice variety original to Fukuoka Prefecture, makes a strong impression. Sweetness and umami fill the mouth, followed by a sharp, clean finish—this delightful balance is irresistible. "An unexpected flavor emerged from a serendipitous encounter with the koji," proudly states Toji Wakayama about this particular sake.
Furthermore, "Kamenoo Junmai," the brand that has long supported Izu Honten, has also evolved. While retaining its characteristic robustness and sharp finish, it now boasts a more refined, subtle citrus-like aroma and an even smoother drinking experience.
"Sweets" that convey the taste of ingredients and the charm of Munakata.
For those who do not drink alcohol or are designated drivers, the "Sweets" booth, newly established near the main entrance, offers freshly steamed "Munakata Hanazakemanju" made with sake lees from the brewing process, and gelato made with local ingredients from the Munakata area.
"Hanazakemanju" is based on the recipe for sake manju, a specialty during Izu Honten's brewery open houses. The subtle aroma of sake lees and the soft texture are truly comforting.
The "Direct Sales Store" and "Historical Exhibition" offer endless enjoyment.
In addition, the "Direct Sales Store" sells select products such as "Kayanoya" dashi and "Shōbōan" mentaiko, proposing a marriage of Japanese cuisine centered on dashi and Japanese sake. A corner also features sake ware to enrich the sake-drinking experience.
Furthermore, the "Historical Exhibition" room, built to the right of the main entrance, displays old sake brewing tools previously used and antique items owned by the Izu family. Among them are auspicious roof tiles depicting the Seven Lucky Gods, discovered in the attic during the recent renovation. Tiles representing five of the Seven Lucky Gods are displayed throughout the facility, and searching for them is part of the enjoyment.
With over 300 years of history and a commitment to carrying Japanese sake brewing into the future, "Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten" has carefully considered what to preserve and what to change, charting a new course for a sake brewery. Tasting, viewing, learning, and relaxing—beyond these experiences lies the story of the brewery, woven by human hands, and the very essence of Munakata.
The new chapter for the sake brewery has just begun. What new vistas and flavors will it reveal in Munakata going forward? We eagerly await its continued journey.
Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten
Location | 1060 Takemaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka
Hours | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed | Irregular holidays
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Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery Izu Honten