Whether you are a connoisseur or a novice, Nara is the ideal place to explore Japan’s sake culture. With pure water, premium rice, and a long history of brewing, Nara is the birthplace of refined sake. From Naramachi to the charming town of Gojo, visit the breweries, shrines, and restaurants that embody Nara’s sake culture and history.
Day 1
Kintetsu Nara Station
BY TRAIN
It takes around 100 minutes to 2 hours by train from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kintetsu-Shinjo Station, depending on the train. From the station, walk about 25 minutes, or take a taxi to the brewery.
Nipponia Hotel Nara NaramachiStart your sake journey at this charming hotel in Naramachi, which is ideal for sake lovers. With just eight rooms in a restored traditional house, the hotel is a collaboration with the Toyosawa Sake Brewery, which supplies sake to both Todaiji Temple and Kasugataisha Shrine. You can tour nearby sake breweries, sip limited-edition brews, and eat local delicacies prepared with sake lees. HotelsBY TRAIN
Approximately 30 minutes by train from JR Nara Station to Miwa Station, then a 5-minute walk.
Ohmiwa-jinja ShrineBelieved to be Japan’s oldest existing Shinto shrine, Ohmiwa-jinja is sacred for sake brewers, who visit to pray for a good brewing season each year. Set in an ancient cedar forest in the town of Miwa, the whole shrine complex has a mystical atmosphere. You can ascend the mountain, which is well worth the hike. History & Culture Miwa
BY FOOT
The brewery is about a 2-minute walk from the entrance to Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine.
Imanishi Sake BreweryImanishi Sake Brewery has been run by the same family for over 350 years. The brewery uses spring water from Mt. Miwa and local rice to make their sake. It’s essential to make a reservation for brewery tours, as they can get very busy during the peak production season in winter. Between October and March, you may not be able to visit the brewing area, but you can still do a tasting and learn about the different sake varieties. Activities & Experiences SakuraiBY FOOT
It is about a 3-minute walk from the brewery to the restaurant.
Somen MorishoBreak for lunch before you explore the rest of the town, at Somen Morisho. Miwa somen noodles have been a specialty of the area for over a thousand years. During the Edo period (1603–1867), these fine wheat noodles nourished hungry travelers and pilgrims who passed through Miwa. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period at Somen Morisho, a charming restaurant in a traditional garden. Signature dishes include refreshing chilled somen in summer and nyumen, a warm soup with noodles and seasonal vegetables. Noodles Sakurai End of Day 1
Day 2
JR Nara StationBY TRAIN
Take a train from JR Nara Station to Unebi Station (approximately 40 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes to the town center.
ImaichoStart the day in the well-preserved Edo-period town of Imaicho, within easy reach of Naramachi. Originally built by wealthy merchants, the whole town was fortified and surrounded by a moat. Some of the historical houses are open to the public, either for free or for a small fee, and there are original sake and soy sauce makers. History & Culture ImaichoBY FOOT
From Imaichi Tourist Information Center, walk about 5 minutes to the brewery.
Kawai Sake BreweryBuilt in the mid-eighteenth century, the large merchant house and storefront reflect the success of the family sake business. Although you cannot tour the production area without prior arrangement, you can see parts of the old house and taste several varieties of sake. Activities & Experiences ImaichoBY FOOT
Walk about 4 minutes from Kawai Sake Brewery to the restaurant.
TamaAfter exploring the streets of Imaicho, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Tama. The restaurant, which has been praised by the famous Michelin Guide, is located in a converted machiya house. Dine on elegant French-inspired lunch and dinner courses using local ingredients at a very reasonable price. Reservations are required. After lunch, explore the traditional streets of Imaicho, with craft and art galleries, cafes, and historical houses. Western Restaurants Imaicho End of Day 2
Day 3
Kintetsu Nara StationBY TRAIN
It takes around 100 minutes to 2 hours by train from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kintetsu-Shinjo Station, depending on the train. From the station, walk about 25 minutes, or take a taxi to the brewery.
Umenoyado Sake BrewerySouthwest of Nara City, Umenoyado Shuzo is a 120-year-old brewery that specializes in handcrafted sake. Brewery tours are available with advance reservations. There is a fee, but this includes tastings. Depending on the season, the brewery also offers plum wine-making workshops. Activities & Experiences KatsuragiBY TRAIN
Take a train to Taimadera Station (around 55 minutes), then walk 20 minutes or take a taxi to the restaurant.
Sukiyaki OgawateiPace yourself as you spend the day sake tasting, and stop for lunch at Ogawatei, a restaurant that specializes in steak, sukiyaki, and shabu shabu dishes using prime Yamagata wagyu beef. Lunch sets may include tempura, beef dishes, and seasonal vegetables. After lunch, explore beautiful Taimadera Temple nearby, then head further south to the charming town of Gojo. Japanese Restaurants Taimadera TempleBY TRAIN
Take a train from Taimadera Station to Gojo Station (around 60 minutes. Depending on the train, you may need to transfer more than once). Walk around 12 minutes to the brewery.
Gojo BreweryGojo Brewery was established in 1924 near the base of Mt. Kongo. Fresh water that cascades down from the mountains is blended with natural spring water from a local well to make richly mellowed sake. Take a tasting tour of the brewery—advance reservations required—and learn more about the brewing process. Don’t miss the chance to try the brewery's main brand, Goshin, a favorite of local sake connoisseurs. Sake & Liquor GojoBY FOOT
Walk through the historical townscape (around 15 minutes) to the hotel.
YanaseyaStay the night in Gojo at a luxurious, restored machiya house in the middle of the historic district. With Western and Japanese-style suite rooms with separate living areas, it’s an easy way to enjoy the area’s natural and historic features. Meals are served at Gojo Genbei, a Japanese restaurant and cafe just across the road. Ryokan GojoBY FOOT
The restaurant is directly opposite Yanaseya.
Gojo GenbeiThis restaurant in a 250-year-old traditional house has a strong focus on local vegetables, and has been featured in the Michelin Guide for its sustainable practices. Enjoy dishes of freshly picked vegetables and other local ingredients, as well as expert sake pairings. Vegetarian-friendly Gojo End of Day 3
