Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour in Hida

Exploring the rich sake tradition in Hida isn’t just about sampling fine brews. It’s an opportunity to explore the meticulous craft behind Japan’s iconic beverage. At the esteemed Tenryo Sake Brewery, you’ll uncover the secrets of this time-honored process, guided by knowledgeable staff. From the selection of premium ingredients to the precise fermentation methods, every step holds the potential to surprise and delight the discerning palate.

Key Points

• Immersive private tour at the 300-year-old Tenryo Sake Brewery, providing insights into the sake-making process from English-speaking brewery staff.
• Guided tasting of five sake varieties by an expert, offering an educational journey into traditional Japanese sake production.
• Convenient transportation included, with hotel pickup/drop-off and train ticket to Hida-Hagiwara station.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible but near public transportation, and children can participate without drinking sake.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund available for weather-related cancellations, and a reserve now, pay later option offered.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a private and immersive experience at the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, which has been in operation for over 300 years in the Hida region of Japan.

Located in Takayama, this highly-rated tour offers a rare opportunity to learn the sake-making process directly from the brewery staff.

Participants can expect to sample five varieties of sake, guided by an English-speaking expert.

With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour promises an educational and unforgettable journey into the rich cultural heritage of traditional Japanese sake production.

Inclusions and Meeting Point

This tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Participants will enjoy the services of an English-speaking guide, a tasting of five cups of sake, admission to the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, and all local taxes and gratuities.

The tour package also covers transportation, including hotel pickup/drop-off and a train ticket between Takayama and Hida-Hagiwara station.

Participants must arrive at the meeting point, Hida-Hagiwara station, 10 minutes early as the tour departs at a specific time.

With these thoughtful inclusions, visitors can fully enjoy the sake-making traditions of Hida.

Tour Duration

Although the tour has a specific departure time, participants must arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a timely start. The tour duration is not specified, but the description indicates that it is a guided experience with a fixed schedule. To provide more detail, the following table outlines the expected timeline:

Event	Approximate Time
Arrival at Hida-Hagiwara station	10 minutes prior to departure
Guided tour and sake tasting	Variable, based on group size and questions
Departure from brewery	Dependent on tour start time
Return to Hida-Hagiwara station	Dependent on tour duration

Accessibility and Conditions

According to the provided information, the Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation.

The minimum drinking age is 20 years, and children are allowed to participate but can’t drink sake.

The tour operates in rain or snow, and cancellation due to poor weather offers an alternative date or full refund.

However, there’s no refund for no-shows.

Booking inquiries should be directed to UMESEKO TOUR.

Pricing and Booking

The Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour is priced from $151.39 per person, with the cost varying based on group size.

Travelers have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, a tasting of five sake varieties for adults 20 and older, admission to the brewery, local taxes, gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, and transportation between Takayama and Hida-Hagiwara station.

Participants must arrive 10 minutes early for the specific departure time.

Customer Reviews

What do travelers have to say about the Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour?

Based on 65 reviews, the tour receives an outstanding 5.0 rating. Reviewers praise the professionalism and detailed explanations of the guide, Mr. Dai.

The attentive brewery staff also earns high marks. Participants describe the tour as amazing and educational, enhancing their appreciation for sake.

One reviewer notes, "This tour was the highlight of our trip to Takayama."

Another states, "We learned so much about the sake-making process and tasted delicious varieties."

The Tenryo Sake Brewery

Over 300 years old, the Tenryo Sake Brewery stands as a testament to Japan’s rich sake-making heritage.

This historic brewery offers visitors a unique glimpse into the intricate art of sake production. Guests will witness the meticulous process, from polishing the rice to fermentation and bottling.

The knowledgeable staff provides detailed explanations, ensuring an immersive and educational experience. Visitors can sample five distinct sake varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.

The Tenryo Sake Brewery is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation for this iconic Japanese beverage.

The Sake-Making Process

As visitors step into the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, they’ll witness the intricate sake-making process unfold before their eyes.

The tour guides expertly explain the key stages:

1. Rice Polishing: Specially selected rice is meticulously polished to remove the outer bran.
2. Steaming and Mashing: The polished rice is steamed and mixed with koji, a special fungus.
3. Fermentation: The mashed mixture ferments over several weeks, transforming into a cloudy liquid.
4. Pressing and Filtering: The fermented liquid is pressed and filtered to extract the pure sake.

This hands-on experience offers a deeper appreciation for the craft and tradition of sake brewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specified dress code. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for walking around a brewery. There are no formal attire requirements for this experience.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

The tour allows photography and video recording during the visit to the sake brewery. Participants are encouraged to capture the sake-making process and facilities to document their educational experience.

Can I Purchase Sake at the End of the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase sake at the end of the tour. The tour includes a tutored tasting of five sake varieties, and visitors can purchase additional bottles of their favorite sake from the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery.

Are There Any Age Restrictions Besides the Minimum Drinking Age?

The tour has a minimum drinking age of 20 years, and children are allowed to participate but cannot consume sake. There are no other age restrictions besides the minimum drinking age requirement.

Can I Choose Which Five Sake Varieties I Would Like to Taste?

No, the tour does not allow participants to choose the five sake varieties. The tasting is a guided experience where the brewery staff selects the sake samples for the group.

The Sum Up

The Private Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting Tour in Hida offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the rich tradition of sake-making. Visitors can explore the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, learn about the intricate sake production process, and sample a variety of premium sake guided by an expert. With its high recommendation rate and all-inclusive pricing, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for sake enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.