Nestled at the base of the majestic Zao mountain range, Zao Sake Brewery crafts award-winning sake using crystal-clear subsoil meltwater. This premium early-morning tour offers rare access to the heart of the brewing floor guided by knowledgeable brewery staff. Breathe in the aroma of freshly steamed rice, listen to the gentle bubbling of active fermentation mash, and witness the concentrated rhythm of traditional craftsmanship that standard daytime tours cannot offer. Conclude your visit with a curated tasting flight of distinct sakes, savoring the harmonious balance of local terroir and artisanal dedication.
Nestled at the base of the majestic Zao mountain range, Zao Sake Brewery crafts award-winning sake using crystal-clear subsoil meltwater. This premium early-morning tour offers rare access to the heart of the brewing floor guided by knowledgeable brewery staff. Breathe in the aroma of freshly steamed rice, listen to the gentle bubbling of active fermentation mash, and witness the concentrated rhythm of traditional craftsmanship that standard daytime tours cannot offer. Conclude your visit with a curated tasting flight of distinct sakes, savoring the harmonious balance of local terroir and artisanal dedication.
● To give you a real sense of the sake-brewing process, we offer guided tours of the actual production facilities. For safety reasons, we generally ask that you refrain from taking part in the tour after consuming alcohol. Please also note that we may refuse entry if we judge that you are unable to ensure your own safety, or if we believe your presence may cause concern to other visitors. ● Visitors accompanied by children of primary school age or younger must ensure that one parent or guardian is present for each child and that they do not let the child out of their sight at any time. ● Guests who are driving a car or motorbike are asked to refrain from tasting the sake. ● We cannot allow participation by anyone who is heavily intoxicated. ● As there are stairs to climb inside the brewery, we cannot accommodate pushchairs, wheelchairs or visitors with mobility issues. ● Please refrain from eating or drinking ‘natto’ from the evening before your brewery tour.