Discover Suwa’s unique sake culture on a guided walk through a historic district where five sake breweries stand within a short distance of one another.

Meet your guide in front of the Suwa City Tourist Information Center. After a short introduction, your guide will explain the tour itinerary and how the local sake tasting system works.

At the tourist information center, your guide will pick up the local sake tasting set, which is already included in the tour price. You do not need to pay for it separately.

You will then walk toward the historic sake brewing district, starting near Maihime Brewery. Along the way, your guide will explain why so many breweries developed along this historic road, once part of the old Koshu Kaido route connecting Shinshu with Yamanashi and Edo.

You will also learn about the natural conditions that support sake brewing in Suwa, including underground water from the Kirigamine highlands, the region’s cool climate, clean air, and its position along an important travel route.

Explore the historic brewing district, home to five renowned breweries: Maihime, Reijin, Honkin, Yokobue, and Masumi. Your guide will introduce the history, distinctive styles, and traditions of these breweries as you enjoy sake tastings at locations open on the day of your visit.

Please note that some breweries may be closed depending on the day. When a brewery is closed, sake from that brewery may still be available through the local tasting system at a designated partner brewery. The number of breweries available for on-site visits and tastings may vary.

After exploring the sake brewing district, your guide will lead you back to the Suwa City Tourist Information Center, where the tour ends.