Overview
Are you a Sake beginner or an expert? This Sake brewery private tour brings you not only to the world of Sake but also exclusive cultural experiences. I will take you to Ichinoya Sake Brewery, established in 1865, which still produces high quality Sake with traditional methods. You will see the house’s brewing process mostly by human hands with limited mechanicals, which is designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2024. The tour includes; - Visiting Ichinoya Sake Brewery, discover how Sake is made - Sake tasting - Lunch with local ingredients over Ichinoya’s series of Sake at Wachigai restaurant, whose building is traditional Machiya style build in late Edo period, with great atmosphere - Shopping Sake and other local products It starts at 11:00am and takes about 2~3 hours including lunch. Free after lunch. This tour can take at most 6 people. Tour is held only once a day.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Sake tasting
- Lunch with local ingredients at Wachigai restaurant, whose building is traditional style with great atmosphere. Let us know dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, in advance.
- In person guide
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Founded in 1865, Ichinoya Brewery welcomes visitors with an entrance that exudes historical charm. The tour begins at this iconic entrance, located just a 10-minute walk from Shinano-Omachi Station. As you step inside, you’ll walk along a path that takes you on a journey through the brewery’s rich history, leading to the Sake brewery itself. While the exterior of the brewery building retains its original appearance from its founding, the interior houses equipments for Sake production. Here, you can observe the Sake making process, which is still largely done by hand. Even for those unfamiliar with Japanese Sake, learning about the intricate and fascinating methods of production offers a deep appreciation for the craft and an intimate connection to the heart of Japanese culture. At the end of the brewery tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of Ichinoya's Sake at the bar. This is your chance to discover flavors that suit your personal preferences.
Stop 2
Wachigai is a local cuisine restaurant located near Ichinoya. Like Ichinoya, the restaurant is housed in a building that dates back to the Edo period, preserving its historical charm. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. At Wachigai, traditional local ingredients and dishes are creatively reimagined with a modern twist. Visitors from all over Japan come to savor the unique culinary experiences offered here. Guests can enjoy a lunch course paired with a Sake tasting set featuring selections from Ichinoya’s brewery. The restaurant also has a shop where you can purchase Ichinoya’s Sake along with a variety of other souvenirs. Be sure to take some time to shop and bring a piece of this experience home with you.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The brewery is highly sensitive to enzymes, so if you have eaten Kimchi or Natto on the day of the tour, you will not be allowed to enter the brewery.