Private Tour and Tasting at the 150-Year-Old Watanabe Sake Brewery in Hida Furukawa, Gifu

Hida Furukawa, a Beautiful Town Where History Meets Nature

The Hida region is known for its historic landmarks like Hida Takayama and the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go Gassho-style village. This experience takes place in Hida Furukawa, a charming town where history and nature come together, just an hour from these iconic destinations. The Seto River runs through the heart of the town, and the picturesque white-walled storehouses along the river offer stunning views year-round.

The Seto River and White-Walled Storehouse District, iconic landmarks of Hida Furukawa

Among the atmospheric streets of the town stands Watanabe Sake Brewery, a family-owned business with over 150 years of history. Since its founding in 1870, the brewery has upheld the tradition of sake brewing, focusing on perfecting its craft, fostering skilled artisans, and preserving cultural heritage. Its acclaimed range of sakes, including the long-popular "Horai" and the newer "W," released in 2014, are celebrated both domestically and internationally as exceptional representations of Hida’s brewing tradition.

Watanabe Sake Brewery, a historic site designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property

In this experience, you’ll tour the Watanabe Sake Brewery, learning about the sake-making process with a guide. After the tour, enjoy a tasting in the brewery’s annex, typically closed to the public.

Sake Brewing, A Craft that Honors Tradition and the Art of Handmaking

The Hida region, known for its heavy snowfall, is ideal for sake brewing, which demands strict temperature control. At Watanabe Sake Brewery, a team of 15 dedicated brewers pours passion into each batch. What sets them apart is their commitment to "tradition" and "handmade" techniques. Due to the extensive manual work involved, most of their sake is released as limited editions.

Experience the aroma and texture of koji to assess its condition directly

Watanabe Sake Brewery also takes great care in selecting ingredients. They use mineral-rich underground water from the Hida Mountains, sourced from a private well 55 meters deep on the premises. The brewery also works with local sake rice varieties, such as "Hida Homare" and "Hida Minori," as well as other rice from across Japan, experimenting with different blends. Their sake continues to evolve, maintaining a close relationship with the rice’s life cycle and the natural environment.

A selection of over 10 types of sake rice is used, including locally sourced varieties

A Private Tour to Explore the Depths of Sake Brewing

In this experience, you’ll begin with a tour of the Watanabe Sake Brewery, where a dedicated guide will walk you through the sake-making process in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. The journey begins at the entrance, where you’ll learn about the history of the brewery, setting the stage for the rest of the tour.

A rare opportunity to see the sake brewing process in person (tour content varies by season)

As you enter the brewery, the sweet aroma of sake rice fills the air. Brewing typically takes place from September to June, and if you visit during this period, you can observe the brewing process firsthand. Depending on the timing, you might even hear directly from the brewers. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the time-honored tradition of sake brewing, recently recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2024.

You can get a close-up view of the rare work scenes of the toji (master brewers)

A Tasting Experience to Discover Hida's Sake and Culinary Culture

After the tour, it’s time for the much-awaited tasting. The venue is the annex on the premises which is usually closed to the public. A room in a renovated 100-year-old building will be specially prepared for you, where you’ll sample 4 to 5 different types of sake, each with its own unique characteristics. From standard products to seasonal and premium options, the selection varies depending on the experience date. Choose your favorite from the beautiful sake vessels collected by the president and enjoy the sake poured for you.

Relax and enjoy a luxurious time in the peaceful annex

Locally made daikon pickled in soy sauce will be served alongside the sake (contents subject to change). Hida is known for its soy sauce and miso, and many of the region’s sakes, often on the sweeter side, pair perfectly with these flavors. Deepen your understanding of Japanese sake and food culture as you savor each sip. For non-drinkers, non-alcoholic sweet sake brewed by Watanabe Sake Brewery will also be available.

Enjoy a pairing of Hida sake and local dishes (contents subject to change)

Participants can take home an original sake cup as a souvenir, and sake is also available for purchase at the on-site shop. Whether you choose your favorite brand from the tasting or decide to try something new, it’s a great opportunity to explore. Feel free to ask for recommendations if you're unsure about which sake to pick. Relive the memories of your trip and enjoy the fine sake of Hida at home.

Take home a sake cup featuring the "Horai" brand name and a smiley face as a souvenir

Enjoy Your Encounter With Sake in Hida Furukawa

This experience offers an opportunity to explore a historic sake brewery to learn about the traditional craft of Japanese sake brewing, followed by a tasting in an exclusive setting. Gain a deeper appreciation for Hida’s sake and culinary culture.

The gentle flow of the river sets the scene

In Hida Furukawa, nature unfolds beautifully through each season—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and serene snowy landscapes in winter. Savor your sake experience in this peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.