Tamamura Honten Travel Guide

Tamamura Honten, located in Yamanouchi at the foot of the Shiga Kogen plateau, has a rich history dating back to 1805. Originally a sake brewery, it carries on a tradition that began when Kisoji I trained as a sake brewer in Tamamura, Joshu (present-day Tamamura-cho, Gunma Prefecture). The brewery's name reflects these origins.For over two centuries, Tamamura Honten has crafted sake using the pure water, clean air, and cold temperatures characteristic of this mountainous region. In 2004, the brewery expanded its offerings to include craft beer under the name Shigakogen Beer. This beer quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of the Snow Monkey Beer Live festival, an annual event showcasing craft breweries from across Japan.Today, Tamamura Honten offers visitors a chance to experience both its sake and beer. The brewery features a tasting corner where guests can sample a variety of sake and draft beers. The shop also offers a range of products for purchase, making it a must-visit destination for alcohol enthusiasts.