Chichibu Nishiki Sake Brewing Forest

Chichibu Nishiki Sake Brewing Forest, located in Chichibu city in Saitama Prefecture, is a tourist sake brewery complex nestled within a forested setting. The brewery was founded in 1749 by Yao Kihei (1711–1784) and has a history spanning over 270 years. The facility operates under the name Yao Honten and is the birthplace of the renowned Chichibu Nishiki brand sake.

The Chichibu region's suitability for sake production stems from its rich seasonal nature and high-quality water. The name "Nishiki" references the fact that the sake is made with both Yamada Nishiki rice and Miyama Nishiki rice, two varieties considered top-class within the sake world. The brewery has achieved significant recognition, with Chichibu Nishiki winning first prize at the sake fair for seven years in a row since 2002. The facility produces approximately 18,000 bottles of sake each year.

Visitors to the complex can explore multiple facilities including the working brewery, a sake brewery museum, and a product center. The brewery performs all processes including polishing the rice, which visitors can observe by reservation. The museum displays traditional brewing tools and historical sake bowls, offering insight into centuries-old production methods. The separate product building sells not only Chichibu Nishiki sake but also Chichibu shochu (distilled liquor) and offers tastings of Chateau Chichibu wine and other regional products.

From Chichibu Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, visitors can take the Gururin-go bus to the Sakazukuri-no-Mori bus stop, which is a one-minute walk from the facility. Alternatively, from Kagemori Station on the Chichibu Railway Main Line, the site is approximately 30 minutes on foot. For those driving, free parking is available with space for 30 cars and 10 large buses. The facility can also be reached from Hanazono IC via the Kanetsu Expressway.

Admission to the brewery tour and product center is free, while the Sake Brewery Museum charges 200 yen for individual visitors and 180 yen for groups of 20 or more. Credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and AMEX are accepted. The facility is closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period.