Overview
Are you familiar with doburoku, a rare type of Japanese sake? Unlike regular sake, doburoku is made by bottling the unfiltered mash (moromi) while fermentation continues. This makes it very difficult to store, and it's rarely served at restaurants. Yamane Brewery handcrafts this precious sake in small batches. It may be the only sustainable brewery in Japan operating out of a repurposed convenience store. While most breweries use stainless steel tanks, Yamane uses traditional wooden barrels made from local Nishikawa timber. This rare method allows natural microorganisms to thrive, adding unique flavors from the wood and waterâresulting in a one-of-a-kind sake every time. During the tour, you can taste three types of this special sake using locally crafted cups made from 100% Hanno soil, a material no longer produced and only available in limited quantities. Hanno is just an hour by train from Tokyo, with easy access to Chichibu, Kawagoe, and attractions like Moominvalley Park.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- The tour includes a tasting of Japanese sake and a sampling of snacks.
What's Not Included
- Lunch is not included in this tour
- Transportation costs are not included in the tour price.
- Gratuities
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
After exiting the ticket gate at HannĹ Station, please look for the guide holding a tour placard. Youâll meet your fellow participants for the day, receive a briefing from the guide, and then walk together to the bus stop. After a short explanation from the guide on how to ride the bus, youâll travel through the scenic nature of HannĹ by bus with the guide.
Stop 2
First, youâll visit the home of the head of a traditional Japanese house, full of character and history. There, youâll receive a lecture on how sake brewing at Yamane Brewery differs significantly from conventional methods. Next, youâll enter a sustainable sake breweryâpossibly the only one in Japan repurposed from a former convenience store. Youâll observe the use of local wooden barrels and traditional brewing techniques, and experience how each batch of sake becomes truly unique through the influence of wood and the coexistence with microorganisms. Afterward, youâll return to the hostâs home for a tasting session using sake cups made from HannĹâs local clay, which is no longer in production. Youâll enjoy three completely different types of sake, including doburoku, a rare and unfiltered sake that is difficult to store and rarely served in restaurants. Each sake is paired with a carefully selected snack to complement its flavor.
Stop 3
Youâll ride the bus back to HannĹ Station with the guide.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels