Discover the authentic charm of Nagano’s sake culture with a guided tour and tasting at Wakabayashi Sake Brewery, home of the renowned Tsukiyoshino brand, located in the peaceful Shiodaira Plain near Ueda City. Founded in 1896, this family-run brewery blends tradition with personal passion to create sake that celebrates local terroir and craftsmanship.

Begin with a guided tour of the brewery, where you will walk through the facilities and see firsthand how sake is made. During the tour, your brewer will share stories about the history of the brewery, the philosophy behind Tsukiyoshino, and the key elements that shape its flavor—from pristine mountain water to carefully selected rice grown in Nagano’s climate.

Following the tour, enjoy a sake tasting session featuring five selected sake varieties, chosen by the brewer. As you sip, your guide will explain how to appreciate differences in aroma, texture, and taste. Depending on your preference, you can explore tasting styles such as comparing sake made from different rice types, dry versus sweet profiles, or variations based on brewing methods.

This immersive experience is more than a simple tasting—it’s a conversation with the brewer that engages all five senses and deepens your understanding of Japanese sake. Whether you’re new to sake or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll gain insight into how local environment and careful craftsmanship create Tsukiyoshino’s distinctive flavors. As a final treat, enjoy a refreshing in-house apple juice and the opportunity to purchase your favorite sake directly from the brewery shop.