Nagano: Suwa Five Sake Breweries Walk & Tasting Tour

Maihime is a sake brewery founded in 1894 and known for brands such as Shinshu Maihime and Suiro. Its sake is described as rich and well-balanced, bringing together sweetness, dryness, acidity, bitterness, and astringency. As the first stop on the walk, Maihime introduces guests to Suwa’s brewing culture, where tradition and new approaches to sake continue side by side.

Reijin is one of Suwa’s long-established breweries, with roots dating back to 1789. Using carefully selected Nagano-grown rice and underground water from the Kirigamine highlands, the brewery pursues a clean and refined style of sake. Reijin also produces Suwa Roman craft beer, making this stop a good place to see how a historic brewery continues to expand its range.

Honkin is a small family-run brewery founded in 1756. The name “Honkin” reflects a wish to make honest, genuine sake that connects people and brings smiles. Its sake is often appreciated for its warm, gentle character and its ability to support food without overpowering it, offering a more intimate contrast to the larger breweries on the route.

Yokobue is a brewery that emphasizes handcraft and the natural blessings of Suwa, including local water, rice, hot springs, and the surrounding environment. Rather than mass production, Yokobue focuses on making only what can be carefully produced by hand. Its sake highlights aroma, texture, and the honest flavor of traditional Japanese brewing.

Masumi is one of Suwa’s most famous breweries and is known as the birthplace of Association No. 7 yeast, an important sake yeast used across Japan. Founded in 1662, its name comes from the “Masumi no Kagami” mirror associated with Suwa Taisha. As the final stop, Masumi gives guests a memorable look at Suwa’s influence on the wider world of sake.