※This article was published at June 2015.※
Hey, everyone!
Today I'm going to be visiting Sawanoi, a veteran sake brewery that was founded in 1702 and is one of the few breweries in Tokyo.
I’m going to be introducing not just their sake, but their freshly-made sweets and exquisite tofu lunches made with the brewing water from sake, both of which you’re only likely to find at a brewery!
After getting off at Sawai Station on the JR Ome Line and walking for about five minutes, I soon spot it!
First of all, I take a break on the terrace at Sawanoien Seiryu Garden amid the lush greenery.
As I do, a delicious smell wafts over!
These are warm, freshly handmade sake manju (steamed buns).
I try one right away!
It’s really delicious, filling the mouth with the aroma and gentle sweetness of sake lees!
The souvenir shop offers a wide range of other sweets that you’d only find at a sake brewery—custard puddings and gelatin desserts made from sake lees, and more!
After relaxing on the terrace, I head to Mameraku for lunch!
The inside of the restaurant is nice and spacious.
You can order tofu and tofu skin made with sake brewing water.
Just looking at this cute and colorful array is fun!
There are small kobachi dishes and two types of zaru-dofu (tofu served on a bamboo draining basket), accompanied by osuimono soup and dessert!
First of all, I try out the zaru-dofu.
The delicious zaru-dofu, made only with natural nigari (a by-product of salt), has a gentle warmth and a smooth texture, and leaves an aftertaste of flavorsome, aromatic soybeans.
You can also add seaweed salt or moro-miso (miso made with sake mash) sauce if you like!
After finishing off my healthy lunch, I take a walk along Tama River, which you can see from just outside the restaurant.
Why not visit Okutama, a place of abundant natural beauty, for a “food trip” that’ll satisfy both your heart and stomach!
It’s perfect for a day-trip within Tokyo!
Information
Sawanoi
http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/
Sawanoien Seiryu Garden
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Light meals available 11:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Closes at 4:30 pm during the winter season (December to February)
Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday, if Monday falls on a holiday)
Mameraku
http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/mameraku/
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm (Last orders 3:30 pm, or 3:00 pm on weekdays in Jan/Feb)
Closing time may vary according to weather and other factors.
Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday, if Monday falls on a holiday)
- Lunchtimes are busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to reserve a table once you arrive (there’s a form to write your name on).
- The content of some dishes may vary according to the season, etc.
- It’s also possible to take a tour of the “Sawanoi” Ozawa Shuzo brewery (you can make reservations online or by phone), or enjoy some sake-tasting.
Hey, everyone!
Today I'm going to be visiting Sawanoi, a veteran sake brewery that was founded in 1702 and is one of the few breweries in Tokyo.
I’m going to be introducing not just their sake, but their freshly-made sweets and exquisite tofu lunches made with the brewing water from sake, both of which you’re only likely to find at a brewery!
After getting off at Sawai Station on the JR Ome Line and walking for about five minutes, I soon spot it!
First of all, I take a break on the terrace at Sawanoien Seiryu Garden amid the lush greenery.
As I do, a delicious smell wafts over!
These are warm, freshly handmade sake manju (steamed buns).
I try one right away!
It’s really delicious, filling the mouth with the aroma and gentle sweetness of sake lees!
The souvenir shop offers a wide range of other sweets that you’d only find at a sake brewery—custard puddings and gelatin desserts made from sake lees, and more!
After relaxing on the terrace, I head to Mameraku for lunch!
The inside of the restaurant is nice and spacious.
You can order tofu and tofu skin made with sake brewing water.
Just looking at this cute and colorful array is fun!
There are small kobachi dishes and two types of zaru-dofu (tofu served on a bamboo draining basket), accompanied by osuimono soup and dessert!
First of all, I try out the zaru-dofu.
The delicious zaru-dofu, made only with natural nigari (a by-product of salt), has a gentle warmth and a smooth texture, and leaves an aftertaste of flavorsome, aromatic soybeans.
You can also add seaweed salt or moro-miso (miso made with sake mash) sauce if you like!
After finishing off my healthy lunch, I take a walk along Tama River, which you can see from just outside the restaurant.
Why not visit Okutama, a place of abundant natural beauty, for a “food trip” that’ll satisfy both your heart and stomach!
It’s perfect for a day-trip within Tokyo!
Information
Sawanoi
http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/
Sawanoien Seiryu Garden
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Light meals available 11:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Closes at 4:30 pm during the winter season (December to February)
Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday, if Monday falls on a holiday)
Mameraku
http://www.sawanoi-sake.com/mameraku/
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 4:30 pm (Last orders 3:30 pm, or 3:00 pm on weekdays in Jan/Feb)
Closing time may vary according to weather and other factors.
Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday, if Monday falls on a holiday)
- Lunchtimes are busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to reserve a table once you arrive (there’s a form to write your name on).
- The content of some dishes may vary according to the season, etc.
- It’s also possible to take a tour of the “Sawanoi” Ozawa Shuzo brewery (you can make reservations online or by phone), or enjoy some sake-tasting.
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