Harada Sake Brewery: A Local Favorite

For the most up-to-date details, check Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) before you go.

To plan your trip, review Hida Takayama Tourism.

You can see several large and impressive sake barrels displayed proudly near the main entrance. These traditional barrels make for great photos during your Takayama sake brewery winter tours experience. The friendly staff members are very helpful and explain the complex brewing process quite well. They can help you identify the unique tasting notes in each different pour.

Tasting sets usually cost around 300 to 500 yen for visitors in early 2026. This is a very affordable way to try many premium local drinks in one place. You can also buy beautiful and unique bottles to take home as wonderful souvenirs. Many people enjoy the rich flavors of their signature Sansha brand of sake.

Funasaka: Among the Best Sake Breweries to Visit in Takayama

Funasaka Brewery successfully combines old world tradition with a very modern and exciting tasting experience. They have a stylish bar area and a lovely outdoor courtyard for guests to use. You can use a fun coin-operated machine to sample many different types of sake. This modern system makes the tasting process very easy and enjoyable for international tourists.

This brewery is located right across the street from the popular Harada Sake Brewery. It serves as a perfect second stop on your afternoon walking tour of the city. They also serve delicious Hida beef at their excellent onsite restaurant for hungry visitors. Pairing local sake with high-quality Hida beef is a must-try experience for foodies.

The gift shop at this location is quite large and very well-stocked for shoppers. You can find sake-flavored sweets and even unique skincare products made from sake ingredients. Most tastings start at just 100 yen per small cup during the winter season. You should visit during the day to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.

Niki Sake Brewery: Traditional Style

Niki Sake Brewery offers a very traditional atmosphere that feels calm and peaceful for all visitors. The building itself is a stunning example of classic Edo-period architecture from old Japan. Walking inside this brewery feels like stepping back in time to a much older era. They specialize in the elegant ginjo and daiginjo styles of sake for refined tastes.

The indoor tasting area is very quiet and allows for deep focus on the flavors. You can truly appreciate the subtle and delicate notes of each pour in this space. Many visitors enjoy the dry and crisp finish that their sake is known for. It is a great place to learn about the deep history of brewing.

The brewery is open daily from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM for all guests. It is located near the northern end of the famous Old Town shopping district. You can find more information about the area on the Japan National Tourism Organization website. Their expert staff can help you choose the right bottle for your palate.

Kawabata Brewery: A Hidden Gem

Kawabata Brewery is a smaller family-run shop that offers a very personal experience in Takayama. It provides a much more intimate feel than some of the larger commercial breweries nearby. You can often speak directly with the passionate people who actually make the sake. This personal connection adds a special touch to your winter tasting journey today.

The brewery is famous for producing very smooth and perfectly balanced flavors in every bottle. They use traditional methods that have been passed down through many successful generations here. You will find their charming shop tucked away on a much quieter side street. It is a peaceful escape from the busy main tourist paths in town.

Prices for a full bottle of sake are very reasonable at this local shop. Most varieties cost between 1,500 and 3,000 yen during the 2026 winter season. They also offer small sample sizes for travelers who have limited space in bags. This is a great spot to experience authentic and local Japanese culture.

Hirase Sake Brewery: Oldest in Town

Hirase Sake Brewery stands as the oldest and most historic brewery in the entire Takayama region. It was originally founded in 1623 and has a very long and proud history. Their signature brand is called Kusudama, which translates to mean a lucky decorative ball. It remains a firm favorite among both local residents and international visitors alike.

The brewery uses high-quality local Hida Homare rice for its entire sake production line. This premium grain creates a very rich and complex flavor profile in the sake. You can truly taste the history in every single drop of their famous drinks. The building's dark wood exterior is very iconic and beautiful for holiday photos.

You should plan your visit around the Takayama winter events 2026 schedule. Many breweries host special open-house days during the cold winter months for guests. Hirase is a major highlight of any organized walking tour through the city. It offers a true taste of the deep brewing heritage in Takayama.