#Japan #Japanese Sake #Sake Experience #Kanuma

Experience Traditional Japanese Sake Brewing

Tobuto Tours Co., Ltd. is excited to announce a unique day trip experience entitled "Original Japanese Sake Brewing Day Trip in Kanuma" on January 25, 2026. This event is in collaboration with the Zen Nikko Brewery, which has repurposed a closed elementary school into a sake brewing facility located in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture. Participants will enjoy hands-on instruction from professional brewers, making it an authentic experience for both sake enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This initiative has been selected as part of the 2024 Regional Tourism Discovery Project by the Japan Tourism Agency, aimed at creating sustainable tourism spots that preserve local traditions and technologies. The “Original Japanese Sake Brewing” tour follows previous successful events in the region, including the rice planting festival and homemade miso making in June, where participants learned to cultivate the “Ise-Hikari” rice variety, brought from Ise Shrine, and harvested their own rice.

What to Expect on the Tour:

• - Hands-on Sake Brewing Experience:

Participants will learn the fundamental processes of traditional sake brewing, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, directly from the experienced brewers at Zen Nikko Brewery. This immersion provides a genuine understanding of this age-old craft.

• - Unique Brewery Setting:

The sake brewing will take place in the NEO Brewery, inside the renovated Old Kamikasuho Elementary School gymnasium. This innovative use of space provides an intriguing backdrop for the brewing experience.

• - Sake and Food Pairing Lunch:

Enjoy a specially prepared pairing lunch that features seasonal ingredients sourced from Kanuma. Participants will experience the delightful combinations of local sake and traditional dishes, enhancing their appreciation of the regional flavors and the brewing process.

• - Sweet Sake Making Workshop:

Attendees will also have the opportunity to create sweet sake using rice malt, learning about the traditional fermentation techniques. Participants may take home the sweet sake produced during the session, so be sure to bring an appropriate container!

• - Family Friendly:

The tour is family-oriented and welcomes participation from children. Even though young attendees won’t be able to sample alcoholic beverages, they will still enjoy the sake brewing process firsthand. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to bond while learning about cultural heritage.

• - Complimentary Sake Gift:

After the experience, every participant will receive a bottle (720ml) of the sake that they helped create. This allows participants to enjoy their own brew at home or share it with loved ones.

Future Plans:

Tobuto Tours will continue to promote sustainable tourism that not only supports local businesses but elevates the branding of the surrounding areas by incorporating diverse regional resources into exciting tourist offerings. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster an appreciation for the traditions and craftsmanship that contribute to Japan’s rich cultural landscape. Join us on this unforgettable journey into the art of traditional sake brewing in Kanuma!

For Reservations:

You can easily book your spot for this unique sake brewing experience through our website. Don’t miss out on this chance to delve into the heart of Japan’s sake culture!