The Kin Limestone Cave Aged Sake Cellar is a spot in Kin Town that utilizes a natural limestone cave to age "awamori" (Okinawan distilled spirit). While it's not normally accessible to the public, you can enter by joining a tour.

While the natural beauty of the limestone cave is impressive, the sight of over 10,000 bottles of aged awamori lined up is truly breathtaking! You can get a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process of aged awamori while enjoying an adventurous feeling as if you were exploring a cave.

This article will cover the Kinbu Limestone Cave's aged sake brewery tour, bottle keeping, tofu-yo (fermented tofu), the reception area (Choraku Cafe Restaurant), and access information!

1. I went to the aged sake brewery in Kinbu Limestone Cave!

The Kinbu Limestone Cave's Old Sake Cellar is a limestone cave located underground behind the Kinbu Community Center. It is usually locked and inaccessible except through guided tours.

The entrance to the cave is a simple silver iron grate, overgrown with plants, and there's something strangely alluring about this simplicity.

The first thing you'll see after passing through the entrance is a long staircase leading downwards. The cave is said to be 30 meters underground, and you'll descend to the lower area via about 50 steps. Although there are handrails, the stairs are steep, so those who are unsure about climbing or descending should be careful.

The cave is 270 meters long, and despite the 100% humidity inside, it's not at all uncomfortable and is much more pleasant than I expected.

As you venture further inside, you'll find rows and rows of awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) on the rock walls on both sides! Over 10,000 bottles of awamori are aging here.

Apparently, the constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius inside the cave makes it ideal for storing awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit). Aged awamori becomes smoother and less harsh on the palate.

If you look closely at the awamori bottle, you'll see something that looks like black stains.

Actually, this isn't "dirt," but "black koji mold." It's a valuable element that plays a role in making awamori even more delicious. This tour, which allows you to peek behind the scenes of aged awamori production, is one of the most interesting aspects of awamori, and I feel like I've discovered yet another charm of it.

Depending on the recent weather, water droplets may fall inside the cave, so it's recommended to wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet. The tour takes about 20 minutes.

2. Keeping a bottle as a memento is a luxurious gift.

This cave also offers a "bottle keep" service where you can store awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) inside. There are three plans available: 5 years, 12 years, and 20 years. It's said to be a popular treat for yourself, as well as a gift for someone special.

The aged awamori stored in the limestone caves each has its own story, making them truly moving. Some people order them as gifts for those retiring from work, while others order them to be aged for 20 years, expressing their wish to "drink awamori together when their child turns 20."

Incidentally, this unique initiative has gained popularity in the entertainment industry, with some famous celebrities who appear on national television even keeping bottles of awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) there. When the term expires, a letter notifying you of the expiration date is sent to the address you provided when you applied. At that time, you can choose to have the bottle sent back, pick it up, or even extend the term.

3. How about this as a unique Okinawan souvenir? "Tofuyo"

For a convenient souvenir, we recommend "Tofuyo." Tofuyo is a fermented food made by pickling island tofu in rice koji, red koji, awamori (Okinawan rice liquor), and other ingredients. It is a historical delicacy that has been passed down since the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

What you can buy here is luxurious tofu-yo aged in the "Kinbu Limestone Cave's Aged Sake Cellar." You can choose from three types of aging periods: around 3 months, around 6 months, and around 1 year, and the flavor changes depending on the aging period. Tofu-yo is a popular snack to accompany alcoholic beverages, so it is recommended as a souvenir for those who enjoy drinking.

4. "Café Restaurant Choraku" - perfect for a break after your tour.

The reception area for the Kinbu Limestone Cave's aged sake brewery tour is "Cafe Restaurant Choraku," which serves set meals and sweets. With its spacious and comfortable interior, it's the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat before or after your tour.
Among the menu items such as tempura rice bowls and simmered fish set meals, the dishes using "taro," a specialty product of Kin Town, are particularly noteworthy.

Taro, a type of root vegetable, is known for its strong stickiness and chewy texture, and is considered an auspicious food in Okinawa, even eaten during the New Year. The "Taro Set Meal," which uses plenty of taro, is Choraku's most popular menu item. This set meal, which makes full use of taro such as fried taro and taro dengaku (taro with miso glaze), is simple yet flavorful and a meal that your body will appreciate.

Another dessert made with taro is a must-try. The taro cheesecake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the richness of cheesecake with the sticky texture of taro. I was initially skeptical, thinking, "Taro in a dessert?", but before I knew it, I had devoured it.

This shop conveys a strong desire and dedication to showcasing the charm of Kin Town.

5. Access to Kinbu Limestone Cave

The reception area for the Kin Limestone Cave tour, "Cafe Restaurant Choraku," is about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Naha Airport. It's located in a residential area on the hillside, off a side road from the national highway (Kin Bypass).

Parking is available in front of the store.

The aged sake brewery at Kinbu Limestone Cave is not located next to the cafe, but is about a 5-minute drive from Choraku. You register at the Choraku Cafe Restaurant and then take a bus to the brewery.

Final thoughts

Take a tour of the aged awamori cellar at Kinbu Limestone Cave and get a glimpse behind the scenes of aged awamori production, something you don't often get to see. The way they utilize the unique characteristics of the cave to store the awamori is unique and sure to be a refreshing experience. Bottle keeping is also available, so it might be a good idea to give it as a gift to that awamori lover in your life.

Shirokuma Tours offers affordable Okinawa package tours. A wide variety of options are available, including tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands.

For local experiences and optional tours such as snorkeling and sightseeing bus tours, choose Tabi Plus One.

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