Harushika Sake Brewery
Taste rare rice wines at a historic 19th-century brewery in Nara, offering affordable sake tastings with local pickles and knowledgeable staff.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Harushika Sake Brewery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taste rare rice wines at a historic 19th-century brewery in Nara, offering affordable sake tastings with local pickles and knowledgeable staff.
"Great experience, contrary to a lot of reviews, in my experience, the staff knows english, explains to you the story behind each sake."
English Support Available
Staff can explain sake stories in English; English menus are provided.
Reasonable Tasting Prices
Excellent value for money with 5 sake samples and pickles included.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sake Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Sample 5 distinct sakes from Nara and surrounding regions, including rare and limited editions. Accompanied by pickles for a complete sensory journey.
Brewery Tour Insights
Brewery Premises
Discover the history and craft behind sake production at a brewery founded in the 19th century. Learn about traditional methods and ingredients.
Local Pickle Pairings
Tasting Room
Enjoy three types of traditional Japanese pickles that perfectly complement the diverse sake flavors offered.
Souvenir Shop Finds
On-site Shop
Browse a selection of sake, unique glasses, local pickles, and other mementos to take a piece of Nara home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sake Tasting Etiquette
Best Time to Visit Nara
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
English Support Available
Staff can explain sake stories in English; English menus are provided.
Reasonable Tasting Prices
Excellent value for money with 5 sake samples and pickles included.
No Videos Allowed
Photography is permitted, but video recording is prohibited inside the premises.
Don't Rush the Tasting
Take your time to savor each sake; some visitors felt a bit rushed.
Tips
from all over the internet
English Support Available
Staff can explain sake stories in English; English menus are provided.
Reasonable Tasting Prices
Excellent value for money with 5 sake samples and pickles included.
No Videos Allowed
Photography is permitted, but video recording is prohibited inside the premises.
Don't Rush the Tasting
Take your time to savor each sake; some visitors felt a bit rushed.
Discover Local Flavors
Try specialty and limited edition sakes for a unique tasting experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Harushika Sake Brewery for its affordable and well-organized sake tasting experience, highlighting the quality of the sakes and the informative, English-speaking staff. The inclusion of pickles and the opportunity to purchase rare brews are also significant draws. Some guests noted feeling a bit rushed, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its value and educational aspect.
"We had a great time at the Harushika Sake Brewery.
You are able to try 5 different kinds of sake - all from local breweries in Nara and the surrounding areas.
You can also try specialty/limited edition sakes, which was a real treat. With the tasting you can try 3 different kinds of pickles.
We went on a Sunday afternoon, so it was a bit busy.
The prices are very reasonable and good value for what you pay for.
The staff can speak English and there are English menus available.
Please note that videos are not allowed inside the premises 🚫
Will definitely be back here again soon.
Enjoy 😊"
Joe Kotrly
"Friendly and informative staff. I normally do not like sake. However with us being in Japan, my husband wanted to have some as he really likes it. I decided to try a tasting and am glad that I did. They have converted me. I really enjoyed the sake so much that my husband and I bought 2 bottles. Now, the hard part will be to find their sakes in the US."
Cora W
"Great experience, contrary to a lot of reviews, in my experience, the staff knows english, explains to you the story behind each sake. Takes about 30-45min in total to taste the samples"
Jaroslav Mida
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station (approx. 45 minutes). Harushika Brewery is located in central Nara, easily accessible by a short bus ride or a pleasant walk from the station.
Yes, the brewery is situated in a charming part of Nara, making it enjoyable to explore the surrounding streets before or after your visit.
The brewery is accessible via local bus routes from Nara Station. Check local bus schedules upon arrival for the most convenient stops.
Absolutely! Nara is a popular day trip destination from Osaka, and Harushika Sake Brewery is a key attraction to include in your itinerary.
While specific parking details may vary, it's generally recommended to use public transportation in Nara due to limited parking availability in popular tourist areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tasting experience is very affordable, offering great value for the five sake samples and pickles provided. Prices are typically around ¥1000-¥1500.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits, to secure your spot.
The tasting typically includes five different types of sake, water to cleanse your palate, and three varieties of local pickles.
Yes, you must be of legal drinking age in Japan (20 years old) to participate in sake tastings.
Yes, Harushika Sake Brewery has a shop where you can purchase bottles of sake, including specialty and limited editions, as well as other related merchandise.
🍽️ 🍶 Sake & Dining
You can sample a variety of sakes, including local Nara brews and specialty or limited edition varieties, offering a diverse flavor profile.
Many visitors who didn't typically enjoy sake found themselves converted after the tasting experience at Harushika, thanks to the informative staff and diverse offerings.
While the primary focus is sake tasting, the tasting includes pickles. The brewery also has a shop selling sake and related food items.
Yes, the on-site shop offers a selection of sake bottles for purchase, making it a great opportunity to bring your favorite discoveries home.
A sake tasting session usually takes about 30-45 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy each sample and learn about its origins.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Photography is generally allowed, but video recording is strictly prohibited inside the premises.
Yes, the staff are known to be friendly and informative, with many able to communicate in English and explain the stories behind each sake.
The brewery offers an affordable and well-organized tasting experience in a cute part of Nara, providing a pleasant and educational visit.
It's a historic brewery founded in the 19th century, offering rare rice wines and a deep dive into Nara's rich sake-making heritage.
Harushika Sake Brewery is located in central Nara, close to other major attractions like Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Focus on the surroundings: Enjoy the walk to and from the brewery in the picturesque Nara streets.
* Shop for souvenirs: The shop has items that can be enjoyed by all ages.
* Consider age appropriateness: Ensure all members of your party are comfortable with the nature of the visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget-friendly highlights:
* Affordable Tasting: Great value for money with multiple sake samples.
* Souvenir Options: Purchase affordable sake bottles or local pickles to take home.
* Free Exploration: Enjoy the charming neighborhood around the brewery without additional cost.
🍶 Sake Enthusiasts
For the discerning palate:
* Discover Rare Brews: Sample specialty and limited-edition sakes not easily found elsewhere.
* Learn from Experts: Gain insights from staff about sake-making traditions and flavor profiles.
* Purchase Unique Bottles: Buy bottles to further explore or share your discoveries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sake Tasting
Key elements of the tasting include:
* Variety: Sampling different sake types, from crisp and dry to rich and complex.
* Pairings: Understanding how pickles enhance sake appreciation.
* Education: Learning about the story and production of each sake from knowledgeable staff.
Many visitors, even those who previously disliked sake, have found themselves converted after this experience, highlighting the quality of the offerings and the informative guidance provided.
Harushika's Historical Significance
Exploring the brewery offers insights into:
* 19th Century Origins: Understanding the historical context of sake brewing.
* Nara's Sake Heritage: Appreciating the region's contribution to Japan's national drink.
* Preservation of Tradition: Witnessing the continuation of time-honored techniques.
This historical depth adds a layer of appreciation to the tasting experience, transforming it from a simple beverage sampling into a cultural journey.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips
Essential practicalities include:
* Language Support: English-speaking staff and menus available.
* Affordability: Reasonable prices for a comprehensive tasting experience.
* Photography Policy: While photos are welcome, video recording is not permitted inside the brewery.
It's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned feeling a bit rushed, so it's advisable to allocate sufficient time to truly savor each sample and enjoy the atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit