Discover Nagano’s favorite comfort food and the warming world of Sake!

Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s second-largest producer of sake, making it an ideal destination for anyone curious about this beloved traditional drink. Our ‘Shinshu’ Sake & ‘Oyaki’ Buns Tasting Tour takes you to a 350-year-old former sakagura (sake brewery), where you’ll taste some of the region’s best local sake. Then, after a short walk of just a few minutes, your guide will take you to one of the town’s most traditional restaurants, where local oyaki (rustic buns filled with seasonal vegetables) are still made using time-honored methods.

A Historical Former Sake Brewery Tour

No visit to Nagano is complete without a taste of Shinshu, the ancient name for this mountainous region and still used today to describe its food, sake, and spirit. Thanks to its pure alpine water and cold winters, Shinshu is home to some of Japan’s finest sake breweries, where centuries of tradition continue to thrive in every bottle.

Nestled in a historic neighborhood, this sake brewery was established in 1637, during a time when samurai, lords, and the shogun still walked the streets. It remained active until 2010 and is now open to the public year-round, including winter, which is typically the brewing season when most sake breweries close their doors to visitors. With the help of your guide, you will walk you through each step of the sake-making process that brings Nagano’s brewing heritage to life.

Shinshu Sake Guided Tasting

The sake brewery welcomes you with a curated selection of Shinshu’s finest brews. Inside this beautifully preserved building, you’ll have the chance to taste a variety of sake, from dry to floral to rich tasting, each one introduced by your guide and the knowledgeable shop staff. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this tasting offers a warm and memorable introduction to the local flavors of Nagano.

You can savor several varieties of sake produced by the brewery, gaining a new appreciation for the time and craftsmanship behind each one. But that’s not all!  Other options are also available, such as a miso soup tasting or umeshu, a popular Japanese plum wine, and non-alcoholic drinks like amazake, a sweet rice-based beverage often enjoyed during New Year visits to temples. Led throughout by your guide, it’s a relaxed, informative way to experience Nagano’s brewing tradition.

Traditional Oyaki Restaurant Visit and Tasting - A Nagano speciality

Oyaki are one of Shinshu’s most iconic everyday foods, shaped by a mountain lifestyle where ingredients were local and winters were long. These rustic buns are filled with savory mixtures that highlight Nagano’s seasonal produce. Simple, satisfying, and deeply local, they’re the kind of food that people in this region grow up with and still crave when they want something familiar.

At a traditional restaurant where oyaki are still prepared with care, you’ll taste this regional classic the way it’s meant to be eaten: warm, fragrant, and freshly made. Fillings often feature Nagano staples like nozawana greens, kabocha squash, or eggplant with miso, offering a delicious contrast of earthy flavors and gentle sweetness. Enjoy them alongside a cup of tea, and you’ll understand how closely Nagano’s food culture is tied to its climate and people.

Additional Information

Pick-up: Niomon Gate, Zenkoji Temple Area. Your guide will pick you up at either 10:00am or 1:00pm.

Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)

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

Important information:

• Please note this sake brewery is NOT an active brewery. Consequently, you will not be able to observe or participate in the actual brewing process of sake or miso. This tour is designed as an educational and tasting experience, focused on the history of the brewery, the city, and the local beverage culture.
• If you are interested in visiting an active sake brewery, please consider our tour in Matsumoto City.
• If you are interested in visiting an active miso brewery, we also offer a tour in Matsumoto City.
• 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.
• Oyaki are traditional Japanese buns made from plain flour, salt, and oil, typically filled with seasonal vegetables. They are vegan-friendly by default.
• Our tour can accommodate most food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

The tour itinerary includes the following:

• Former Sake Brewery Tour – 45 minutes
• Guided Sake & Miso Tasting – 45 minutes
• Oyaki tasting in a Traditional Restaurant – 30 minutes

Please note that the times listed above are approximate, and the tour may finish slightly earlier or later depending on conditions and group pace.

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