Otaru Tanaka Sake Brewery: Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Tour Highlights

• On-site explanation of the traditional sake brewing process.
• Taste the delicious underground water used for sake brewing.
• Experience the rare opportunity of “Kai-ire” (stirring the mash).
• Enjoy a tasting comparison of a wide variety of sake, made possible by year-round brewing.

In 2024, “Traditional Sake Brewing” in Japan was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition honors the unique brewing techniques using koji mold and the rich Japanese culture surrounding them. Otaru’s Tanaka Sake Brewery, home to the historic “Kikkogura” building, is a rare establishment that allows visitors to observe sake brewing year-round.

On this special tour, you will step behind the scenes into areas normally off-limits to the public to experience traditional sake brewing firsthand. You will be able to observe the meticulous work of the Toji (master brewer) and the brewing process up close, witnessing the skill and passion that goes into the craft. Furthermore, through expert explanations of the ingredients and production methods, you will gain a deeper understanding of the art of sake.

The tour concludes with the opportunity to taste freshly brewed sake. Savor the aromas and flavors as you fully appreciate the allure of sake brewing. Create unforgettable memories with this experience where living Japanese tradition and culture come alive.

2-6 participants
Private tour

Meeting Location
Otaru Station or nearby accommodations

Meeting Address
2 Chome-22-15 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032

Clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in High heels and clothes with fur are prohibited on this tour. You will be asked to put on a prepared cap for food sanitation purposes.

Length of trip: 1 day

Tour conductor: No accompaniment.

【Tour planning and implementation】

Hokkaido Takarajima Travel Co., Ltd.

Registered with the Governor of Hokkaido, Travel Agency No. 2-597 / Full member of the All Japan Association of Travel Agents (ANTA)
9F Daito Building, 8-1 Minami 2-jo Higashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0052

Domestic travel business manager: Hayashi Naoki

・The domestic travel business manager is the person responsible for your travel transactions. If you have any questions about the explanation given by the person in charge regarding this travel contract, please feel free to contact the domestic travel business manager listed above by email.

・This product is a packaged travel product of Hokkaido Takarajima Travel Co., Ltd. Please be sure to check the travel business terms and conditions (URL below) before applying.

Link URL
https://hokkaido-takarajima.com/pdf/yakkan/ryokojoken.pdf

A cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled after the start of the event or in case of a no-show
A cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled on the day of, before the start of the event
A cancellation fee of 40% is charged if cancelled 1 day or less before the event
A cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event
A cancellation fee of 20% is charged if cancelled 10 days or less before the event