Tour of “Daisekkei Sake Brewery” in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture
In this post, I’ll introduce the brewery tour at “Daisekkei Sake Brewery” in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
This is about the tour and tasting experience I had when I visited in January 2025.
If you’re in Nagano Prefecture, be sure to visit!
About the Brewery
“Daisekkei Sake Brewery” was founded in 1898 with the motto, “Using Azumino’s rice and water to make sake that is loved by the locals and tastes even better.” It is one of Nagano’s most famous sake brands, easily available at supermarkets, and is a very approachable label.
The brewery’s size is one of the top five in Nagano Prefecture.
Fun fact: The cedar balls at the entrance are handmade by the brewery staff!
Brewery Tour
The tour began with the rice milling process. It’s rare for a brewery to mill its rice in its own factory, and they proudly do so here.
Next, we visited the facility where they steam the rice and add the yeast. Since they steam the rice in the morning, I was lucky enough to sample the rice used for sake production.
Although I didn’t get to see the brewing or bottling process during this visit, they mentioned that it’s possible to view those processes if the timing is right.
Tasting Options
For sake lovers, the tasting experience is a key highlight.
Generally, about five types of sake are offered for tasting.
During my visit, I was able to taste four types of sake: Ginjo, Junmai, and a new sake bottled on January 1, 2025.
There was also one type of chocolate liqueur available.
Price
The brewery tour is free of charge.
After the tasting, if you make a purchase, you will receive a jar of jam made from sake lees.
Additionally, there is an ongoing campaign where you can receive a glass if you register your address.
Reservation Method
You need to make a reservation by phone at least one day in advance (as of January 2025).
Since the tour content may vary depending on whether a staff member is available, it’s best to call ahead for confirmation.
Address & Access
📍Address: 9642-2 Iezome, Ikeda Town, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 399-8602
🚗By Car: There are parking spaces for around 6 cars.
🚆By Public Transport: From Matsumoto Station, take the Shinano-Oito Line for 35 minutes and get off at “Azumino-Oiwake Station.” Alternatively, there is a town bus (though it’s infrequent), or you can take a taxi from “Akashina Station” (15 minutes).
Website
For more details, please refer to the official website.
Product Introduction
I introduce about product introductions.
“I want to visit the brewery, but I can’t make it.”
“I’d like to try it before going on a tour.”
“I want to taste Daisekkei sake!”
If any of these sound like you, we’re introducing Daisekkei’s signature products and a sake tasting set.
Daisekkei sake has a gentle sweetness and a crisp, refreshing taste, making it easy to enjoy and pair with various dishes.
Give it a try and experience the flavor for yourself!
Conclusion
This post was about the brewery tour of “Daisekkei Sake Brewery” in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture.
Since I visited on a weekday, I was able to join the tour with just one group, which made it easy to ask many questions and enjoy a more personal experience. This is a small-scale, flexible tour that offers a great experience.
The brewery is conveniently located near other sightseeing spots, so I highly recommend visiting if you’re touring Nagano Prefecture!
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