Maniwa City, located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is a highland area known for its cold climate and pure snowmelt water—ideal conditions for fermentation. The environment enhances the activity of microorganisms essential to the fermentation process. It is also a rare region in Japan where the sources of both soft and hard water converge, fostering a rich and unique fermented food culture.

On this tour, you'll visit miso, sake, and wine breweries, where you can listen to the stories and passion of the artisans and taste their products. You'll also be guided to facilities where you can experience the natural beauty and sustainability of the Hiruzen area, including the "Leaf of the Wind" CLT Pavilion, designed and supervised by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, as well as local museums.

【Kono vinegar miso manufacturing factory 】

The Kono vinegar miso manufacturing factory  (founded in 1888) has been making miso for generations in a storehouse and cedar tub built by the first generation. The walls, beams and pillars of the warehouse are covered with the “Kuratsuki yeast“ which has been cultivated since the foundation of the factory. While incorporating new technology from generation to generation, the factory has inherited a number of handcraft techniques that make the most of the yeast, passing on the traditional flavours to the present day with a sincere passion for manufacturing.

【Nishikura】

The sake cellar of Gozen Brewery, built in the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), has been transformed into a modern yet nostalgic space with an historical atmosphere.

【Tsuji Honten】

Since its establishment in 1804, the brewery has been brewing sake throughout its long history, believing that brewing with local rice, local water and local techniques is the very origin for a sake brewery.

The Gozenshu Sake Brewery brews its sake onlu using Omachi rice grown in Okayama Prefecture. The brewing water is drawn from underground from the Asahikawa River, a first-class river that flows torrentially alongside the brewery. The brewery, which has remained unchanged since its founding is partly mechanised, but still relies heavily on people's hands. During the cold brewing period from each November to the following April, the brewers gather together and work day and night on the brewing of the sake.

Sake quality is characterised as refreshingly dry taste in contrast to the sweet sake from the Seto Inland Sea in the southern part of the prefecture. This is the taste that the people of this region, where the winters are harsh and cold, have sought.

【Greenable Hiruzen】

Greenable Hiruzen is a tourism and culture dissemination base facility located in the rich natural environment of the Hiruzen Plateau, where everyone can experience the value of sustainability up close and personal. Starting with the CLT pavilion “Kaze no Ha”; the symbol of the facility, which was designed and supervised by architect Kengo Kuma, you can experience a sustainable lifestyle while having fun through museums, stores, and activities. The facility proposes “your own lifestyle (way of life)” that comfortably coexists with nature, which can only be conveyed through the various initiatives that have been carried out over many years in this area.

[Hiruzen Winery]

Hiruzen Winery mainly produces wines from the mountain grape, a unique species of grape in Japan. The mountain grape is a vine that has been growing wild in Japan for centuries, and due to the difficulty of cultivation, is almost unprecedented. Hiruzen Winery has spent 10 years cultivating wild grapes from 1,000 wild vines native to the Hiruzen Plateau, selecting those with high sugar content and low acidity.

The wine is matured in French oak barrels, which are a perfect match for mountain grapes, bringing out the richness and flavour of the delicate mountain grape wines.

≪Price (Per Group)≫
The total price varies depending on the number of participants:

• 2 people: ¥198,000　 (¥99,000 per person)

• 3 people: ¥264,000 　(¥88,000 per person)

• 4 people: ¥296,000 　(¥74,000 per person)

• 5 people: ¥345,000 　(¥69,000 per person)

• 6 people: ¥378,000 　(¥63,000 per person)

• 7 people: ¥392,000 　(¥56,000 per person)

• 8 people: ¥400,000 　(¥50,000 per person)

※This tour is a request tour and we will send you another email after the reservation is confirmed.

　Once the full amount is paid at the time of reservation request, the full amount will be refunded in case of non-confirmation of the reservation.

≪Precautions≫

・Please make a reservation at least 2 weeks prior to the desired date.

・On Thursdays or full booking, lunch will be served at a different restaurant, as Nishikura is closed.

・Please refrain from consuming strong fermented foods such as natto on the day of the tour.

・Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions such as allergies. We will not be able to accommodate requests made on the day of the tour.

≪Tour Operator Information≫
Company Name: Ryobi Tours Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Ryobi Building, 6-1 Nishikimachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-0902, Japan
Licensed by the Japan Tourism Agency: Registered Travel Agency No. 163
Email: inbound@ryobi-tours.jp
Phone: +81-86-201-2077 (Weekdays 10:00–18:00 Japan Time)

≪Tour Information≫

Departure point: Okayama 

Travel days: 1 day

Means of transportation: Vehicle type varies depending on the number of participants: 2 persons/taxi, 3 or more persons/jumbo cab

Bus company name: Okayama Kotsu Co.

Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 8

Meals: 1 lunch

National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English): 1

≪How to participate≫.

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

≪Guidelines≫ 

・Please arrive at the assembly point 10 minutes before departure time. The bus will depart on time. If you are late, the bus will depart without waiting.

・Please note that congestion can be expected on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and event days.

・The schedule is subject to change without notice.

・The tour is conducted by car, therefore there may be delays in arrival times due to traffic conditions and other factors. Please note that the tour schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

・Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).

・In the event of inclement weather, the decision regarding the tour availability will be made at 12:00 local time in the evening one day prior to the date of the tour. Notification will be sent to you via email and a full refund will be given.

・Seatbelts must be worn during bus travel in accordance with the law.

・Smoking is not permitted on the bus.

・Please take responsibility for your own valuables.

Note: These guidelines are for your safety and enjoyment. Thank you for your cooperation.

・Please, read and understand the terms and conditions about our travel packages / Privacy Policy at the following link:

Statement of Travel Terms and Conditions