This time, we are introducing the BAR BUS HITACHINO tour. BAR BUS HITACHINO is an innovative bus tour featuring a built-in bar that takes you through Kiuchi Brewery and its related whisky and sake production facilities. Kiuchi Brewery is famous for its Hitachino Nest Beer, recognizable by its signature owl logo, and is located in Tochigi Prefecture.
In this article, we will share our experience from our visit in August 2024, including details about the brewery tours and tastings. We hope this serves as a useful guide for those planning to join or considering the tour.
Tour Itinerary
BAR BUS HITACHINO Itinerary
- Meeting point & departure: Akihabara (9:30 check-in / 10:00 departure)
- Rest stop & bar time at Moriya SA
- Visit Yasato Distillery, where Hinomaru Whisky is made (light lunch included)
- Rest stop & bar time at Tomobe SA
- Visit Nukada Brewery, the brewing site of Hitachino Nest Beer
- Visit Konosu Brewery, where Kikuzakari Sake is made
- Dinner at “Kura + Soba Nakaya”
- Tour ends at Tsukuba Station (arrival at 19:30)
Kiuchi Brewery has three major production sites in Ibaraki Prefecture:
- Yasato Distillery, which produces Hinomaru Whisky
- Nukada Brewery, where Hitachino Nest Beer is brewed
- Konosu Brewery, the original brewery where Kiuchi’s sake “Kikuzakari” is made
This tour allows you to visit all three locations, hear from the craftsmen, taste their beverages, and gain a deeper appreciation for their dedication to brewing.
Meeting Point & Departure
- Meeting location: Kiuchi Brewery TOKYO SEEKBASE, JR Akihabara Station (9:30 check-in / 10:00 departure)
- Address: 13-1 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Welcome drink provided before departure
Onboard the Bus
The bus is equipped with a bar counter where you can enjoy unlimited drinks from Kiuchi Brewery, including:
- Hitachino Nest Beer (2 types)
- Hinomaru Whisky (Straight/Rock/Highball)
- Hinomaru Gin (with soda)
- Kiuchi Umeshu (Straight/Rock/Soda)
- Soft drinks
The interior is designed to resemble a bird’s nest, providing a comfortable seating arrangement. The bus is also equipped with a restroom for convenience. Upon check-in, each participant receives a tumbler, which is used for drinks throughout the tour.
Tour Highlights
Yasato Distillery (Hinomaru Whisky Distillery)
- Arrival time: Around 11:40 AM
- Duration: Approx. 120 minutes
Whisky Production Tour
You will see the whisky-making process up close, including massive copper pot stills and rows of aging barrels.
Whisky Tasting
You will sample three exclusive types of Hinomaru Whisky, including limited-edition varieties that can only be purchased at the distillery.
Lunch
Lunch is served at “Hitachino Ham BARREL SMOKE,” featuring artisanal charcuterie, naturally leavened bread, and seasonal soup.
The meats are fermented using malt leftover from whisky production and aged in whisky oak barrels, offering a unique culinary experience.
Nukada Brewery (Hitachino Nest Beer Brewing Site)
Beer Brewing Tour
Visitors will learn about the beer production process and have the opportunity to touch and smell fresh hops.
Beer Tasting
Enjoy three fresh varieties of Hitachino Nest Beer.
Konosu Brewery (Kiuchi Brewery Headquarters)
- Duration: Approx. 120 minutes
Sake Brewing Tour
This tour provides insights into the 200-year history of Kiuchi Brewery, which has been producing sake since 1823.
Sake Tasting & Dinner
At the “Kura + Soba Nakaya” restaurant, guests can enjoy a sake pairing dinner featuring a luxury soba course meal made with local ingredients. The meal includes:
- Two appetizers
- One main dish
- Soba noodles
- Three varieties of Kiuchi sake
- Additional seasonal sake varieties
The soba used in this meal is cultivated as a secondary crop alongside barley for beer and whisky.
Return & Dismissal
- Arrival time: 19:30 at Tsukuba Station
- Tour ends
This tour provides an opportunity to drink plenty of high-quality beverages while enjoying a fulfilling meal. It’s an ideal experience for alcohol enthusiasts!
English-Language Tour Available!
For non-Japanese speakers, an English-language version of the BAR BUS HITACHINO tour is available. This option includes:
- English-speaking guide
- English-translated materials
- Multilingual staff at the breweries
If you’re interested in the English tour, make sure to check the official website for availability and booking details.
Tour Information & Reservations
- Operates: Thursdays, Saturdays, and public holidays
- Minimum participants: 4 people (max. 25 people)
- Price: ¥24,800 per person
- Includes:
- Bus fare
- Unlimited onboard drinks
- Guided tours
- Whisky, beer, and sake tastings
- Lunch & dinner
- Complimentary gifts (one bottle of beer, tumbler, snacks, and water)
- Reservations: Required in advance via the official website
Try Before You Join!
For those who can’t participate in the tour but want to try Kiuchi Brewery’s products, here are some recommended items:
🔹 Hinomaru Whisky Signature 1823 (Premium Japanese whisky – great for gifts) 🔹 Hitachino Nest Beer Tasting Set (4-bottle variety pack – perfect for beer lovers) 🔹 Kiuchi Brewery Kikuzakari Pure Junmai Sake (Traditional sake from their original brewery)
All products are available for purchase online via Rakuten and other platforms.
Final Thoughts
The BAR BUS HITACHINO tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience, taking you through whisky distilleries, beer breweries, and sake breweries—all in a luxurious bus equipped with a bar counter.
For those who love alcohol, it’s a dream tour filled with amazing drinks, delicious food, and rich history.
If you have a chance, we highly recommend joining! 🍻 Cheers!
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