These five breweries are Maihime (舞姫), Reijin (麗人), Honkin (本金), Yokobue (横笛) and Masumi (真澄). They are located very near to each other (it’s only about a 5-minute walk between the first and the last brewery) as well as to the station, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

How to do "Suwa Gokura" Sake Walk

1. Purchase the “Gokuraku Set” (¥3,000) at the tourist information center (inside JR Kami-Suwa Station) or at any of the breweries. The set include a tasting glass, a cute sake pouch, Suwa Gokura stickers and tasting tokens (20ml per token, good for up to 25 samples in total!)
2. Visit the breweries at your own pace.
3. Self-serve 20 ml pours via token-operated taps.

Most of the staff at the breweries speak Japanese only, but they will use pamphlets among others to try their best to explain the different flavors to you.

Even though the glass is smaller than, say, a wine glass, Japanese sake can pack quite a punch, so you will most certainly feel something after drinking 25 different sakes. Be sure to drink plenty of water in between. Also, they sell small snacks at most of the breweries so you can buy a bag of caramelized cashew nuts for example, if you feel like snacking on something while you drink.

Introducing the Suwa's five Sake Brewery

Maihime (舞姫)

• Founded: 1897
• Characteristics: Maihime balances the five essential elements—sweetness, dryness, acidity, bitterness, and astringency—creating a harmonious and elegant sake.
• Recommendation: Suiro Junmai Daiginjo Yamada Nishiki Unfiltered Genshu, Polished to 39% —
  Elegant and aromatic with a light, refined taste. A graceful drop with a silky texture and exquisite character.
• Closed days: Dec 31 and Jan 1

Reijin (麗人)

• Founded: 1789
• Characteristics: For over 200 years, Reijin has pursued the true spirit of sake brewing, using select rice from Nagano and the pristine spring water of Mt. Kirigamine.
• Recommendation: Ginjo Karakuchi no Kiwami (The Ultimate Dry) — Crisp and clean with a refreshing dry finish. An easy-drinking dry ginjo sake perfect for relaxing with at the end of the day.
• Closed days: Sun (varies), New Year period

Honkin (本金)

• Founded: 1756
• Characteristics: A small family-run brewery. The symmetrical characters in its name symbolize honesty and sincerity in business—making genuine sake that brings joy and warmth.
• Recommendation: Honkin Junmai Ginjo — Gentle and elegantly clear, this sake offers a soft transparency that complements your meal without overpowering it.
• Closed days: Sun irregular (Open irregularly on Sundays, about 2–3 days a month.)

Masumi (真澄)

• Founded: 1662
• Characteristics: The birthplace of the famous “Yeast No. 7.” The name Masumi comes from the “Masumi Mirror” of the Suwa Grand Shrine. The brewery is dedicated to precise, handcrafted sake-making.
• Recommendation: Shikkoku KURO — Named after the deep black color of lacquerware, this sake has a clear, refined taste with umami that expands sharply and smoothly.
• Closed days: Wed (generally) & Jan 1

Masumi has international staff as well, which makes it easier for foreign tourists to ask questions about any of the sakes.

Yokobue (横笛)

• Founded: 1955
• Characteristics: Surrounded by water, rice fields, and hot springs, this brewery captures the essence of Suwa through its handcrafted aroma and flavor.
• Recommendation: Yokobue Junmai-shu — A perfect balance of junmai’s gentle sweetness and a crisp dry finish. Offers a distinctive umami flavor, especially delightful when served warm.
• Closed days: Dec 31–Jan 3

Getting to Lake Suwa

Lake Suwa is easily accessible via public transport.

• From Tokyo, you can either take the Azusa Express train from Shinjuku to Kamisuwa station (about 2 hr 20min), or take Alpico's Shinjuku - Suwa highway bus (about 3hr). The later takes a little longer but cheaper, and also available for online booking.
• From Matsumoto, you can take the same Azusa Express train or local train to Kamisuwa station.
  
• From Nagoya, take the Shinano Express train to Shiojiri Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to the Chuo Line to Kamisuwa Station (about 30 minutes).