Unique Brewery Tour and One-of-a-Kind Sake Tasting Near Tokyo

Saitama Prefecture , Japan

Unique Brewery Tour and One-of-a-Kind Sake Tasting Near Tokyo

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(17 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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 water—resulting 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.

Available options

Unique Brewery Tour and One-of-a-Kind Sake Tasting Near Tokyo

What's included

The tour includes a tasting of Japanese sake and a sampling of snacks.

Detailed itinerary

After exiting the ticket gate at Hannō Station, please look for the guide holding a tour placard. You’ll 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, you’ll travel through the scenic nature of Hannō by bus with the guide.

First, you’ll visit the home of the head of a traditional Japanese house, full of character and history. There, you’ll receive a lecture on how sake brewing at Yamane Brewery differs significantly from conventional methods.
Next, you’ll enter a sustainable sake brewery—possibly the only one in Japan repurposed from a former convenience store. You’ll 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, you’ll return to the host’s home for a tasting session using sake cups made from Hannō’s local clay, which is no longer in production. You’ll 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.

You’ll ride the bus back to Hannō Station with the guide. Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive at the station—feel free to enjoy lunch at one of the guide’s recommended local restaurants! (Please note that the guide will not join you for lunch.)

What's not included

Lunch is not included in this tour

Transportation costs are not included in the tour price.

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

After exiting the ticket gate, please find the guide with a tour placard.
The meeting time is 1:00 p.m. We’ll take the 1:25 p.m. bus, so the limited express arriving at Hanno Station at 1:08 p.m. is fine, but please arrive a bit early if possible.

About Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo, offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Known for its parks, museums, and as a gateway to the mountains, it's a perfect blend of modern living and traditional charm.

Top Attractions

Kawagoe

Known as 'Little Edo,' Kawagoe features well-preserved Edo-period buildings, traditional sweets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Chichibu

A mountainous region known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

Nature Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate

Saitama Super Arena

A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports events, and exhibitions.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Variable

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kawagoe Mochi

A traditional sweet made from rice flour, often filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.

Dessert Vegetarian

Saitama Gyu (Beef)

High-quality beef from Saitama, often grilled or served in hot pots.

Dinner Contains meat

Soba Noodles

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Lunch Vegetarian (check for dipping sauce ingredients)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Canyoning in Mitake Gorge Onsen (hot spring) visits Strolling through Kawagoe's historical streets Visiting temples and shrines in Nikko and Kamakura Exploring traditional candy shops in Kawagoe Boating on Lake Chuzenji in Nikko Skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of Chichibu

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn provides cool temperatures and beautiful fall colors. These are the most popular times to visit.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saitama is generally safe with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and official tour operators.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
Haneda Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Tokyo Station, Ueno Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Buster Terminal Tokyo

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual train network covering the entire prefecture and connecting to Tokyo.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Omiya Kawagoe Chichibu

Day trips

Nikko

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural landscapes.

Kamakura

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A coastal town known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.

Kumagaya

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A city known for its historical sites and the Kumagaya Onsen hot spring.

Festivals

Kawagoe Festival • Early October Saitama Gold Theater Festival • Annual (dates vary) Chichibu Night Festival • Early December

Pro tips

Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy and discounted public transportation.
Visit Kawagoe during festivals for a more authentic and vibrant experience.
Explore the rural areas of Saitama for stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Try local specialties like Kawagoe Mochi and Saitama Gyu for a taste of the region's cuisine.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.