Experience: Traditional Cooking Workshop / Sake Brewery Tour
Season
Year-round
Duration
2 - 3 hours
Participants
Up to 4 guests per group
Eligibility
Cooking Workshop: Age 3 and up (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Note: Children aged 2 and under are welcome to accompany the group free of charge, though they may not directly participate in the workshop activities.
Sake Brewery Tour: Age 20 and up
Note: Only guests aged 20+ are counted as participants and charged. Guests under 20 may accompany the group (no alcohol permitted), but their lunch is not included. Please pay for their meals directly at the venue.
Schedule
Cooking Workshop:
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Cooking Workshop
12:30 PM – : Course Lunch
Sake Brewery Tour:
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Brewery Tour & Tasting
12:30 PM – : Course Lunch (Includes Ichinoya Sake Tasting Set)
Reservation
Bookings must be confirmed by noon, two days prior to the tour date
Closed
Every Tuesday and the 4th Monday of each month
Specific Closed Dates:
- April 16th (Thu), 17th (Fri), 20th (Mon)
- May 7th (Thu), 13th (Wed), 14th (Thu)
- June 1st (Mon), 19th (Fri)
- July 13th (Mon), 24th (Fri)
Culinary Art & Sake Heritage
This tour is a special collaboration with Wachigai, located in the meticulously restored Kuribayashi family residence—home to prosperous merchants since the Edo period. The architecture, with over 150 years of history, preserves the elegant atmosphere of Omachi’s past as a vital hub on the “Salt Road”.
Traditional Cooking Workshop: Step into a unique private kitchen converted from old sake barrels. Under expert guidance, learn to prepare local Nagano specialties using seasonal ingredients and pristine Alpine water.
Exclusive Sake Brewery Tour at Ichinoya: Experience a dedicated tour of the historic Ichinoya brewery. Witness the traditional craftsmanship and dedication behind Omachi’s renowned sake in an exclusive visit that offers a deep dive into the spirit of local brewing.
Exquisite Lunch at Wachigai: After your cooking workshop or brewery tour, return to the serene atmosphere of Wachigai’s private rooms. Savor a multi-course lunch that captures the essence of Nagano’s seasonal bounties. For guests on the Sake Brewery Tour, a specially curated Ichinoya tasting set is included with your meal. Enjoy the rich culinary culture of Omachi within the elegant surroundings of a registered cultural property.
Three-Brewery Tasting Experience (Option): To further explore the local craft, you may choose to add a tasting set featuring all three of Omachi’s traditional breweries: Ichinoya, Hokuan Daikoku, and Hakubanishiki. This option is also available for guests participating only in the cooking workshop.
Before You Book
Please review the following information before making your reservation to ensure a smooth experience.
- Reservation: Bookings must be confirmed by noon, two days prior to the tour date
- How to Book:
1. Please select “Sightseeing” from the tour options on our booking page.
2. On the “Personalize Your Experience” page, select “1” for the Traditional Cooking Workshop or the Sake Brewery Tour.
3. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to a Google Form.
4. In the “Destination” section of the form, please specify “Wachigai” to secure your workshop. - Fees: The cost of the Traditional Cooking Workshop or the Sake Brewery Tour is already included in the tour price.
- Sake Tasting:
– For Brewery Tour participants: An Ichinoya tasting set is included with your lunch.
– For Workshop-only participants: Sake is not included but can be added on-site.
A full tasting set of Omachi’s three breweries (Ichinoya, Hokuan Daikoku, and Hakubanishiki) is available as an optional addition for all guests. - Incidental Charges: Any additional food or beverages, including extra sake tasting sets ordered on-site, must be paid directly to the venue.
- Eligibility:
-Cooking Workshop: Age 3 and up (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Children aged 2 and under are welcome to accompany the group for free (no direct participation).
– Sake Brewery Tour: Age 20 and up. Guests under 20 may accompany the group (no alcohol permitted), but their lunch is not included. Please pay for their meals directly at the venue. - Personal Belongings: LOCAL GUIDE JAPAN is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items, such as mobile phones, cameras, or jewelry, during the tour. We recommend keeping your belongings secure.
A Journey Through Time and Taste
Enter a sanctuary of history where the merchant spirit of the Edo period still breathes. At Wachigai, every beam and garden path tells the story of the “Salt Road,” offering you an exclusive seat at the table of Japanese tradition.
Culinary Artistry & Living Tradition
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Nagano within a private kitchen crafted from sake barrels used for a long time at local sake breweries. Guided by local experts, you will transform pristine Alpine water and seasonal riches into delicate regional specialties. This is more than a meal; it is an immersive journey into the culinary heart and storied traditions of Omachi.
The Soul of Omachi’s Sake
Discover the heart of Omachi through its centuries-old brewing traditions, deeply rooted in the pristine snowmelt water of the Northern Alps. This “blessed water” is the essential lifeblood that defines the character of local sake. From exploring historic cellars to tasting the refined results, this journey connects the natural purity of the region with the unwavering passion of its master brewers.
Sample Schedule
Traditional Cooking (4 Hours)
| 10:15 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup |
|---|---|
| 11:00 | Traditional Cooking Workshop |
| 12:30 | Exquisite Course Lunch at Wachigai |
| 13:30 | Depart Omachi |
| 14:15 | Comfortable Drop-off |
Sake Heritage & Alpine Views (6 Hours)
| 10:15 | Private Guide Meets You & Seamless Pickup |
|---|---|
| 11:00 | Private Sake Brewery Tour at Ichinoya |
| 12:30 | Exquisite Lunch at Wachigai with Ichinoya Sake Tasting Set |
| 14:30 | Depart Wachigai |
| 15:00 | Oguma Summit: Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Northern Alps and the Kizaki lake below |
| 16:15 | Comfortable Drop-off |