Kobe Shushinkan is a historic sake brewery located in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It is best known as the producer of Fukuju, a celebrated Japanese sake brand. The name Fukuju comes from Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese tradition, and expresses a wish to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who enjoy the sake.
The brewery’s history dates back to 1751, when sake production began at its present location. For more than two centuries, it developed its brewing traditions before suffering a devastating setback during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, when its wooden brewery buildings were completely destroyed.
The brewery subsequently rebuilt its business. In December 1997, Kobe Shushinkan Co., Ltd. was established in partnership with Toyosawa Shuzo Co., Ltd., marking an important step in its recovery and the continuation of its sake-making heritage.
One of the highlights of Kobe Shushinkan is Sakabayashi, a restaurant located within the brewery complex. Its theme is seasonal sake paired with seasonal dishes, allowing guests to enjoy Fukuju sake alongside food prepared with ingredients that reflect the time of year. It offers a welcoming introduction to the Japanese tradition of pairing sake with cuisine.
At Tomeizo, visitors can purchase Fukuju sake, including freshly bottled selections sold by volume. The shop is a convenient place to explore the brewery’s products and find a bottle to enjoy at home or give as a souvenir.
Fukuju has earned international recognition for its quality. Since 2008, Fukuju Junmai Ginjo, presented in its distinctive blue bottle, has been served at Nobel Prize banquets when Japanese laureates receive the award. The sake has also been served at the Nightcap Party held at the Stockholm University Student Union, where it contributes to cultural exchange in an international setting.
These occasions have helped introduce Japanese sake and the traditions of the Nada brewing region to people around the world.
Kobe Shushinkan is also working to reduce the environmental impact of sake production. In 2022, the brewery announced its goal of achieving virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions from the sake-making process. As part of this initiative, it launched Fukuju Junmai Sake Eco Zero in October 2022, presenting a more environmentally conscious approach to traditional brewing.
Fukuju has received numerous awards at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, one of the country’s major sake competitions. The brand won gold awards in multiple brewing years between 2002 and 2017, reflecting the brewery’s longstanding commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Kobe Shushinkan is located at 1-8-17 Mikage Tsukamachi, Higashinada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is approximately an eight-minute walk from Ishiyagawa Station on the Hanshin Main Line, making it convenient to visit by train.
The Tomeizo shop generally opens from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sakabayashi restaurant serves lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with last orders at 2:00 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with last orders at 9:00 p.m. The complex is generally open year-round, except on New Year’s Eve and January 1–3.
Kobe Shushinkan brings together centuries of brewing history, internationally acclaimed sake, seasonal cuisine, and a commitment to sustainability. Visitors can discover the story behind Fukuju, sample the brewery’s products, and experience the traditions of Japanese sake culture in the historic Nada region of Kobe.