Funasaka Sake Brewery Takayama
Experience a 200-year-old sake brewery in Takayama with unique self-serve tasting machines. Sample local brews from the North Alps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Funasaka Sake Brewery Takayama
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a 200-year-old sake brewery in Takayama with unique self-serve tasting machines. Sample local brews from the North Alps.
"A totally different experience. Buy some tokens and try all the types of sake there."
🎯 Get Your Tasting Cup
Buy a sake cup and tokens (around 200 yen) to sample various sakes from the dispensers. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town First
Visit the historic Sanmachi Suji district before or after your tasting for a complete Takayama experience. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sake Vending Machines
Tasting Area
Unique self-serve dispensers offer a wide variety of sakes to sample. A true 'sake theme park' experience!
Historic Brewery
Brewery Floor
Explore the traditional brewing process and learn about sake-making in this 200-year-old establishment.
Local Sake Selection
Tasting Area
Sample premium sakes like Miyamagiku, known for its umami and sweetness, brewed with local Hida spring water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sake Tasting Tokens
Beat the Bus Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Your Tasting Cup
Buy a sake cup and tokens (around 200 yen) to sample various sakes from the dispensers. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town First
Visit the historic Sanmachi Suji district before or after your tasting for a complete Takayama experience. :world_map:
💡 Remember Sake Numbers
Note the numbers of sakes you enjoy during tasting to easily purchase your favorites. :iphone:
💰 Budget for Tasting
Allocate about 1200 yen per person to try the full selection of sakes. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Your Tasting Cup
Buy a sake cup and tokens (around 200 yen) to sample various sakes from the dispensers. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Old Town First
Visit the historic Sanmachi Suji district before or after your tasting for a complete Takayama experience. :world_map:
💡 Remember Sake Numbers
Note the numbers of sakes you enjoy during tasting to easily purchase your favorites. :iphone:
💰 Budget for Tasting
Allocate about 1200 yen per person to try the full selection of sakes. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around Takayama's old town, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Funasaka Sake Brewery is a popular and unique stop in Takayama's old town, praised for its fun sake tasting experience via vending machines and good value. While some visitors note it can get crowded with tour groups and might not offer the deepest dive into sake production, it's widely recommended for its accessibility and the opportunity to sample a variety of local sakes before purchasing.
"A totally different experience. Buy some tokens and try all the types of sake there. Some are strong and some are fruity.
Nice! Definitely a good tourist stop."
Ong Lieh Yan
"We came on a Saturday afternoon when we saw this while walking the old street.
Experience: a unique Sake tasting experience. Start by buying a sake cup and token for 200yen, then use the token for any of the sake dispensers. You can buy additional tokens afterwards. Finish the tour by buying the sake you enjoyed, by remembering the sake number.
Recommended budget: 1200 yen per pax to try the entire selection.
Hits: the sake quality is very good and there are premium options to choose from, but only half cup for those.
Miss: this place is likely one of the bus tour spots, which makes it periodically crowded when the group arrives.
Overall, would recommend for sake enjoyers."
Martin Low
"Visited Funasaka Sake Brewery (舩坂酒造店)—it was okay. They had just a few types available for tasting, not the full room with the sake vending machines you'd expect elsewhere. The setup felt more like a souvenir shop with sake included, rather than a dedicated tasting experience. If you’re looking for a deeper sake tasting, you might want to choose a different brewery."
Melvin J.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Funasaka Sake Brewery is located in Takayama's historic old town, Sanmachi Suji. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the area. If arriving in Takayama by train, it's a pleasant walk from Takayama Station, or you can take a short taxi ride. Many visitors combine a visit here with exploring the Miyagawa Morning Market and the surrounding old streets. 
Yes, Funasaka Sake Brewery is a popular stop for many guided tours visiting Takayama, especially those focusing on local culture and cuisine. If you're on a tour, it's likely to be included. If traveling independently, it's easy to visit on your own while exploring the old town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tasting experience typically involves purchasing a sake cup and tokens. A common setup is around 200 yen for a cup and one token, with additional tokens available for purchase. This allows you to sample various sakes from the dispensers. +1
No, advance booking is generally not required for Funasaka Sake Brewery. You can purchase your tasting cup and tokens upon arrival. However, be aware that it can get busy, especially when tour groups are present.
Opening hours can vary, but the brewery is typically open during daytime hours, aligning with the general operating times of Takayama's old town. It's advisable to check their official website or local listings for the most current information, especially if visiting during holidays.
Absolutely! After tasting, you can purchase bottles of your favorite sakes to take home. Remembering the sake number from your tasting experience will make it easy to find your preferred choice in the shop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'sake theme park' refers to the unique self-serve sake tasting area where you use tokens to dispense small servings of various sakes from vending machines. It's a fun and interactive way to explore the brewery's offerings.
The number of available sakes for tasting can vary, but the brewery offers a good selection, allowing you to try different flavor profiles from strong to fruity. Some reviews mention that not all sakes are available for tasting, but there are still plenty of options.
While the primary focus is sake tasting, the brewery also offers a glimpse into Japanese brewing traditions. If you're accompanying someone who enjoys sake, you can still appreciate the historic atmosphere and the old town surroundings.
The best way is to purchase a tasting cup and tokens, then systematically try different sakes. Pay attention to the descriptions and your own palate to discover new favorites. Don't hesitate to buy additional tokens if you find a sake you particularly enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Funasaka Sake Brewery primarily focuses on sake tasting and sales. While they might offer small snacks or pairings, it's not a full-service restaurant. It's recommended to explore the surrounding Takayama old town for a wider range of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the historic architecture of the brewery and the unique sake dispensers offer great photo opportunities. The charming streets of Takayama's old town surrounding the brewery are also very picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍶 Sake Enthusiasts
+1 It's a great way to discover new regional sakes and compare them side-by-side. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sake Tasting at Funasaka
+2Many visitors find this 'sake theme park' approach highly engaging. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new favorites without committing to a full bottle. The brewery, with its 200-year history, uses subterranean water from the North Alps, contributing to the distinct quality of their brews.
+1 Remember to note the numbers of the sakes you enjoy, as this makes it easy to find and purchase your preferred bottles from the shop afterwards. While some reviews suggest that not all sakes are available for tasting, the selection is generally considered good value for money, especially for those new to sake or looking to explore local Gifu prefecture brews. It's a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting Takayama's historic district.
Navigating Takayama's Historic Charm
+1Exploring Sanmachi Suji is an experience in itself. Wander through streets lined with shops selling local crafts, pickles, and of course, more sake. You'll also find other sake breweries in the vicinity, offering a chance to compare different brewing styles.
Don't miss the Miyagawa Morning Market, a vibrant market that runs along the Miyagawa River, offering local produce and crafts. Combining a visit to Funasaka Sake Brewery with a stroll through the old town provides a comprehensive taste of Takayama's cultural heritage. The brewery serves as a perfect midpoint or end to your exploration, offering a refreshing break and a chance to savor local flavors.
+1
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