Discover the Warming World of Sake!

Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s second largest producer of “sake” making Matsumoto – Nagano’s second largest city – an ideal place to enjoy a brewery tour and delve into the warm world of sake. Our Local Sake Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting takes you to a 150 year old “sakagura” (sake brewery) to discover the art of brewing, as explained by a brewery worker. Though the machinery is modern, traditional methods are still employed to produce small batches of sake of a quality that only time and studied attention can produce. Join us on this immersive tour as you begin or continue your journey of discovery of Japan’s long tradition of sake!

A Step-by-Step Guided Experience

The tour takes you behind the scenes at the brewery to witness key stages of sake production including hand-washing and steaming of the rice. With the assistance of your guide, a brewery worker will explain each step of the process and provide insights into the passion and dedication required to master the art of brewing.

Some areas of the brewery and stages of the brewing process cannot be viewed directly. Considered the heart of the brewery, the “muro” is a room where “koji-kin” mold is sprinkled over steamed rice in order to breakdown the starch into sugars necessary for fermentation into alcohol. The room must be kept a constant 33°C meaning that we cannot enter it, all adding to a hint of magic and mystery about the centuries old art.

Try It For Yourself with a Guided Tasting

Having seen the brewing process up close you will next enjoy a guided sake tasting. You can savor multiple sakes produced by the brewery with new appreciation for the time and effort that goes into its production. Led by your guide, it’s an ideal way to round-out what is an informative, immersive and warming tour!

Before the tour ends you’ll also have the chance to choose from complimentary gifts from the brewery with the option to buy additional sake for yourself. There is certainly no obligation to purchase items for but should you wish buy a bottle or two, your guide will assist.

Our Matsumoto's Local Breweries Tour recommendation

Did you know that some sake breweries began as miso breweries and vice versa? The process of brewing sake and miso is very similar, allowing breweries to switch from one to the other or master both! Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of miso with Matsumoto being particularly renowned for production of the most Japanese of staples. Blessed with abundant rice fields and mineral-rich water, Matsumoto produces some of Japan’s best miso making exploration of that tradition just as enticing.

Local Sake Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting

For that reason, we recommend combining our Local Sake Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting with a local miso brewery tour, as an all-day guided experience. A great way to explore both Matsumoto and Japan’s rich food and drink culture!

Local Miso Brewery Tour & Traditional Lunch

MISO TOUR

Additional Information

Pick-up: Your guide will meet you at 10:30 am or 1:30 pm

Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)

Allergies: Please let us know if you have any food allergies.

Important information:

• please note, the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years and over. Persons under that age are not allowed to consume alcohol on this tour.
• the brewery is at times busy due to cleaning, brewing or other activities and some areas may be off-limits to our tour on the day of your tour.
• the brewery is located around 15 to 20 minutes drive from Matsumoto Station.
• you have different options when it comes to accessing the brewery including local bus, taxi or to drive yourself. Should you need assistance in terms of planning how to get to there, please contact us for advice.

The tour itinerary includes the following:

• Sake Brewery Tour (1 hour)
• Guided Sake tasting (1 hour)

Please note, the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please read our Terms & Conditions