REPORT

Monday, 12/16, marks the start of the “Ichinoya Sake Brewery Tour,” a collaboration between local Japanese restaurant Wachigai and nearby sake producer Ichinoya, makers of the sake RYUSUISEN. Tour participants will gather in front of Ichinoya, located on the main shopping street near JR Shinano-Ōmachi Station (pictured). The brewery, established in 1865, still operates out of the original building from that time, and you can feel the history in its beams and ceiling. Guided by a knowledgeable host, participants slowly step deeper into the brewery, uncovering its fascinating stories along the way.
[Ichinoya]

Upon entering the brewery, the first thing I noticed wer the steamer used to prepare the sake rice and the machine used to cool it. The guide explained Ichinoya’s dedication to the traditional kimoto method of brewing, which relies heavily on old traditions and natural processes, as well as their focus on handcrafted sake production. While they take advantage of advanced, modern equipment, the use of such equipment is limited to maintain the highest quality while staying true to tradition. In front of the eight fermentation tanks (pictured), we learned about the sandan-jikomi method, a three-stage fermentation process that carefully monitors the activity of the yeast at each step. On the day of our visit, we were lucky enough to sample freshly pressed sake straight from the production line—a rare and delightful treat.
[Ichinoya]

Next, we climbed the stairs to get a closer look at the fermentation process. Opening the tank lids revealed the pleasant aroma of the koji mold that is responsible for producing alcohol through fermentation. After the brewery tour, we sampled several varieties of sake (pictured), including “RYUSUISEN Kimoto Miyama Nishiki,” “Ichinoya Kimoto Tokubetsu Junmai Genshu Kame no O”, and others. And, f you find one that you like, you can purchase it there on the spot.
[Ichinoya]

The tour concluded just a two-minute walk from Ichinoya at authentic Japanese restaurant Wachigai, where we enjoyed a meal featuring locally-sourced ingredients. The “Salt Road Festival Meal” is a modern twist on traditional regional cuisine, that’s both flavorful and has a broad appeal.The meal is paired with a sake tasting set, including four varieties, such as seasonal recommendations. From exploring the brewery to savoring freshly brewed sake and indulging in delicious local dishes, this tour offers a wonderfully immersive experience.
[Wachigai]

＊The tour lasts a total of 2.5 hours from the meeting time until the conclusion of lunch.

　
[Wachigai / Ichinoya Brewery Tour]
＊Location … Ichinoya Nagano-ken, Omachi-shi, Omachi 2527
＊Period … Starting 2024/12/16 (Mon.) *Weekdays only
＊Time … Meet in front of Ichinoya at 11:00, conclude after lunch (approx. 2.5 hours)＊Cost … Adults ¥18,000　※Reservations can be made at Sake at Home
　
reported by Snownavi