Nagano: Suwa Five Sake Breweries Walk & Tasting Tour

This tour takes you through one of Japan’s rare sake districts, where five breweries stand within a short walking distance of one another. Instead of visiting just one brewery, you can compare different styles of sake while walking along the historic old Koshu Kaido road in Suwa. With your guide, you will learn why this area became known for sake brewing, from the cool climate and clear water from the Kirigamine highlands to its location along an important travel route. At each stop, you will enjoy tastings and discover how each brewery has its own character, history, and approach to sake. This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than a simple drink. It is a compact but rich journey into local brewing culture, regional history, and the unique atmosphere of Suwa’s five sake breweries.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   Maihime is a sake brewery founded in 1894 and known for brands such as Shinshu Maihime and Suiro. Its sake is described as rich and well-balanced, bringing together sweetness, dryness, acidity, bitterness, and astringency. As the first stop on the walk, Maihime introduces guests to Suwa’s brewing culture, where tradition and new approaches to sake continue side by side.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   20 min

   Reijin is one of Suwa’s long-established breweries, with roots dating back to 1789. Using carefully selected Nagano-grown rice and underground water from the Kirigamine highlands, the brewery pursues a clean and refined style of sake. Reijin also produces Suwa Roman craft beer, making this stop a good place to see how a historic brewery continues to expand its range.

3. 3

   Honkin Brewery

   20 min

   Honkin is a small family-run brewery founded in 1756. The name “Honkin” reflects a wish to make honest, genuine sake that connects people and brings smiles. Its sake is often appreciated for its warm, gentle character and its ability to support food without overpowering it, offering a more intimate contrast to the larger breweries on the route.

4. 4

   Ito Sake Brewery

   20 min

   Yokobue is a brewery that emphasizes handcraft and the natural blessings of Suwa, including local water, rice, hot springs, and the surrounding environment. Rather than mass production, Yokobue focuses on making only what can be carefully produced by hand. Its sake highlights aroma, texture, and the honest flavor of traditional Japanese brewing.

5. 5

   Miyasaka Brewery

   20 min

   Masumi is one of Suwa’s most famous breweries and is known as the birthplace of Association No. 7 yeast, an important sake yeast used across Japan. Founded in 1662, its name comes from the “Masumi no Kagami” mirror associated with Suwa Taisha. As the final stop, Masumi gives guests a memorable look at Suwa’s influence on the wider world of sake.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.