Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in the Countryside of Kanagawa

Travelers looking to experience Japan’s traditional craftsmanship might find this Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Kanagawa a compelling choice. It offers a well-balanced mix of history, authentic tasting, and rural scenery, all within just three hours. It’s ideal for those curious about sake, lovers of Japanese culture, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

What we particularly like about this experience is its accessibility, with a reasonable price point, the chance to sample multiple sake types, and the scenic countryside setting. The tour also includes a visit to a gorgeous, traditional Japanese house and a historic landlord’s residence—adding a layer of cultural depth. One possible drawback is the short duration, which might leave some wanting more in-depth brewery insights or additional sake tastings. Nevertheless, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a taste of Japan’s brewing traditions without a full-day commitment.

This tour suits culture enthusiasts, casual drinkers curious about sake, and those seeking a tranquil rural experience. If you enjoy local traditions and scenic views, this is an authentic, enjoyable way to spend part of your day in Kanagawa.

Key Points

• Authentic visits to historic breweries dating back to the 1800s
• Tasting experience includes up to three sake cups, with options to purchase extras
• Scenic countryside walk over rice fields and peaceful Japanese gardens
• Cultural highlights include a traditional Japanese house and a historic landlord’s residence
• Affordable price offers good value for the quality of experiences
• Small group size (max six travelers) ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere

In-Depth Look at the Sake Tour Experience

Starting Point: Shin-Matsuda Station

The tour begins at Shin-Matsuda Station, conveniently located near public transportation options, which makes getting there straightforward. The group size is capped at six, which means fewer crowds and a more personalized experience. Meeting at this station offers a relaxed start, giving travelers a chance to gather comfortably before heading out into the countryside.

First Stop: Nakazawa Sake Brewery

The main highlight at Nakazawa Sake Brewery is the informative video that showcases how sake is crafted with care and precision. This visual overview helps set the scene, especially for those unfamiliar with sake production. The brewery has been operating since 1825, adding a sense of authenticity and tradition to the experience.

The tasting session here includes up to three sake cups, which is ample for getting a good sense of the different flavors. The review notes that visitors can purchase additional cups if they find a favorite, with extra tastings costing about 200 yen each. One reviewer mentioned that they appreciated the chance to sample different styles and that the sake was “smooth and flavorful,” illustrating the quality of the product.

Second Stop: Seto Sake Brewery

After a short bus ride and a 20-minute walk through rice fields and countryside, you’ll arrive at Seto Sake Brewery. This second brewery has also been around since 1865, maintaining its reputation through generations. The setting is particularly charming—enjoying sake in a traditional Japanese house with views of a peaceful garden.

Here, the tasting experience is more relaxed, and the environment invites you to take your time. The Japanese garden is a peaceful spot where you can unwind, and the chance to buy bottles of sake means you can take home a souvenir or gift.

Third Stop: Ashigarigo Setoyashiki (Landlord’s Residence)

The final stop is a massive thatched-roof farmhouse, which once served as a landowner’s residence. The building and its storeroom, water mill, and well still look much as they did in the past, offering a tangible connection to rural Japan’s history.

The surrounding landscape is described as serene and rural, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection. Visitors have noted that the interior of the house is open for exploration, giving a glimpse into traditional rural life and architecture.

Practical Details & Value Analysis

At $33.03 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price for what is included. The visit to two historic breweries, combined with sake tastings and cultural sights, provides solid value, especially considering the rural scenery and cultural insights.

The timing is well-structured: each stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the environment and tastings without feeling rushed. The short duration makes this suitable for travelers with limited time but wanting a meaningful cultural experience.

Transportation costs aren’t included, but public transport is affordable at about ¥540 per person, and the walk between the breweries adds a scenic, contemplative element to the day. The small group size guarantees a relaxed, intimate experience, often appreciated by travelers who prefer personalized interactions.

What Visitors Love

Reviewers have highlighted the stunning views over rice fields and the countryside, which offer a tranquil backdrop to tasting sake. Many also appreciate the authenticity of the breweries—places that have been brewing for generations—and the chance to buy bottles directly from the source.

Considerations

While the tour is well-paced and informative, some might wish for a longer or more in-depth experience, particularly at the breweries. The three-hour limit means that the visits are relatively brief, which might leave some wanting more detail about the brewing process or more tastings.

Final Thoughts

This sake tour in Kanagawa’s countryside offers a genuine, affordable taste of Japan’s brewing traditions, complemented by picturesque scenery and peaceful rural environments. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in Japanese culture, craft, and scenic walks, all in a small-group setting that feels personal and relaxed.

Whether you’re a casual sake drinker or a curious explorer of Japan’s history and landscape, this experience balances educational value with leisure, making it a memorable part of any trip to Kanagawa.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation costs are not included. You’ll need to budget approximately ¥540 per person for public transit to the meeting point at Shin-Matsuda Station.

How long does each stop last?
Each of the three main stops lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time for tasting, exploring, and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

Can I purchase sake at the breweries?
Yes, both breweries sell bottles you can buy and take home. You also have the option to buy additional sake tastings at Nakazawa Brewery for 200 yen per cup and Seto Brewery for 500 yen per glass.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on sake, non-drinkers or children can still enjoy the cultural sites like the traditional house and historic residence, as well as the countryside scenery.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially since part of the tour involves walking in scenic rural areas and around the historic buildings.

How many people will be on the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of six travelers, ensuring a small, personal experience.

In summary, this sake brewery tour in Kanagawa offers a delightful glimpse into Japan’s brewing heritage, set against stunning rural views. It balances education, culture, and relaxation, making it an appealing choice for those looking to connect with authentic Japanese traditions without a long or costly commitment.