Discover the Craft, History, and Spirit of a 160-Year-Old Sake Brewery
Step inside Kurosawa Brewery, a family-run sake producer founded in 1858, and experience its traditions firsthand on this exclusive, private tour led by its 6th-generation owner.
Normally closed to the public, the brewery opens its doors just for you. Guided personally by the owner, you will explore both the craft of sake brewing and the story of a family that has sustained it for over 160 years.
At the on-site museum, discover antique brewing tools and historical materials that trace the evolution of sake and the Kurosawa family business. Then enjoy a special tasting featuring rare and carefully selected sake.
In the evening, share a dinner with the brewery owner. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions, hear personal stories, and gain deeper insight into both sake and the brewery’s legacy.
On the second day, return to the brewery in the early morning. During the winter brewing season, witness steam rising from the koshiki (a traditional rice-steaming vat) and experience the energy of an active brewery at work.
This tour is supported by a regional revitalization grant from Nagano Prefecture.
Experience Highlights
- Explore a historic sake brewery founded in 1858
- Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour led by the owner
- Taste different sake varieties paired with a seasonal dinner
- Learn directly from a 6th-generation brewer
- Experience the brewery in action during winter
Meet Your Host
Takao Kurosawa
President and 6th-Generation Owner, Kurosawa Brewery
Born in 1974 as the eldest son of a long-established brewing family, Takao Kurosawa studied fermentation science at Tokyo University of Agriculture. After working in the pickling industry to gain experience outside the family business, he joined Kurosawa Brewery in 2001.
Together with his younger brother, he has expanded the brewery’s approach while preserving its traditions. His initiatives include a customer participation program and unique aging methods such as storing sake in dams. His work reflects a balance of innovation and heritage.
The Legacy of Kurosawa Brewery
Kurosawa Brewery was founded in 1858 by Risazaemon Kurosawa during the late Edo period. In the years that followed, the family expanded into a wide range of businesses, including banking, textiles, miso and soy sauce production, and pharmaceuticals.
Operating under the trade name “Maruto,” the family business grew rapidly. It was later divided among the founder’s five sons, each taking on a different field.
・The eldest son established a banking business that later became the foundation of today’s Hachijuni Bank
・The second son managed textile wholesale
・The third son carried on sake brewing
・The fourth son produced miso and soy sauce
・The fifth son handled pharmaceutical distribution
The sake brewery continued through the third son’s line and has now reached its sixth generation under Takao Kurosawa.
Since its founding, the brewery has remained dedicated to the traditional kimoto method, a labor-intensive technique that relies on natural fermentation. Using soft water from the Chikuma River and locally grown Nagano rice, Kurosawa Brewery produces sake rooted in both place and tradition.
Private Brewery Tour
Begin by changing into indoor footwear and putting on a hair cap before entering the brewery. The owner will guide you through each stage of sake production in a clear and engaging way, making it accessible even for beginners.
In winter, you may see the brewing process in action, including fermentation (moromi) and preparation stages. Depending on the day’s work, access to certain areas may be limited.
After the tour, visit the sake museum, where antique tools, elegant sake vessels, and historical materials are carefully preserved.
The space feels like a treasure trove, offering a glimpse into both the brewery’s past and the broader culture of sake.
Dinner with the Brewery Owner
After the tour, enjoy a special dinner featuring local ingredients paired with Kurosawa sake.
Five different sake varieties are served to complement the meal. As you dine, the owner will share insights, stories, and recommendations, creating a relaxed and memorable experience.
Take-Home Gift
Each guest receives one bottle (720 ml) of Kurosawa sake as a souvenir. The Kurosawa series includes more than 30 varieties, all made using the kimoto method and local rice, some grown by the brewery itself. These bottles are typically only available through select retailers.
【Schedule】
Day 1
| Time | Activity | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 13:05 | Meet at Kurosawa Brewery (Recommended arrival: JR Koumi Line, Yachiho Station at 12:55 PM) | |
| 13:10 | Tour begins Welcome and introductions Overview of sake brewing | |
| 13:40 | Guided brewery and grounds tour ・Brewing areas (washing, steaming, pressing, storage) ・Sake museum ・Gallery shop | |
| 15:00 | Free time Check in at Shino-ya Ryokan and relax in the bath | |
| 18:00 | Premium Dinner with President Kurosawa — Enjoy Sake Together Sake tasting (side-by-side comparison) Explanations about each sake Recommended ways to enjoy sake Along with a traditional ryokan dinner, enjoy a selection of Kurosawa sake and a special evening of conversation and discovery. | Dinner included |
| 19:00 | This marks the end of the guided experience with President Kurosawa. Please relax and enjoy the sake to your heart’s content. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 8:40 | Special Morning Brewery Tour This is one of the true highlights of the brewing season — a special visit to the sake brewery in the early morning, only available during the sake-making period. You’ll experience the unique atmosphere of the kura as steam rises from the koshiki (traditional rice steamer), filling the air with the gentle scent of freshly steamed rice — a beautiful scene you can only witness in the morning. | |
| 9:40 | Morning Tour Ends |
Travel Details (Terms & Conditions)
| Availability | November to March (Monday to Saturday) |
|---|---|
| Price | 2 guests: ¥72,000 per person 3 guests: ¥65,000 per person 4+ guests: ¥58,000 per person |
| Included | ・Brewery experience ・Facility access ・Sake souvenir ・1-night stay with two meals ・Sake pairing |
| Location | Kurosawa Sake Brewery 1400 Hozumi, Sakuho-machi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano 384-0702, Japan (Google Maps) |
| Accommodation | Shinoya Ryokan 35-1 Hata,Sakuho-machi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano, Japan |
| Access | By Train (Recommended) 5-minute walk from Yachiho Station (JR Koumi Line). From Tokyo Station (approx. 2.5–3 hours): Tokyo Station → Sakudaira Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Komoro Station (Shinano Railway) → Yachiho Station (JR Koumi Line) Please note that train schedules may vary depending on the season. |
| Minimum Participants | Minimum: 2 guests Maximum: 4 guests |
| Clothing | During the sake brewing season (winter), guests will be asked to change into a white coat before entering the brewery. Please note that the brewery can get quite cold. We recommend wearing warm inner layers such as thermal underwear and tights. |
| What to Bring | No special items required |
| Cancellation Policy | ・20 days before the experience: 20% of the total fee ・10 days before the experience: 50% of the total fee ・Same-day cancellation or no-show: 100% of the total fee |
| Booking Deadline | Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before your desired tour date. |
| Payment Method | Credit card (VISA, MasterCard) Detailed payment instructions will be sent by email after your reservation is confirmed. |
| Additional Notes | ・Avoid fermented foods (such as natto or yogurt) before your visit ・Please avoid wearing strong perfume ・Sake selections vary by day ・Brewing takes place only in winter ・An English-speaking guide will accompany the tour |
