Sake Sampling on the Diamond Route: Touring Breweries from Ibaraki to Fukushima

Founded during the Edo period, Suzuki Sake Brewery has long crafted its beloved brand “Iwaki Kotobuki” in harmony with the rich natural environment of Namie Town, once a thriving center for fishing, agriculture, and commerce.

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the town was left deserted — a true restart from zero. The brewery owner recalls,“The first step to starting over was agriculture, namely, rice. Using that rice, what we can do is make sake.” Today, the brewery continues its craft with renewed purpose, working alongside many people involved in rebuilding the town. Their goal: to once again see locals gathered around Ukedo fish and local sake, sharing joyful moments together.

Through this effort, Suzuki Sake Brewery embodies the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and the enduring bonds between people and their community — a living story of recovery and resilience.

Customers can freely observe the sake brewing process from the window of the "Sakagura Yui" brewery store.
(No reservation required, free admission)

On the way from Tokyo (Narita Airport) to Suzuki Sake Brewery, we recommend stopping in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, for a sake brewery tour. Experience Japan’s rich sake culture at Yoshikubo Sake Brewery and Meiri Shurui before heading to Namie Town.

Just two hours from Narita, Mito offers the perfect opportunity to enrich your journey with a deeper taste of Japanese sake

1.From Narita Airport to Mito

Highway Bus:

Approx. 2 hr. 20 min., ¥3,800
There is a direct line from Narita Airport to Mito Station's South Entrance.It's an affordable route with no transfers necessary.

Train:

Approx. 2 hr. 10 min.–3 hr., ¥2,300–¥6,500
There are express options (Narita Express/Skyliner, etc.) and local options available.

*Our recommendation is to take a highway bus which offers a more direct route without having to deal with any transfers.

2.From Mito to Namie

Train:

Approx. 2 hr. 10 min., ¥2,640
Take the JR Joban Line to Iwaki Station, then transfer to the train bound for Namie Station.

Rental Car:

Approx. 2 hours, ¥4,360 (highway tolls)
Convenient when visiting multiple locations, such as during sake brewery tours.

*Rental cars are highly recommended for their convenience when visiting multiple locations.

Founded in 1790, Yoshikubo Sake Brewery is a long-established sake maker that brews its sake using the famed spring water associated with the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family.

With an average age of just 30, the young brewers carry on centuries of traditional techniques while infusing new energy into their craft. The brewery’s flagship label, “Ippin,” has earned international acclaim and is now exported to more than 15 countries worldwide. It is even served in the VIP seats at Dodger Stadium in the United States, gaining attention as a modern masterpiece of Japanese sake from Mito — the “samurai city.” Here, history and innovation blend seamlessly, offering a truly authentic experience of Japanese culture.

Tour participants will be provided with an Ibaraki sake glass and a tasting of three items including Daiginjo sake.

Reservations and inquiries are accepted via email or phon.

With roots dating back to the Edo period, Meiri Shurui is a highly respected comprehensive beverage producer based in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Their original product, the “Ogawa Yeast,” was adopted by the Brewing Society of Japan as Yeast No. 10, and is now used by sake breweries all across the country — a groundbreaking contribution to the industry. Their flagship sake, “Fukushogun” (Vice Shogun), has won the Gold Prize 15 times at the Japan Sake Awards, while their “Hyakunen Umeshu” (Hundred-Year Plum Wine) was crowned Japan’s Best at the 2008 National Plum Wine Competition.

Experience the exquisite flavors born from the harmony of tradition and innovation.