What other travelers are saying about Hirata Sake Brewery
Having been to a few beer and whisky breweries in my life, the guided tour in this one was the best experience so far. Mr Fuji explained the process of sake brewing step by step and was clearly very knowledgeable about every single step. He was kind enough to also recommend some good restaurants and izakayas around! The Hirata sake itself is delicious and having tried a few different ones locally one of Hirata ones was a clear winner even before we knew we were going to visit the brewery.
Highly recommend this brewery tour! The guide is super nice and speaks great English. He answered all our questions (we had many) and was so funny. They clearly have a passion for sake and want to share it with tourists. There were only 3 people in this tour so it was super intimate. We bought 3 bottles to take home with us!
Amazing tour. Whenever you are around and are interested in the understanding of Sake brewery - stop by and check it out. There 3 good sake breweries in Takayama, but this one is outstanding for their hospitality and time taking for tourists. Go there and ask at least one day upfront for guided tours in English to miss this part of Japanese culture. The other breweries tours are guided by activity agencies - even if they offer tours for individuals or small groups. This tour is done by an employee of the brewery! Enjoy as we had a special time and a lot of fun with Mr. Fujisan
What a fantastic spot to not try sake, but also learn about the brewery and what they produce. The service is great and I enjoyed a more calm and relaxed approach to trying sake.
You buy coins you then use in a vending machine to try different sakes.
Definitely take advantage of the upgrade to try their premium sake available only to try in house. Best sake ever!
It would be better if they offered a reusable sake cup instead of single use plastic cups to sample.
Had so much fun tasting sake in this nice cosy shop that was not crowded, unlike the others on the popular shopping street. The staff were really nice and friendly, even though English was limited. Tasted a really unique and refreshing sake which was fizzy and dispensed from a "keg"! Must visit If you're in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the brewery accepts walk-in visitors without reservations. The self-guided tour is available during operating hours on a first-come basis.
No, admission is free with no purchase required. Tastings and products are available for separate payment but entirely optional.
Yes, the tour focuses on the brewing process, historic equipment, and traditional architecture, making it educational regardless of whether you drink alcohol.
Hirata produces regional Hida sake using Alpine water and local rice. Several varieties are sold exclusively on-site or within Gifu Prefecture and cannot be found in other regions.
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes to tour the facilities and browse the shop. Add an additional 15 to 30 minutes if you intend to taste multiple sake varieties.
