Tokyo’s Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town

Experience Tokyo’s Oldest Sake Brewery and Historic Town

Imagine stepping away from the bustling city and into a serene, natural environment where Japan’s traditional sake-making practices still thrive. This tour takes you from the vibrant Shinjuku station to the tranquil outskirts of Tokyo, where you’ll explore the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and visit a sake brewery with over 300 years of history. For $120.93 per person, you get roughly six hours of guided exploration, including sake tastings and insights into Japan’s craftsmanship, all led by a knowledgeable guide—someone who once coordinated events at a leading theme park.

What we love about this tour is how it balances culture with scenic beauty. You’ll enjoy a stunning ride through nature, away from urban noise, and get up close with Japan’s traditional architecture. Plus, the Kikisake experience — judging sake based on color, aroma, and taste — offers a fun, interactive way to deepen your appreciation for Japan’s national drink. The tour is ideal for those who want an authentic experience that combines history, nature, and culinary culture in a manageable half-day format.

One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to purchase train tickets separately, which adds an extra step but also gives you flexibility. The tour’s group size is capped at 8, making it intimate and easy to ask questions. Overall, if you’re curious about sake, interested in scenic outings, or keen on exploring Japan’s traditional side beyond Tokyo’s city lights, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic Sake Experience: Taste and evaluate about 10 types of sake, learning how to judge them in a fun, interactive setting.
• Historical and Architectural Insight: Visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum to see buildings from Japan’s past, including inspirations for Studio Ghibli films.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Enjoy the scenic outdoors and the peaceful atmosphere of Okutama, a refreshing contrast to Tokyo’s urban vibe.
• Expert Guided Tour: Led by a professional guide with experience in event planning, ensuring smooth logistics and enriching commentary.
• Flexible and Small Group: With a max of 8 travelers, expect a personal experience with plenty of opportunities to engage.
• Value for Money: Combining transportation, admission fees, and tastings in one package, you’re getting a comprehensive cultural outing.

A Deep Dive into the Sake Brewery and Historic Town Experience

Starting Point: Shinjuku Station and the Journey Begins

Your adventure kicks off at the JR East Travel Service Center near Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo’s central hubs. Our guide—whose enthusiasm and local knowledge help set the tone—meets us here around 10:00 am. From this bustling station, you’ll hop aboard a train for about 30 minutes, heading towards a quieter, more traditional corner of Japan. The train ticket costs approximately 2,000 yen for a round trip, so budget that into your planning. While the ticket isn’t included in the tour price, the journey itself is part of the experience—offering a glimpse of everyday life in Japan outside the city.

Exploring the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Our first stop is the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where about thirty buildings from the Edo period through early Showa period are brought back to life in a sprawling outdoor setting. It’s like walking through a living history book, with homes, shops, and public buildings preserved and displayed in their original styles. You’ll love the way the architecture reflects daily life of the past, making history tangible and colorful.

The museum also includes indoor exhibits that focus on different periods, with displays that recreate the lifestyles and cultures of earlier eras. Interestingly, the design of the public bathhouses in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away was inspired by buildings in this museum, adding a touch of pop culture to the historical setting. As one reviewer noted, this stop offers “high cultural value but also a fun connection to Japan’s anime heritage.” Expect about an hour and a half here, with admission included, giving you plenty of time to stroll, snap photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Sake Brewery Tour: Tradition in Action

Next, you’ll take a train to Musashi-Koganei Station, followed by a short ride to Sawanoien, a sake brewery with a history stretching over 300 years. The water used here, sourced from the Chichibu Paleozoic Formation springs, is acclaimed for producing sake with a crisp and impressive aftertaste. This part of the tour is a highlight—a true taste of Japanese craftsmanship.

Led by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the sake-making process, from rice polishing to fermentation, and finally, the aging. You’ll be able to tour the brewery facilities, and of course, sample about three different types of sake—an experience that’s both educational and palate-pleasing.

The brewery’s terrace provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying your sake amid nature, making this a relaxing and authentic experience. One guest described it as “a very popular tourist spot” because of the beautiful scenery and the chance to taste sake directly from the source.

Visiting Kanzanji Temple and the Valley

After the brewery visit, a short stop at Kanzanji Temple offers a peaceful break. Built in 1930, this quiet temple along the Mitake Valley footpath has a wooden Shaka Buddha statue entrusted by a Chinese calligrapher in 1885. Visitors often stop to ring the bell or simply enjoy the calm surroundings. It’s a brief but meaningful stop—about 10 minutes—that adds a spiritual and scenic touch to the day.

Returning to Tokyo

Finally, you’ll hop back on a train from Sawai Station to Shinjuku, completing your journey in about an hour and twenty minutes. Since train tickets are your responsibility to purchase, it’s good to be prepared with some Yen and a travel app or map.

Authenticity and Value

This tour offers a well-rounded view of traditional Japan—architecture, nature, and sake—all wrapped into a manageable half-day outing. For just over $120, you’re not only getting guided access to historical sites and a renowned sake brewery, but also a chance to learn about Japanese culture firsthand. The inclusion of sake tastings and the Kikisake evaluation makes it more than just sightseeing; it turns you into a sake connoisseur for a day.

The small group size (maximum 8) ensures a personal touch, and the guide’s experience guarantees a smooth, engaging experience. Plus, the tour’s flexibility—offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before—adds peace of mind.

Who is this ideal for?

It suits travelers eager to explore beyond Tokyo’s urban core, those with an interest in Japanese traditions, and anyone wanting a taste of local craftsmanship. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate scenic environments and enjoy tasting authentic sake directly from a historic brewery.

The Sum Up

This tour is a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s cultural roots in a tranquil setting, away from the city’s chaos. The combination of architectural history, natural beauty, and sake tasting provides a layered experience that appeals to curious travelers and connoisseurs alike. The knowledgeable guide, intimate group size, and well-thought-out itinerary make it a standout choice for a half-day escape into Japan’s past and its living traditions.

If you’re looking for a genuine, meaningful way to spend part of your trip—especially if you’re interested in sake or traditional architecture—this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Japan’s craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and history, all in one memorable outing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and tasting time.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked about 48 days ahead on average, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking.

What is included in the price?
You get a fully guided tour, admission to the architectural museum and brewery, and three sake tastings.

Are train tickets included?
No, you need to purchase your own train tickets, estimated at around 2,000 yen for the round trip.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, drinking alcohol is legal only from age 20, which applies to the sake tastings.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s primarily designed for adults, especially due to alcohol sampling and walking around outdoor sites.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since some stops are outdoors.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.

How many people will be on the tour?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The itinerary involves walking and outdoor visits, so check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.

Embark on this journey, and you’ll come away with a richer understanding of Japan’s traditional spirit, beautifully preserved in both architecture and sake.