Sakagura

Imanishi Seibei Shoten

今 西 清 兵 衛 商 店

A historic brewery in the birth place of sake.

Brief history of Imanishi Seibei Shoten

Sakagura Imanishi Seibei Shoten is a famous sake brewery in Nara that incorporates the name of Nara’s specialty, “deer.” Nara, the first international city in Japan, is said to be the birthplace of sake. The Imanishi family started the sake brewing business in this area about 140 years ago. The brewery is located in Nara Town, which is close to world heritage sites such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple, preserving the old-fashioned atmosphere.

The origin of the brand “Harushika” comes from the legend that the deities of Kasuga came to Nara riding on deer. It was initially named “Kasuga Shinroku” and later changed to “Harushika” (meaning “Spring Deer”) to this day. The Imanishi family carefully polishes selected raw rice to a high degree of refinement, creating a sake with a light and mellow taste, a smooth mouthfeel, and a refreshing flavor. These products are not only enjoyed in Japan but are also exported to over a dozen countries worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Hong Kong, enhancing people’s enjoyable evenings. Nara sake, boasting advanced technology and high quality in taste, richness, and aroma, continues to uphold the unchanging attitude of preserving the tradition of Nanto Morohaku since the founding of Harushika.

Awards Recieved 2024

Sake Discovery Special

An inside look

Imanishi Seibei Shoten offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes facility tour, a unique experience not typically offered in traditional brewery tours. During the tour, you’ll gain insights into the brewery’s rich history and learn about the intricate sake-making process.

Premium Sake Tasting

During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor 6 distinct varieties of premium sake. These selections include the highly sought-after Daiginjou—a favorite among sake enthusiasts.

Special Tasting Room

Indulge in the exquisite experience of premium sake tasting within the exclusive confines of Sakagura Imanishi Seibei Shoten’s private tasting room.

Tour Options

Standard Tour | Premium Tour

*Prices displayed in this page are tax included.

Standard Tour

 

¥30,000 / person


Sakagura Tour

An exclusive behind-the-scene sakagura tour.

Premium Sake Tasting

6 types of premium sakes including popular Daiginjou.

Special Gift

2 Imanishi Seibei Shoten original sake cups per guest.

Tour Detail

Price

¥30,000 / person

Duration

90 minutes

Interpreter

Available

Capacity

2-10 people

Tour Type

Private

Dates

Weekday morning

※The brewery is closed between December 30th 2023 and January 4th 2024

※The images displayed may differ from the actual images you see on the tours.

Premium Tour


Coming Soon

Sakagura Access

〒630-8301 Nara Ken Nara Shi Fukuchii Cho 24-1

From JR Nara station

Approximately 10 minute by taxi.
Approximately 26 minute on foot.

From Kintetsu Nara station
Approximately 5 minutes by taxi.
Approximately 18 minute on foot.

How is Sake made?

Let’s learn about Sake before the tour!

Ever wonder how Sake is made? How many steps do you think there are to make Sake?

    Booking Form

    Disclaimer


    Tour Terms of Use

    ⚫︎ The tour reservation will be confirmed when we receive the tour fee.

    ⚫︎ We do not provide refunds for cancellations made by customers after the tour reservation is confirmed or for leaving the tour during its execution.

    ⚫︎ If you fail to arrive at the meeting place by the starting time, the tour may be unable to proceed, and no refund will be provided.

    ⚫︎ If a customer engages in actions that violate laws or public order and morals, we may refuse their continued participation in the tour. Furthermore, in the event of damage or loss to the sake brewery facilities, buildings, equipment, or fixtures resulting from customer negligence, intentional or otherwise, we may request compensation regardless of intent.

    ⚫︎ Unforeseen circumstances, such as the ill health of sake brewery staff and guides or natural disasters, may lead to changes in the tour's content or its cancellation. In case of cancellation, we will provide a full refund of the tour fee.

    ⚫︎ Our tours are intended for customers aged 20 and over. Customers under 20 years old are not eligible to participate. If the participation of a minor or age misrepresentation is discovered, we may immediately decide to cancel or suspend the tour, with no refund provided in case of cancellation.

    ⚫︎ This agreement is governed by Japanese law, and any disputes related to this contract will be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Osaka District Court or the Osaka Summary Court.

    《Prohibited Items》

    ⚫︎ Please refrain from consuming fermented foods like natto before the tour or bringing them into the facility.

    ⚫︎ Use of perfumes and hair products should be minimized.

    ⚫︎ Please refrain from driving a vehicle after tasting (drivers are not allowed to taste).

    ⚫︎ If actions contrary to the above agreement are observed, we may immediately decide to cancel the tour, with no refund provided in case of cancellation.

    《Privacy Policy》

    ⚫︎ We will collect and retain only the minimal personal information required with your consent.

    ⚫︎ Personal information may be used for "SAKE DISCOVERY" related business, among other purposes.

    ⚫︎ Unnecessary personal information will be destroyed after a certain period.

    ⚫︎ Photos and videos taken by our staff and guides during the tour are copyrighted by us and may be used for our promotional activities. Please note this, and if you wish to refuse the usage, please inform us or the guide in advance.

    《Cancellation Policy》

    ⚫︎ Cancellations made by 17:00 (JST) 21 days before the tour date, including the tour date, will not incur any cancellation fees. (However, a 5% refund handling fee will be deducted from the total amount.)

    ⚫︎ Cancellations made from 20 days to 14 days before the tour date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the total amount plus a 5% refund handling fee.

    ⚫︎ Cancellations from 13 days before the tour date and thereafter are not eligible for a refund.

    All the above-mentioned dates and times are based on Japan Standard Time.

    《Regarding Schedule and Visiting Brewery Changes》

    ⚫︎ Changes cannot be made from 13 days before the tour date.

    ⚫︎ Changes made before 14 days before the tour date will only be accepted if the brewery and interpreter guide's schedules allow. However, if it is not possible to change the schedules of the brewery and interpreter, you must either cancel according to the above cancellation policy or choose to proceed with the tour as originally planned. Please respond within 24 hours after our email regarding the tour options. If there is no response within the specified time, it will be considered as a voluntary cancellation.

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