Discover a part of Nagano’s History 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 Former Sake Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting takes you to a 350-year-old former sakagura (sake brewery), where a former brewery worker walks you through the brewing process in detail. While the facility no longer produces sake, it remains the perfect place to see modern brewing equipment up close and take your time learning how sake is made. You’ll also hear the story of the brewery itself, which played an important role in Nagano’s local history.

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, a former brewery worker will walk you through each step of the sake-making process and share stories about the rich history of brewing in Nagano.

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 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 the perfect way to round out an immersive, informative, and warming tour.

The relation between Sake & Miso

Did you know that the process of brewing sake and making miso is surprisingly similar? This connection has allowed some breweries to produce both, or shift between the two depending on the season. This former sake brewery is one of them. Before the tour ends, you’ll have the chance to sample their miso selection and experience the deep flavor of Japan’s leading miso-producing region, Nagano.

You’ll also have the chance to receive a complimentary gift from the brewery, along with the option to purchase additional sake for yourself. There is absolutely no obligation to buy anything, but if you do decide to take a bottle or two home, your guide will be happy to assist.

Additional Information

Pick-up: Niomon Gate, Zenkoji Temple Area. Your guide will pick you up at either 10:30am or 1:30pm.

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.

The tour itinerary includes the following:

• Former Sake Brewery Tour / 60 minutes
• Guided Sake & Miso Tasting / 60 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