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Tamamura Honten: A Legacy of Sake and Beer

Experience centuries of tradition at Tamamura Honten, where sake and craft beer blend with art and Nagano's natural beauty.

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Tamamura Honten, a brewery in Yamanochi, Nagano, has been crafting sake since 1805, using local rice and mountain water. In 2004, they expanded into craft beer with their Shiga Kogen Beer, hosting the annual Snow Monkey Beer Live festival. Visitors can tour the brewery, sample sake and beer, and explore the art gallery.

A brief summary to Tamamura Honten

  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekday mornings for a more personalized tour experience.
  • Don't miss the sake and beer tasting sessions to explore the distinct flavors.
  • Check the brewery's website for special events or seasonal releases.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) to Yudanaka Station. Limited express trains take about 45 minutes and cost ¥1290 with an unreserved seat or ¥1590 with a reserved seat. Local trains take about 70 minutes and cost ¥1190, often requiring a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano Station. From Yudanaka Station, Tamamura Honten is approximately 1.9 km away. You can take a local bus towards Shibu Onsen and get off near Tamamura Honten, or take a taxi for around ¥800-¥1000.

  • Walking

    From Yudanaka Station, it is possible to walk to Tamamura Honten. The walk is approximately 1.9 km and should take about 25-30 minutes. Head east from the station and follow the main road (Route 292). Tamamura Honten will be on your right. Be aware of traffic and weather conditions.

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Discover more about Tamamura Honten

Tamamura Honten, located in Yamanochi, Nagano Prefecture, is a testament to Japanese brewing tradition and innovation. Established in 1805, the brewery has a long history of producing high-quality sake, cherished by locals for centuries. The brewery utilizes the area's pristine water, clean air, and cool climate to create its distinct sake. In 2004, Tamamura Honten expanded its offerings by introducing Shiga Kogen Beer, a craft beer line that has gained national recognition. This venture led to the creation of the Snow Monkey Beer Live festival, an annual event that brings together craft breweries from across Japan. The brewery even cultivates its own hops, including the unique Shinshu Wase variety, a hybrid of Czech Saaz and a local Japanese hop. Visitors to Tamamura Honten can explore the brewery's history and production methods through guided tours. These tours offer insights into the traditional techniques used in sake brewing, from rice selection to fermentation. The brewery also features an art gallery, showcasing paintings by generations of the Sato family who run the brewery. A tasting corner allows visitors to sample a variety of sake and beer, with knowledgeable staff available to assist in selecting the perfect beverage.

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