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 gain insight into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and techniques behind sake brewing.
At the on-site museum, explore the history and cultural significance of Japanese sake, then enjoy a special tasting featuring rare and carefully selected varieties.
You will also have time to speak directly with the owner, making this a valuable opportunity to ask questions and deepen your understanding of sake.
At the end of the experience, take home a bottle of Kurosawa sake as a souvenir. This immersive experience allows you to engage with the brewery’s tradition and innovation through all five senses.
This tour is supported by a regional revitalization grant from Nagano Prefecture.
Both day-trip and overnight plans are available.
The overnight plan includes a dinner experience with the brewery owner.
Experience Highlights
- Explore a historic sake brewery founded in 1858
- Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour led by the owner
- Taste a curated selection of premium sake varieties
- Learn directly from a 6th-generation brewer
- Take home a premium bottle of Kurosawa sake
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). 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.
Sake Tasting Experience (9 Varieties)
Conclude your visit with a guided tasting led by the brewery owner. Sample nine different types of sake, ranging from traditional kimoto-style brews to lighter, more approachable options.
Each selection is chosen by the owner on the day. As you taste, you will learn about flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and recommended ways to enjoy each sake.
Light snacks, including house-made pickles, are served alongside the tasting. Guests who are driving will receive their tasting portion as a takeaway instead.
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
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 13:05 | Meet at Kurosawa Brewery (Recommended arrival: JR Koumi Line, Yachiho Station at 12:55 PM) |
| 13:10 | Tour begins Welcome from the host Participant introductions Introductory session on sake brewing |
| 13:40 | Guided brewery and grounds tour ・Brewing areas (washing, steaming, pressing, storage) ・Sake museum ・Gallery shop’s work. |
| 15:00 | Sake tasting experience ・9 varieties of sake ・Explanations and recommendation |
| 16:00 | Tour ends |
Travel Details (Terms & Conditions)
| Availability | Year-round (Monday to Saturday) |
|---|---|
| Price | 1 guest: ¥43,000 2 guests: ¥27,000 per person 3+ guests: ¥21,000 per person |
| Included | ・Brewery experience ・9 sake tastings ・Light snacks (pickles) ・Facility access ・Sake souvenir |
| Location | Kurosawa Brewery 1400 Hozumi, Sakuho-machi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano 384-0702 Google Maps |
| 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: 1 guest Maximum: 6 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 | ・14 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 Methods | 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 only takes place in winter ・This experience is available in Japanese only |
