Gakkogura: Innovation & Community
A dive into Obata Shuzou’s Gakkogura Project
By Anh Bao Mac Jul 13, 2026
Gakkogura’s View. Photo credit: Obata Shuzou Co., LTD
Gakkogura: An Introduction
Gakkogura, a school brewery, is a sustainable brewery renovation project that began in 2010, when an elementary school known for the most beautiful sunset in Japan, overlooking Mano Bay, ceased operation due to declining population.
However, like many rural communities across Japan, Sado Island has experienced population decline over the years. With fewer children still residing in the area, the school eventually closed in 2010. Rather than allowing the building to fall into disrepair, Obata Shuzo saw an opportunity to renovate the abandoned school.
In 2014, the school was transformed into Gakkogura, a unique sake brewery dedicated to producing sake brewed only on Sado Island. Today, the classrooms have been transformed into brewing spaces, welcoming visitors globally to experience Japanese sake culture in a unique and authentic environment.
A Brewery Inspired by Sado Island
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| Tara-bune (Boat) Experience.
Photo Credit: Yoshiyuki Ito Sustainability at Heart |
Sado’s Rice Terraces.
Photo Credit: Yoshiyuki Ito Biodiversity and Environment |
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| One of the most impressive aspects of Gakogura is its commitment to sustainability. Obata Shuzo describes the brewery as becoming a Sayotama Circulation Brewery.
“Satoyama” refers to the most traditional Japanese relationship between people and nature, where communities carefully harmonize the farmland, waterways, and forests in ways that can benefit both humans and the environment. Rather than by outsourcing the ingredients, Gakkogura focus their effortson local procurements through several initiatives. |
The brewery sources all of its brewing rice from Sado Island.A lot of rice is often cultivated using oyster shells harvested from local lakes. Other rice comes from the historical Rising Dragon Terraced Rice Fields in the Iwakubi area.
These spectacular rice terraces have existed for 400 years. Maintaining them has largely become a difficult issue due to Japan’s aging and declining rural population. Through locally sourcing the rice there, Obata Shuzo is assisting with the traditional agricultural preservation. |
The Funezobori Method. Photo Credit: Izumi Fuji Brewery
Tradition Meets Modern Technology
Although Gakkogura embraces innovation, it never abandons traditional sake brewing methods.
Many of its products are pressed using the Fune method, a centuries-old wooden pressing technique that gently extracts sake from fermented mash.
At the same time, brewers also utilize advanced sensing technology to carefully monitor fermentation. Rather than replacing craftsmanship,
Environmental sustainability extends beyond agriculture. Gakkogure also invested in renewable energy through the installation of solar panels to power brewery operations.
Furthermore, the brewery is also collaborating with the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Future Initiatives to work towards creating a zero-carbon sake brewery. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and environmental research is an exemplary demonstration of how well-organized and hand-in-hand centuries-old brewing techniques can evolve alongside modern sustainability efforts.
The balance between old and new has manifested itself in one of Gakkogure’s defining traits.
Graduates of the Gakkogura Program. Photo Credit: Obata Shuzou Co., Ltd
Opportunities to Become a Sake Brewer
I made Japanese Sake - THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
One of Gakkogura’s most distinctive features is a program where visitors can become sake brewers themselves.
The brewery offers a one-week sake-making program during the summer where participants can experience the brewing process alongside professionals.
Guests learn the fundamentals of sake production while being able to explore Sadogashima’s unique history, enriching food culture, and pure natural environment. For many international travelers, this is a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience beyond that of a standard brewery tour.
Gakkogura Brewing Program 2026
The program offers the following:
- Sake-making: From washing the rice to koji making, experience the full journey from grain to sake.
- Classroom Experience: 7-day program with sake experts as faculty.
- Immersive Journey: Rice field tours and 1-day overnight accommodation at the school are part of the program.
- Receipt of Certification: At the end of the program, take part in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate in Sakeology in collaboration with the Niigata University Sakeology Center.
Koji Room Rice Making Process. Photo Credit: Obata Shuzou Co., Ltd
Discover the Taste of Manotsuru Sake
Of course, no visit to Gakkogura is complete without experiencing Manotsuru, Obata Shuzo’s signature sake brand. Brewed with carefully sourced rice from Sado Island’s natural environment and pure local water, Manotsuru is an exemplary reflection of the island’s rich natural environment and centuries of tradition.
Manotsuru Maho Daiginjo, Obata Shuzou’s Premium Sake. Photo Credit: Obata Shuzou Co., Ltd
Why Gakkogura Should Be on Any Sado Island Itinerary.
Whether you’re passionate about sake, interested in sustainable tourism, or looking for a unique, fun experience in Japan, Gakkogura offers a unique opportunity that few destinations can match.
Rather than simply preserving history, Gakkogura demonstrates how tradition can change and adapt without getting rid of its roots.
Every bottle produced here is a reflection of Sado Island’s unique culture–its landscape, the people, and its determination to create a sustainable future without letting go of its roots.
If you’re planning to visit Sado Island, Gakkogura is a must-stop, and it’s a destination that captures the spirit of the island itself.
