Fresh Seafood & Sake Pairing in a Brewery

Nestled in the coastal town of Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, Iwanoi Brewery has been crafting sake for over 300 years. The ocean air, mineral-rich water, and locally grown rice come together to shape the distinctive character of its brews, flavors that truly belong to this place. With 90% of its sake consumed only in Japan, Iwanoi offers a rare opportunity to taste sake that rarely leaves the country.

What makes Iwanoi even more remarkable is its uncompromising dedication to quality. Brewed with one of the hardest water in Japan and awarded an impressive 95 points on the prestigious Parker Point scale, it is sake that speaks of tradition, terroir, and craftsmanship.

During your visit, you’ll be guided by the brewer as you explore the centuries-old brewery. Learn how simple ingredients, just rice and water, are transformed into Japan’s iconic drink, and immerse yourself in the quiet, fragrant world where history is still alive in every drop.

After the sake brewery tour, your journey continues with a memorable lunch. Here, you'll be treated to an abundant platter of fresh, locally caught sashimi. While sashimi can be found throughout Japan, few places offer the same level of freshness and quantity as this quiet coastal town.

In traditional Japan, sake was not intended for long-distance distribution. Instead, it was made and enjoyed locally, alongside food that was grown or was caught nearby. This tour invites you to experience that harmony, handcrafted sake from Chiba with the bounty of its coastal waters. It is a simple yet profound expression of regional identity, one that captures the essence of Japanese food culture.

Tokyo and Chiba are connected by a 10-kilometre modern undersea tunnel, and a one-hour drive will take you to a completely different world. The neon lights and crowded streets are replaced by rolling green hills and peaceful countryside.

One of the area's highlights is Yoro Valley, a serene natural haven renowned for its clear rivers and picturesque waterfalls. In summer, the valley provides welcome relief from Japan’s intense heat, and in autumn, the hills transform into a vibrant tapestry of red and gold. Whether you come for the fresh air or the stunning seasonal scenery, Yoro Valley is a gentle reminder of nature's quiet power, and the perfect addition to a journey of sake, tradition and discovery.

1. Iizuna Temple is famous for its stunning wood carvings including a dramatic relief that inspired artists like Hokusai. The detailed and dynamic nature of the sculptures cannot be conveyed by photographs. The beauty of the carvings and the texture of the wood can only be appreciated in person.

2. Kasamori Kannon is famous for its dramatic wooden hall perched on tall stilts, surrounded by lush forest and offering a scenic, almost mystical atmosphere. It is impressive how it continues to stand on unstable ground in an earthquake-prone country.

3. Tamasaki Shrine is revered for blessings of safe childbirth and women’s health, and is believed to be a powerful spiritual energy spot since ancient times. The shrine is located near two sacred beaches for surfers, so it is a very popular place to visit, pray and buy a Naminori amulet.

Nami no Ihachi was a master woodcarver during the Edo period, renowned for his detailed and realistic sculptures. His works, particularly at Iizuna Temple, are famous for their fine craftsmanship, with one of his most notable carvings depicting the legendary Minamoto no Yoshitsune battling a Tengu.

Kasamori Kannon, which appears to float in the sky, is the only building in Japan built in the “shiho-kake-zukuri” architectural style. This uniquely Japanese, nail-less architectural style can be seen up close from the stairs leading up to the hall. The timbers, which have been joined inch by inch and built on top of otherwise unstable rock, are a breathtaking sight. This is even more impressive than the beautiful view from the top of the hall.

Please submit your request through our booking form. Our customer support team will reply within 1-2 business days to confirm the details and proceed with the following steps:

1. Discussing the Tour Details
Share your requests and expectations with us, and we will create a tailored itinerary based on your preferences.

2. Payment Required
Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. The payment link will be provided in our initial contact.

3. Enjoy Your Day!
On the tour day our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, ready to escort you through your customized itinerary and ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience.

For our "1 Day Tour", we set our cancellation policy as below:

1. More than 7 days prior to the tour date: 100% refund
2. Less than 7 days before the tour day: 50% refund
3. Less than 2 days before the tour day: No refund
*"tour day" defines based on our local Japanese time.

Rescheduling Charge:
Please be aware that if you wish to reschedule within six days of the tour date, a rescheduling charge of approximately 30% may be applied for the extra resource and to compensate our staff for keeping the date for you.