Have you ever visited “Nada-Gogo?” It is a renowned sake-producing region in Kansai! In this article, we share our recent excursion to some sake breweries near Kobe, set against the backdrop of a clear, breezy autumn sky. As a group of sake enthusiasts, we explored historic brewery buildings (now serving as museums) and enjoyed complimentary tastings—leaving us in a pleasant, tipsy, and cheerful mood!
Our First Stop—The Sawanotsuru Sake Museum
Nestled in a quiet, Eastern corner of the town, this museum exudes a solemn, dignified atmosphere that reflects its 300-year history (founded in 1717). It perfectly recreates the look and feel of a traditional sake brewery. We couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the exterior before excitedly stepping inside. The interior features large, authentic wooden barrels, various traditional tools, and lifelike figures depicting workers in action. The sake-brewing process is explained in a clear, accessible way—it was truly impressive!
Next, a Visit to the Hakutsuru Sake Museum
Built in the early Taisho era, this museum offers an immersive look at the sake-brewing process. The exhibits are fascinating, covering everything from *taru-kaisen* (large historical vessels once used to rapidly transport sake barrels) to the evolution of the Hakutsuru brand—including its signage and trademarks. It’s a captivating journey through the history and enduring appeal of sake production.
Inside, you’ll find a complimentary tasting corner, as well as the stylish “HAKUTSURU TABLE”—a dream come true for any sake lover—where you can relax and enjoy a variety of sake. Personally, I highly recommend the *nigori* (unfiltered) yuzu liqueur—it was incredibly fruity and absolutely delicious! I also noticed groups of visitors from overseas, which really speaks to the popularity of Japanese sake.
Staff Recommendation
The sake museums we visited are all within a 10-minute walk of the nearest station, making it easy to drop by around midday and enjoy a tour of the breweries. Although the “Nada-Gogo” region spans five separate areas, our group had a fantastic time visiting two of these museums—exploring the breweries, sampling various sakes, and even trying some sake-flavored soft-serve ice cream!
Closing Thoughts
On our way home, I was surprised to see a Kintetsu train bound for Nara wrapped in advertisements for “Nada-Gogo,” a famous sake brand from Kobe! It was a clever way to promote the attractions and charm of the Kansai region using trains that travel through other areas.
An interactive event—where you can explore the Nada-Gogo area while solving puzzles—is currently running until February 28, 2027! If you enjoy sake or have an interest in history, why not pay a visit?
