What other travelers are saying about Kina Saffron Sake Honpo
This was an unexpected stop on our trip and the most memorable! It’s a historical landmark, estate of the old saffron liquor king. The entry cost is only ¥200, run by passionate staff and volunteers who want to preserve this beautiful place. We got a walking tour by a guide who told us interesting history and facts. It was truly beautiful and we hope it can be restored.
This is a little gem in Nagaoka. It's a small historical house showcasing the life of sake makers and objects found in that era. For 200 yen you can watch a Japanese presentation about the interesting architecture of the building. Outside there is a garden and in walking distance another building to explore. You can purchase sake or omiyage in the kote-e building.
It was closed, so I couldn't see inside, but
Saffron and the whole area had a Taisho-era atmosphere.
Perhaps the whole area is called Settaya.
It would be interesting if the modern atmosphere were completely removed.
I recommend exploring the area on foot, including the Yoshinogawa Museum across the street.
It might also be a good idea to walk around the area on a stamp rally.
I recommend parking your car in the municipal Settaya parking lot.
It is the remains of the town that once sold saffron liquor and was a huge success, representing the pinnacle of luxury. It seems to have declined over the generations, but the volunteers will explain it to you as a small token of appreciation, so it's probably best to listen to them. "People have their own history." I learned a lot by listening not only to old stories but also to the current situation.
The Former Kina Saffron Sake Brewery is located at Settaya 4-6-33, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Settaya is a historic district within Nagaoka City limits, accessible by public transportation to Nagaoka City. The area is known as one of Niigata's most concentrated traditional brewing districts, with five sake, miso, and soy sauce breweries in the immediate vicinity.
Visitors can admire the historic brewery buildings featuring decorative trowel reliefs and intricate kote-e (raised stucco work) that demonstrate exceptional Japanese plaster craftsmanship. The main attraction is the colorfully decorated storehouse standing next to the main house. The area provides an authentic sensory experience where you can smell the aroma of koji and sake while exploring the traditional brewing district of Settaya.
No admission fees are typically required to view the exterior architecture and stroll through the historic Settaya brewing district. The site primarily offers self-guided exploration of the traditional townscape and brewery architecture. About 3-4 minutes' walk from the main brewery is LIS settaya, a renovated warehouse from 1930 where visitors can explore contemporary interpretations of traditional sake culture.
Kina Saffron Sake Honpo welcomes international visitors and offers English-language guided tours upon advance booking. The sake tasting experiences include explanations of traditional brewing methods, saffron infusion processes, and proper sake appreciation techniques, making it accessible for foreign tourists interested in Japanese culture.
