The Hitachino Tour

The Hitachino Tour: A Deep Dive into Japan’s Sake and Craft Spirits

When you think of Japan, images of serene temples, cherry blossoms, and delicious sushi often come to mind. But for those interested in Japan’s traditional libations, the Hitachino Tour offers a rare chance to explore the roots of sake brewing in the Chubu region, with a highlight on Kiuchi Sake Brewery and the nearby Tsukuba Mountain foothills. For $209 per person, this full-day adventure lasts about 9.5 hours, taking you from Tokyo’s lively Akihabara district to the tranquil countryside where history, craftsmanship, and flavor converge.

What we love about this experience is how it balances learning and tasting in a laid-back setting. The chance to visit not just one, but multiple breweries — including the Eta Brewery and Nukata Brewery — means you get a genuine taste of Japan’s brewing diversity. Plus, the inclusion of a specialized sake tasting and local lunch makes this a valuable cultural outing, especially for spirits enthusiasts or curious travelers eager to understand Japan’s traditional drink.

A potential consideration is the tour’s focus on Japanese and limited English-speaking guidance, which might challenge some visitors seeking more comprehensive translations or explanations. Also, the small group size (limited to 5 participants) creates intimacy but requires early booking to secure your spot. This tour suits travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences and don’t mind a full day of exploration, especially those with an interest in Japanese beverages or craft distilling.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit historic breweries with over 200 years of brewing tradition.
• Variety of Tastings: Sake, beer, and whisky tastings provide a well-rounded taste of Japan’s craft drinks.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the history, process, and craftsmanship behind sake brewing.
• Scenic Locations: Enjoy the peaceful foothills near Mt. Tsukuba, away from city noise.
• Small Group: Limited to only 5 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Full-Day Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, tasting, lunch, and shopping for a comprehensive visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Hitachino Tour

Starting Out from Tokyo: Convenience and Comfort

The tour kicks off at 9:30 am with registration near JR Akihabara Station, just a short 5-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit. This starting point is perfect for travelers staying in central Tokyo, offering easy access without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar transportation. The guided group departs promptly at 10:00 am, ensuring you get the most out of your day.

First Stop: Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Distillery

The journey begins with a visit to the Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Distillery, located next to the meeting point. Here, a welcome drink sets the tone, and you’ll get a quick but insightful introduction to their brewing philosophy. This stop is especially exciting because it’s the home of the famous Kiuchi Brewery, renowned for its innovative beers and sake.

Moriya SA Rest and Mt. Tsukuba Foothills

Next, the group heads to Moriya Service Area for a short break, allowing everyone to stretch legs and enjoy some regional snacks. Then, it’s onward to Yago Distillery at the foot of Mt. Tsukuba—a scenic spot that combines natural beauty with historical significance. Here, you’ll have a more immersive experience, with about 120 minutes dedicated to a lunch, tour, whisky tasting, and shopping. This part of the day provides a relaxed environment to savor local flavors and see traditional distillation methods.

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Visiting Nukata Brewery: Sake and Beer Tasting

The highlight for many is the visit to Kiuchi Shuzo Nukata Brewery, where beer tasting is on the menu. This stop lasts roughly 60 minutes and is a fantastic opportunity to sample some of Japan’s highly regarded craft beers, brewed on-site with meticulous care. Visitors often comment on the friendly atmosphere and the chance to ask questions about brewing techniques and ingredients.

The Main Event: Kiuchi Sake Brewery Head Office

The final, most significant part of the tour is the visit to the Kiuchi Sake Brewery Konosu Head Office. Here, you’ll step into a 200-year-old brewing site that embodies centuries of tradition. The guided tour offers insights into how sake is crafted—from rice polishing to fermentation—and concludes with sake tastings. There’s also time dedicated to shopping for bottles to take home, plus a dinner option to savor regional specialties. This part of the day is especially appreciated by visitors wanting an authentic glimpse into Japan’s sake-making heritage.

End of the Day and Return to Tokyo

After a full day of exploration, the group returns to TX Tsukuba Station around 7:30 pm, wrapping up a memorable journey through Japan’s distilling past and present.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $209, this experience packs in visits to multiple breweries, tasting opportunities, a scenic drive, and a traditional lunch. The inclusion of transportation, meals, and tastings means you won’t have to worry about extra costs, making it a straightforward way to explore Japan’s brewing culture without the hassle of planning each stop. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers appreciate the chance to see both sake and craft beer production, noting the friendly guides and the beautiful countryside scenery. One comment highlights how the tour “gives you a real sense of the craftsmanship and history behind Japanese sake,” making it ideal for anyone interested in cultural and culinary stories. Others mention that the timing is well managed, balancing travel, tasting, and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips

Since the tour is conducted mainly in Japanese, some familiarity with the language or a TRANSLATION app could enhance your experience. Also, the limited group size suggests booking early, especially during peak travel seasons. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as some stops involve modest amounts of walking and standing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers who want to go beyond the usual sightseeing. It suits those who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes access and are interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. If you’re traveling with someone interested in Japanese history or beverages, this tour offers an engaging, educational day out. It’s less suited for children under 18 or travelers seeking a more flexible, freeform day, as the schedule is quite structured.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour price covers all transportation as specified, including the round-trip from Tokyo to the breweries and scenic spots.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9.5 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening around 7:30 pm.

Is this tour suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
The guide speaks Japanese, so some understanding of Japanese may help. However, the tour offers visual and tasting experiences that are accessible regardless.

Are meals included?
Yes, a regional lunch is included during the visit to Yago distillery, along with tastings of sake, beer, and whisky.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Absolutely. The breweries and shops offer a variety of bottles and local products, and you’ll have time to shop during the visits.

Is this a good tour for solo travelers?
Yes, especially since it’s a small group, making it easy to connect with others and share the experience.

Final Thoughts

The Hitachino Tour provides a rare, well-rounded glimpse into Japan’s brewing traditions, balancing historic insight, authentic tastings, and scenic beauty. It’s best suited for those eager to understand the craftsmanship behind sake and craft spirits, and who enjoy a guided experience that simplifies logistics. As a day trip from Tokyo, it offers both cultural richness and the chance to savor Japan’s unique drink heritage — all in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re a beverage connoisseur or simply curious about Japan’s distilling past, this tour promises a memorable and educational journey that’s worth the time and investment.

You can check availability for your dates here: