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Sake & Stroll: A Deep Dive into Obuse's Brewing Heritage

Sake & Stroll: A Deep Dive into Obuse's Brewing Heritage

How to get to Obuse

  • From Nagano: 35 minutes by local train on the Nagano Dentetsu line (25 minutes by express train).
  • From Yudanaka: 33 minutes by local train on the Nagano Dentetsu line (22 minutes by express train)

Click here for transit instructions from Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Nagoya.

¥12,900 JPY
¥12,900 JPY
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
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This half-day walking tour immerses you in Obuse's rich history, from its artistic heritage to its renowned sake-making tradition. Located near the famous Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Nozawa Onsen, and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Obuse offers a fantastic stop before or after your visit.

Visit historic breweries like Matsubaya and Masuichi-Ichimura, where you'll savor the delicate flavors of locally crafted sake. Learn about the art of sake brewing, including sake etiquette and the nuances of sake classification – what truly sets a Junmai Daiginjo apart?

Enjoy multiple sake tastings throughout the tour – this one's for the sake enthusiasts!

We offer start times from 9:00am and 1:00pm. If you’d like to enjoy lunch in Obuse after the morning tour or begin the afternoon tour a bit earlier (such as around 12:00pm), we’re happy to adjust the schedule to suit your plans. Just let us know your preferred time when booking.

Note: The minimum number of participants is 2.

Itinerary

  • 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM | Obuse Station

    Meet your guide at Obuse Station. Your guide will be standing outside the station, holding a sign.

  • 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM | Obuse Town Walk

    Wander through the charming streets of Obuse, guided by your expert. Uncover the secrets of Hokusai's inspiration and the town's rich history.

    More about Obuse 

  • 9:25 AM or 1:15 PM | Matsubaya Honten Sake Brewery

    Discover the heart of sake-making at Matsubaya Brewery. Tour the historic brewery and savor the delicate flavors of sake, a timeless treasure.

  • 10:00 AM or 1:50 PM | Hokusai-kan Museum

    Dive into the world of Hokusai at this dedicated museum. Marvel at his ukiyo-e prints and original paintings, most notably the panels that adorn the ceiling of the Higashimachi and Kanmachi festival floats.

  • 11:05 AM or 3:15 PM | Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery

    Takai Kozan, the renowned merchant of Obuse, was actually the 12th generation owner of this very brewery! Today, his descendants carry on the tradition of crafting exceptional sake.

  • 11:45 AM or 3:50 PM | Kokuhei Miso Brewery

    Step back in time and explore a miso brewery dating back to the Edo period. Tour the historic warehouse and savor their original miso.

  • 12:30 PM or 17:00 PM | Obuse Station

    We will bid farewell at Obuse Station.

Meeting and Dismissal

  • Your tour begins and ends at Obuse Station.

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide (unlicensed)
  • Admission to: Hokusai-kan Museum
  • Admission to: Matsubaya Honten Sake Brewery
  • Admission to: Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery
  • Sake tasting fee
  • Admission to: Kokuhei Miso Brewery
  • Miso tasting fee
  • Mini miso souvenir

What's Not Included

  • Transportation to Obuse station
  • Meals & drinks
  • Personal expenses

Options

Tour Times

  • 9:00 AM ~ 12:30 PM (approx.)
  • 1:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM (approx.)

If you wish to adjust the start time of your tour, please let us know when you book.

Tour Start Location

If you would like to start your tour at Nagano Station instead of Obuse Station, please let us know.

Cancellation Policy

  • 8 days prior or more: no charge
  • 4-7 days prior: 30% of the total tour cost
  • 2-3 days prior: 50% of the total tour cost
  • 24 hours prior or less: 100% of the total tour cost

Inclement Weather

  • Can be changed to a walking + car version at no extra charge. We will notify you by 7:00 p.m. the day before the event.
  • No cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations due to inclement weather.

Points of Attention

  • In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old.
  • Tour routes will be adjusted as needed.
  • We recommend purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind. Minimum coverage is included.
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • In rare cases, if we cannot secure a guide, the tour may be canceled with a full refund. You will be notified at least one day in advance.
  • Participants are responsible for any damage to their personal belongings during the tour or any additional activities.
  • We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or issues that may arise during the tour.