Top Saitama Prefecture Holidays

Are you familiar with doburoku, a rare type of Japanese sake? Unlike regular sake, doburoku is made by bottling the unfiltered mash (moromi) while fermentation continues. This makes it very difficult to store, and it's rarely served at restaurants. Yamane Brewery handcrafts this precious sake in small batches. It may be the only sustainable brewery in Japan operating out of a repurposed convenience store. While most breweries use stainless steel tanks, Yamane uses traditional wooden barrels made from local Nishikawa timber. This rare method allows natural microorganisms to thrive, adding unique flavors from the wood and water—resulting in a one-of-a-kind sake every time. During the tour, you can taste three types of this special sake using locally crafted cups made from 100% Hanno soil, a material no longer produced and only available in limited quantities. Hanno is just an hour by train from Tokyo, with easy access to Chichibu, Kawagoe, and attractions like Moominvalley Park.

Experience Chichibu’s Silk Heritage and Night Festival Chichibu, historically a center of sericulture and silk weaving, hosted grand yatai float parades during the Night Festival to attract silk merchants, earning it the affectionate nickname "The Silkworm Festival." Held annually on December 2nd and 3rd for over 300 years, this festival celebrates the region's rich traditions. This tour offers a visit to the Chichibu Meisen Museum, where you can enjoy live silk-spinning demonstrations and participate in a coaster-making workshop. You will also explore the Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan, where lavish yatai floats and kasaboko are displayed year-round, capturing the spirit of the Night Festival. Additionally, the tour includes a stop at Chichibu Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines with over 2,100 years of history, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Our sake brewery tour stands out with its focus on the traditional wooden barrel brewing technique, a rarity in modern sake production. You'll experience an exclusive 40-minute tasting session featuring unique sake varieties(Honey sake / Local tea sake / Germinated brown rice sake)not found in the market, each meticulously brewed in historic barrels. The tour is deepened by a cultural immersion, with tastings held in a traditional Japanese setting using local Hanno ware. A distinctive aspect is the pairing of sake with nuts seasoned in locally-made soy sauce from wooden barrels, offering a flavor experience unlike any other. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with the Toji, or Master Brewer, adds an educational dimension to the tour, providing insights into the art and science of sake brewing. To commemorate your visit, you'll receive a bespoke souvenir crafted from Nishikawa wood, capturing the essence of this unique and enriching journey through Japan's sake brewing heritage.

English-guided tour of local sake brewery founded in 1897. After the tour, enjoy tasting variety of sake. We'll take the trip in small groups from 2 to 10 people, so that your experience will be intimate. You can take close look on the sake brewing, and asking questions to Brewery staff.

Explore the heart of Saitama with an engaging evening bar-hopping tour that showcases the essence of Japanese dining culture. Discover hidden gems where locals unwind, savoring regional dishes and drinks at two unique venues. Enjoy the flexibility of starting from one of four convenient locations in Saitama City, allowing you to tailor your experience to your plans. With a total food and drink credit of 3,000 JPY included, indulge in local favorites while learning about izakaya etiquette from your knowledgeable guide. This tour provides an authentic glimpse into the vibrant local atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences. - Experience authentic Japanese dining at two local spots - Flexible meeting points: Omiya, Urawa, Iwatsuki, or Yono - Total food and drink credit of 3,000 JPY included - Gain insights into izakaya culture and local food etiquette