The Aizu region boasts over four centuries of expertise in the brewing of the traditional beverage of choice in Japan, sake. A visit to the western part of the prefecture is never complete without a visit to one or more of the fifty odd breweries in operation in Aizu to sample some of the famous brands. Those particularly partial to a drop or two of Japan's rice wine might also consider a visit to one or both of Aizu's two Sake History Museums, both located in Aizu Wakamatsu City, for a lesson on sake brewing methods used over the years. The Aizu Sake Brewing Museum chronicles the history of the Aizu region as well as the story of sake brewing in the area. Alongside the tools of sake brewers of yesteryear are profiles of the famous people of Aizu and displays about the Boshin War and Tsurugajo Castle. Complimented by the nearby Konohana Brewery, where visitors are able to see contemporary sake brewing appliances and methods, the Aizu Sake Brewing Museum focuses on the instruments used in bygone days. The display features a collection of photos of brewers and brewing methods of the past, wooden utensils and large wooden vats which were used for mixing and storing the sake and which have since been replaced by metal ones for hygiene reasons, and a pulley system which was used for hoisting vats from floor to floor. The Aizu Sake History Museum has a brewery on the premises and therefore the displays are different depending on the time of year. During the sake brewing season from December to March, historical displays are put away, and visitors can take a tour around the factory to watch modern day sake brewing in progress. In summer however, the museum is lined with the tools of old, complete with mannequin "workers", illustrating the olden day sake making process step by step. The tour also features a video on Aizu's sake making tradition and even includes a room on Japan's famous sake drinking personalities. After a comprehensive lesson on the history of Aizu sake, the only thing left to do is to sample the product, and with centuries of mastery behind it, Aizu is sure to live up to its reputation of being one of the leading sake making districts in Japan.