Sake brewery tasting in Tochigi area
Joined 2025
Get ready, sake lovers! Tochigi Prefecture is an absolute gem for anyone passionate about Japan's national drink. With crystal-clear water flowing from the majestic Nikko Mountains and a heritage of growing top-quality rice, this region boasts a rich history of sake brewing that you can truly experience firsthand.
Tochigi is home to fantastic sake breweries offering unforgettable tasting experiences. Prepare to discover the artistry, tradition, and delicious flavors of authentic Japanese sake!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Utsunomiya
- At your hotel or train station - I will contact you on mobile. I can also pick you up in Tokyo area, please message me for details.
Shimazaki Brewery (Azumarikishi Brand) - "The Cave Brewery"
This is the famous "Cave Brewery" in Nasukarasuyama City, known for aging its sake in former WWII tunnels. They've been brewing since 1849 and are pioneers in aged sake (koshu). It is a must-visit if you're interested in aged sake.
Tasting/Tour:
Cave Tour: You can take a self-guided walk through the cool, dark cave where sake is aged. This is a unique experience! (Admission fee usually around ¥300). This is usually open on weekends, holidays, Golden Week, and Obon.
Brewery Tours & Tastings: More in-depth tours with specific sake tastings are often available but typically require advance reservations with a higher fee (e.g., ¥3,550 for a tour with 3 aged sake tastings). Please let me know in advance for reservation if you wish to taste aged sake.
Lunch at or Near Shimazaki Brewery
Local Japanese Restaurant (Soba, Udon, Set Meals)
There are many small, local Japanese restaurants (often called shokudo or tei) that specialize in traditional dishes near Shimazaki Brewery.
Soba/Udon Restaurants: These are a staple in rural Japan. You can often get delicious handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) or udon (thick wheat noodles) served hot in broth or cold with a dipping sauce. These are usually very affordable and authentic.
Teishoku (Set Meal) Restaurants: Look for places offering teishoku or setto menus. These typically include a main dish (like fried chicken, tempura, grilled fish, or tonkatsu - pork cutlet), rice, miso soup, and a few side dishes. They offer good value and a taste of everyday Japanese home cooking.
Ramen Shops: Local ramen shops. Each will have its own unique broth and noodle style.
Daiichi Sake Brewery (Kaika Brand) - Oldest in Tochigi
Daiichi Sake Brewery is the oldest continuously-operating sake brewery in Tochigi, established in 1673! They produce only "Tokutei-Meishō-Shu" (specially designated premium sake) under their "Kaika" brand. They even cultivate their own sake rice.
Tasting/Tour: They have a gallery space next to the brewery.
They offer sake tasting of 8 types for a small fee (around ¥300), and you even get a souvenir sake glass!
They host seasonal sake events through out the year.
Let's enjoy the sake tasting journey in Tochigi! Kampai!
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Guiding
Interpreting
Hotel Pick Up/Drop
A digital video album of your tour
Admissions cost:
Your and Tour guide Transportation Cost. around 5500yens per person
Lunch Cost
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* I can pick you in Tokyo area, please message me for details.
Important message from the supplier
My schedule can be flexible, up to my deadline of works.
I can guide you in any area of Japan, please contact me in advance!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Andy L.
Hello! I’m Your Friendly Guide to Japan’s Kanto Region
I’m based in the beautiful Tochigi Prefecture and absolutely love sharing Japan’s amazing culture, history, and hidden spots with visitors like you. Before doing tour guiding, I was a public school teacher, so I’m great at making stories come alive and helping you really connect with the places we visit.
I speak Japanese at an advanced level (N2), and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Japan—from living a year in the peaceful town of Kamishihoro in Hokkaido to wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo. This means I can give you insider tips and deep insights that go beyond the usual tourist trails.
*What I Offer*
I mainly guide around the Kanto area, which includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma, and of course, Tochigi. Here are some of the fun tours I can take you on:
- **Utsunomiya Cultural Immersion:** Spend a day discovering the unique charm and tasty eats of Utsunomiya.
- **Tokyo All-in-One:** Explore both East and West Tokyo in a single day for a full city experience.
- **Anime & Pop Culture Tours:** Tailor-made adventures based on your favorite shows, games, and characters.
- **Kanto Day Trips:** Visit iconic spots like Nikko’s stunning temples or Kamakura’s historic sites.
I also love guiding in other parts of Japan, especially Kyoto—I’ve seen every World Heritage Site there! Plus, I often run tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and more, all easy to reach by train.
*Customize Your Journey*
Every tour is flexible and designed just for you. To make your trip even more memorable, I’ll create a free, beautifully crafted photo album with music from your tour—perfect for sharing or keeping as a souvenir.
Ready to explore Japan in a fun, relaxed way with someone who’s passionate about showing you the real stories behind every place? Let’s chat and start planning your perfect adventure!
$213/ per group
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