Best Places for Wine & Brewery Tours in Saitama, Japan
1. Kawagoe Shozo Sake Brewery
A traditional brewery offering tours and tastings of their premium sake.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1830, it's one of the oldest breweries in Saitama.
- Tasting Experience: Enjoy tasting different sake flavors and brewing methods.
- Unique Architecture: Historic Edo-period buildings add charm to the tour.
2. Oizumi Onsen Beer Village
A village filled with breweries, hot springs, and beautiful scenery.
- Relaxation and Brewery Tours: Combine beer tasting with a relaxing hot spring experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, it offers stunning views.
- Variety of Breweries: Visit several breweries in one place to compare their offerings.
3. Kirin Beer Factory
The factory of Kirin beer, offering tours and tastings.
- Large-scale Production: See the process behind one of Japan's largest beer brands.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the history and making of Kirin beer.
- Souvenir Shop: Purchase exclusive Kirin merchandise.
4. Arai Shuzo Sake Brewery
A small-scale brewery offering tours and tastings of their artisanal sake.
- Artisanal Production: Experience the traditional process of handmade sake.
- Intimate Experience: Tours are small, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Rural Charm: Located in a picturesque rural setting.
5. Oya Beer Kawagoe
A microbrewery offering craft beer tastings and tours.
- Craft Brewery Experience: Experience the vibrant craft beer scene in Saitama.
- Unique Beers: Taste a variety of beers brewed on-site.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of this local brewery.
6. Kawagoe Shochu Distillery
A distillery producing shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit.
- Traditional Production: Learn about the centuries-old process of shochu making.
- Tasting Experience: Try different flavors of shochu and learn about pairings.
- Historical Significance: One of the few remaining traditional distilleries in Japan.
7. Yashiro Honten Sake Brewery
A family-run brewery offering tours and tastings of their premium sake.
- Family Tradition: Continuing a family tradition spanning over two centuries.
- Tasting Experience: Enjoy tasting different sake flavors and brewing methods.
- Exclusive Offerings: Try rare and exclusive sake not available elsewhere.
8. Saitama Beer Garden
A beer garden offering a variety of Japanese and foreign beers.
- Variety of Beers: Choose from a wide selection of Japanese and international beers.
- Food Pairings: Enjoy delicious food pairings with your beer selection.
- Seasonal Events: Participate in seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest.
9. Kawagoe Shuzo Sake Brewery Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and craft of sake brewing.
- Educational Experience: Learn about the history, production, and appreciation of sake.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive displays and demonstrations.
- Tasting Room: Sample sake in the museum's tasting room.
10. Kawasaki Beer Factory
A factory offering tours and tastings of their popular beer.
- Large-scale Production: See the process behind one of Japan's most popular beers.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the history and making of Kawasaki beer.
- Souvenir Shop: Purchase exclusive Kawasaki merchandise.
11. Yoko Beer Kawagoe
A microbrewery offering craft beer tastings and tours.
- Craft Brewery Experience: Experience the vibrant craft beer scene in Saitama.
- Unique Beers: Taste a variety of beers brewed on-site.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of this local brewery.
12. Saitama Beer and Sake Brewery Tour
A guided tour visiting several breweries in Saitama.
- Convenience: Visit multiple breweries with a single organized tour.
- Expert Guide: Learn from an expert guide about the history and craft of beer and sake making.
- Tasting Opportunities: Enjoy tastings at each brewery visited during the tour.
13. Oizumi Onsen Microbrewery
A microbrewery located in the hot spring village of Oizumi.
- Relaxation and Brewery Tours: Combine beer tasting with a relaxing hot spring experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, it offers stunning views.
- Variety of Beers: Taste a variety of beers brewed on-site.
14. Kawagoe Shuzo Sake Brewery Garden
A beautiful garden offering sake tastings and tours.
- Beautiful Setting: Enjoy a peaceful and picturesque setting while tasting sake.
- Tasting Experience: Try different flavors of sake and learn about pairings.
- Seasonal Attractions: Visit during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons for added beauty.
15. Kawagoe Beer and Sake Festival
An annual festival celebrating beer and sake in Kawagoe.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.
- Variety of Beers and Sake: Taste a wide variety of beers and sake from different breweries.
- Entertainment and Activities: Enjoy live music, performances, and other activities during the festival.