【Cancelled】 Discover Japan: Sake brewery, since the Edo period, a “Tama-wari” demonstration experience (Feb 5, 2024)
Explore Tour
Sake production by Nanbu Toji, one of the top three chief brewers in Japan, — the narrative of a tale within the local community.
Washino-o is a historic sake brewery, established in 1829 during the Edo period, in Iwate Prefecture’s Hachimantai City.
Here, they use sake rice grown at the foot of Mt. Iwate, including pesticide-free sake rice grown in their own rice paddies scattered around the brewery, and groundwater from Mt Iwate.
The rice straw from their rice paddies is taken to the stables of retired racehorses, who are given a second life in Hachimantai by using their excrements as fertilizer, demonstrating a recycling-oriented agriculture that contributes to each other within the community. Sustainable practices are another significant feature of Washino-o.
Enjoy a unique sake experience with the “wari-mizu” process, which determines the sake’s taste before bottling. This fun and intellectual process involves blending the brewed sake with the water used in the brewing process to determine the flavor of the sake.
Experience a sake tasting in a traditional local “lacquer” vessel at the main brewery building.
About the “Nanbu Toji”:
Nanbu Toji is a well-known sake brewer worldwide due to the popularity of Japanese cuisine. The brewing technique is intricate and unique, making it the only one of its kind globally. The skilled artisans responsible for sake production are known as “toji,” with the Nanbu Toji being the largest group in Japan.
The “Nanbu” term is from the former name of the region centered around Iwate Prefecture, and “toji” refers to the person accountable for the complete sake brewing process. There are 579 Nanbu Toji located in Iwate Prefecture, spanning from Hokkaido in the north to Saga Prefecture in the south.
History of the Nanbu Toji:
The history of Nanbu Toji dates back to about 350 years ago in 1678 when sake brewers migrated to Shiwa-machi, now present-day Iwate Prefecture, to initiate sake production. Furthermore, some of the finest young men from Iwate Prefecture attended sake brewing courses in Kyoto and Osaka. Upon returning to Nanbu, they led the sake brewing industry, ultimately improving the region’s brewing techniques.
As farmers started making sake as a secondary source of income, the authorities responsible for sake brewing began providing guidance, passing on the advanced techniques of the Nanbu Toji. Farmers who had honed their brewing skills worked in other regions during the off-season, spreading the high skills of the “Nanbu Toji” across the country.
Reservations
Deadline for participation
Included/Exclude
Included
- local Guide
- Washino-o Sake Brewery Tour
- Introduction to Circular Agriculture with Hachimantai Mushrooms
- Sake Tasting
- Transportation Services
Excluded
- Accommodation Fees (Separate reservation required)
- Any other personal expenses
Tour Plan
Special Japan Experience Tour - February 5, 2024
Overview:
- Departure Date: February 5, 2024
- Departure Point: Appi Kogen Resort
Detailed Itinerary:
- 13:30: Departure from Appi Kogen Resort
- Taxi Transfer (Approx. 0.5 hours)
- 14:00: Washino-o Sake Brewery Tour and Introduction to Circular Agriculture with Hachimantai Mushrooms
- Stay including Sake Tasting with lacquerware (Approx. 2.0 hours)
- Taxi Transfer (Approx. 0.5 hours)
- 16:30: Break and Free Time at Appi Kogen Resort
There are two designated hotels for the shuttle service, allowing you to depart from your preferred location. Below are details of the designated hotels:
- ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort (5-star):.
- Hotel Information: ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
- Highlights: The first luxury hotel in the Tohoku region, offering a lavish stay and welcoming guests with stunning views and comfortable amenities.
- ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen:
- Hotel Information: ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen
- Highlights: Featuring the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, this hotel is ideal for activities and relaxation. Refresh in comfortable accommodations.
You can choose either of the above hotels as the departure point for the tour. Both hotels promise a luxurious Japanese experience to kick off the tour. For more details and reservations regarding the shuttle service, feel free to contact us.
Cancellation Due to Failure to Reach Minimum Participation
Minimum Participation: 4 persons
This experience requires a minimum number of participants, set at 4 individuals. However, if the minimum participation is not met, the tour will not take place.
If it is determined that the tour will not reach the minimum participation, the following cancellation policy will apply:
- Cancellation Notice: Upon confirmation that the minimum participation will not be met, we will provide customers with the earliest possible notification.
- Refund: In the event of tour cancellation due to not reaching the minimum participation, the full amount paid will be refunded. The refund process will be conducted to the credit card or specified payment method used for the reservation.
With this policy, your payment is protected even if the minimum participation is not achieved. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
- Agency Name: Appi Travel Co., Ltd.
- Registration Number: Travel Business Registration No. 2-235, Governor of Iwate Prefecture
- Address: 117-1 Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Travel Service Supervisor: Mikiko Ono
- Phone: +81 195 73 6228 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- E-mail: reserve
appi-travel.jp
For more detailed information, please refer to the following documents. (Japanese documents)
- 「安比トラベル募集型企画旅行取扱条件説明書」（PDF:2MB）
- 「旅行業約款募集型企画旅行契約の部」（PDF:2MB）
- Company Name: Hachimantai DMO Inc.
- Location: 1-590-497 Matsuoyoriki, Hachimantai City, Iwate 028-7302, Japan
- Phone：+81 50 8890 5563
At Hachimantai DMO Inc. we offer special Japan experience tours to customers from both within Japan and around the world. Our mission is to provide our customers with a luxurious experience of the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Japan, especially in the northeastern region. Leveraging our regional expertise, we take pride in assisting in the creation of comfortable and memorable journeys.
With a priority on your safety and satisfaction, we promise heartwarming journeys through Japan with our professional staff. If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to contact us.
For reservations and inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to the following contacts:
Contacts: Hata, Sato
- Phone Number：+81 50 8890 5563
- Inquiries
- Business Hours：Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/3)
