(Images source: Kankiku Brewery FB Page)

#1 Kankiku Brewery in Matsuo

Founded in 1883, Kankiku Brewery sits proudly right along the coastline in Chiba Prefecture, about 30 minutes from Matsuo Station on foot (and a little over two hours from Shinjuku by train). Using delicious rice sourced directly from Hyogo and Okayama Prefecture, the Kankiku team produce a sake that’s undeniably fresh, flavorful and distinct. Making the most of the facilities, the team also craft Kujukuri Ocean Beer, which tastes particularly nice after a stroll by the seashore. The brewery runs regular tours of the production line during the major sake-making periods in November and March, and tours of all of the other facilities throughout the rest of the year. The tours feature complimentary sake and shochu tastings, and the whole experience is free. After the tour be sure to pop by the on-site restaurant to enjoy a laid-back lunch, perfectly paired with your new favorite brew. For more info: kankiku.com

(Images source: Ide Brewery FB Page)

#2 Ide Brewery in Kawaguchiko

Located just a stone’s throw from Lake Kawaguchi and a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, the Ide Brewery boasts the title of being the one and only sake brewery in this area that uses Mount Fuji spring water. Founded in 1840, the brewery started running tours in 2010 as a way to help more people truly understand the art of sake crafting. For a small ¥500 fee you can join one of the brewery’s regular tours, which runs for about 30-40 minutes and ends with a tasting session. Tours run twice a day, but it’s best to reserve online to avoid missing out. Be sure to pop by the gift shop to pick up a bottle or two of sake to impress your friends back home. Keep an eye out for the bottles shaped like Mount Fuji! For more info, visit www.kainokaiun.jp

(Images source: Koedo Kurari FB Page)

#3 Koedo Kurari in Kawagoe

Although this one isn’t strictly a brewery, it’s still worth a visit if you’re looking to try many different varieties of rice wine. Found in the history-filled town of Kawagoe, Koedo Kurari houses several eateries, shops and the highlight of the facility, an awesome sake "vending machine." Go to the counter and exchange ¥500 for four tokens, which you can use to select your choice of sake from the special dispenser. You will find helpful information in English at the makeshift bar counter to help you learn more about how to judge sake and find your favorite flavor combination. Koedo Kurari is also a great place to pick up a few souvenirs and gifts, in case you sipped a little too much sake earlier and forgot to pick something up at the other breweries. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/koedo.kurari/

(content source: All About Japan)

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