Nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Maenikko Brewery invites guests to experience Japanese sake beyond the tasting glass. Set inside a renovated former school building near Nikko, the brewery brings together traditional craftsmanship, countryside hospitality, and immersive cultural experiences rooted in rural Japan.
Maenikko Brewery offers visitors a rare opportunity to get closer to the sake-making process. Through guided experiences, guests can learn about rice, water, fermentation, koji, and the philosophy behind Japanese brewing in a setting shaped by nature, seasonality, and local heritage.
From its unique former school setting to its carefully selected rice, water flowing from the Nikko mountains and seasonal surroundings, every part of the experience helps visitors understand sake as both a craft and a reflection of place.
Our brewery is housed inside a renovated former elementary school surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountain landscapes in Tochigi Prefecture. The setting offers visitors a peaceful and immersive environment unlike traditional urban tasting spaces.
Maenikko selects rice according to the character of each harvest, working with varieties including Yamada Nishiki, Ise Hikari and Gohyakumangoku. Combined with water flowing from the Nikko mountains, this allows the brewery to create sake shaped by place, season and craftsmanship.
Each season offers a different atmosphere, from cherry blossom scenery in spring to lush green summers, autumn foliage, and the winter brewing season that defines traditional sake production.
Whether you are visiting from Tokyo for the day, travelling through the Nikko region, or planning a private group experience, Maenikko Brewery offers flexible tour options for different levels of interest. Experiences can range from introductory tastings to deeper workshops and custom sake-focused programmes.
A carefully curated countryside escape from Tokyo including a brewery tour, guided tasting experience, local area exploration, and seasonal cultural experiences.
A deeper introduction to sake craftsmanship through educational workshops, ingredient tastings, brewing demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Work alongside the brewery team to explore flavour profiles, brewing direction, rice polishing approaches, and the creative philosophy behind sake production.
Private experiences can be tailored for hospitality groups, sommeliers, chefs, educational organisations, luxury travel groups, and corporate experiences.
Located within reach of Tokyo, Maenikko Brewery offers travellers the chance to step away from the city and discover a slower, more personal side of Japan. Our team can help with visit planning, regional recommendations, and private group enquiries.
A visit to Maenikko Brewery can be paired with the wider beauty of Tochigi and Nikko, from historic temples and mountain landscapes to hot springs, local food, and seasonal countryside scenery. It is an opportunity to experience the region through both sake and place.
Whether you are new to sake or already passionate about Japanese brewing culture, Maenikko Brewery offers a rare opportunity to experience craftsmanship, education, and rural Japan in a truly personal way.
For tour enquiries, private experiences, and group bookings, please contact our team.
Maenikko Brewery
Kobayashi Brewing Co., Ltd.
393-1 Kamikasuo, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture 322-0423, Japan
Former Kamikasuo Elementary School
+81 289 62 3072
info@bymaenikko.com
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