Iiyama Temple and Sake Brewery Day Trip from Nagano

Discover the charming Iiyama region in Nagano on this immersive day trip. Visit the stunning Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum and enjoy a traditional Shojin ryori lunch at Daishoji Temple. Experience the art of sake brewing with a guided tour and tasting at Tanakaya Shuzo, where you’ll learn about the intricate process of sake production. This private tour includes hotel pickup, bullet train travel, and an English-speaking licensed guide, ensuring a personalized experience. Perfect for those interested in culture, history, and gastronomy. - Private tour with only your group participating - Hotel pickup and bullet train included for convenience - Sake brewery tour and tasting experience - Traditional Shojin ryori lunch provided (for 4+ guests) - Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum is closed on Wednesdays, so if you choose Wednesday for your tour date, we will guide you to an alternative location.

1. 1

   Shonen-ji Temple

   50 min

   Shonen-ji Temple is a serene Jodo-sect Buddhist temple with over 500 years of history, nestled in the peaceful countryside of Iiyama. The temple's main hall houses a graceful Amida Buddha statue, and the surrounding gardens bloom beautifully with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Visitors are invited to experience the quiet spirituality of rural Japan, and on certain days, you may even take part in sutra copying or listen to a brief sermon by the head priest. Deeply rooted in the local community, this temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Iiyama.

2. 2

   Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum

   40 min

   The Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum showcases heartwarming, life-sized clay dolls that depict scenes of everyday rural life in Japan. With expressive faces and nostalgic settings—elderly couples tending fields, children playing at festivals—each doll tells a story. These works capture the warmth, humor, and simplicity of Japan’s countryside, resonating with both domestic and international audiences. The museum also offers insight into the artist’s creative process and inspiration. It's a touching, one-of-a-kind cultural experience that allows you to connect with Japan’s past and the beauty of ordinary life. *Since Wednesday is a regular closing day, if you choose Wednesday for your tour date, we will guide you to an alternative location.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1.5 hours

   Daishoji Temple is a historic Zen temple nestled in the quiet countryside of Iiyama. Surrounded by lush forests and terraced rice fields, it offers a serene retreat where visitors can experience the tranquility of rural Japan. The wooden halls and peaceful garden paths reflect centuries of spiritual devotion and continue to serve as a place of quiet reflection for the local community. For groups of four or more with a prior reservation, a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) meal is available, made with seasonal ingredients from the surrounding area. A visit to Daishoji provides not only natural beauty and stillness, but also a glimpse into the meditative spirit of Zen.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1.5 hours

   You will visit Tanakaya Shuzo, a long-established sake brewery in Iiyama with a history of over 150 years. This family-run brewery is renowned for its flagship brand “Mizuo,” brewed using locally grown rice and pristine spring water from the surrounding mountains. During the tour, you will learn about the traditional sake-making techniques that have been passed down for generations. Remarkably, the brewery still operates in the original building constructed over 150 years ago—an increasingly rare sight in Japan. After the tour, you will enjoy a tasting of several Mizuo varieties, known for their smooth, clear flavor and delicate aroma. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a first-time taster, this is a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and fermentation culture rooted in the local community.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Minor travelers below 21 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
• The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
• We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.