【October 18】Experience the Moss Forest, Kurosawa Sake Brewery’s Heritage, and the Flavors of Autumn in Nagano

《Sakuho Monitor Tour — Meet the People, Taste the Culture》

Experience the heart of Sakuho in Nagano Prefecture. Learn about sake brewing from Kurosawa Brewery’s 6th-generation owner, walk through the famous moss forest with an expert guide, and enjoy encounters with local farmers and residents. Discover the true charm of Sakuho.
Note: This is a monitor tour, so details may change.

※本ツアーは、長野県「地域発元気づくり支援金」を活用し実施しています。
（This tour is supported by the Nagano Prefecture Regional Revitalization Grant.）

Sakuho Town, Nagano Prefecture
Sakuho Town lies in eastern Nagano Prefecture, spreading like wings on either side of the Chikuma River. To the west rises the Yatsugatake mountain range, while within the town you’ll find Japan’s largest birch forest and the scenic Lake Shirakoma, made famous by JR East commercials.

schedule ｜ detail

＜Experience Hosts＞

Takao Kurosawa, 6th-generation head of Kurosawa Sake Brewery

Takao Kurosawa is the sixth-generation head of Kurosawa Sake Brewery. After studying brewing at Tokyo University of Agriculture, he chose to first work at a pickle manufacturer, gaining experience in a different industry before returning to the family brewery in 2001.

Together with his younger brother, he has continued the tradition of sake brewing while also building new connections with the community. He launched the Yachiho Bijokai, a customer-participation sake owners’ club, and has been developing new products by applying his background in pickle production.

He also revived the Kurosawa Series, introduced innovative methods such as dam storage aging, and continues to balance tradition with innovation in sake brewing.

Yudai Yamaura – 3rd-generation owner of Seitaiso & Moss Guide

Yudai Yamaura is the third-generation owner of Seitaiso, a mountain lodge in Northern Yatsugatake. Fascinated by moss, he even dyed his hair a “moss color,” earning him the affectionate nickname “Moss Uncle” among locals.

After graduating from high school, he worked at a local company, but when his father, Kiyoshi, fell ill, he took over the lodge at the age of 25. Since then, he has shared the beauty of moss and the Northern Yatsugatake region from his own unique perspective.

Living in the forest, he continues daily observations of moss and collaborates with experts through the Northern Yatsugatake Moss Association, contributing to research activities. Yamaura plays a key role in connecting the world of moss and the mountain lodge to the future.

Kiyoshi Suda, Suda Farm

Suda Farm – Producers of Fresh Prune and Apples
Suda Farm cultivates fresh prune and apples in Nagano Prefecture, which accounts for about 70% of Japan’s total Fresh Prune production. The farm’s head, Mr. Suda, is known for his kind and generous personality—he never says no when asked for help, and warmly welcomes Autabii tours even during the busiest harvest season.

Reflecting his character, the farm’s fresh prune and apples are gentle in flavor yet exceptionally delicious, making them a favorite among visitors.

Nobuyuki Sasaki – Yachiho Fisheries, Producer of “Shinshu Salmon”

Nobuyuki Sasaki of Yachiho Fisheries produces Shinshu Salmon, a brand that has become synonymous with Nagano. Shinshu Salmon is a hybrid of rainbow trout and brown trout, known for its sleek, silvery body and vibrant red flesh similar to salmon.

Sasaki’s Shinshu Salmon is highly regarded not only by local Italian and French chefs but also by long-established hotels and restaurants in Karuizawa, earning widespread trust for its exceptional quality.

Plan details

Kurosawa Sake Brewery – Brewery Tour

Kurosawa Sake Brewery was founded in 1858 (Ansei 5) by Risaemon Kurosawa. During the Meiji period, the brewery expanded into banking, textiles, miso and soy sauce production, and pharmaceuticals, supporting the development of the local community.

The sake business was passed on to the founder’s third son, Kashizo, and is now led by the sixth-generation head, Takao Kurosawa. Since its founding, the brewery has maintained its dedication to Kimoto-style brewing, producing sake using the soft waters of the Chikuma River and locally grown rice.

Normally closed to the public, the interior of Kurosawa Sake Brewery is personally guided by President Takao Kurosawa. He shares his deep passion for sake brewing and the traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Within the brewery grounds, visitors can also explore a small museum showcasing the history and culture of Japanese sake.

Observing Moss in One of Japan’s Premier Moss Forests, Northern Yatsugatake

At the entrance to Lake Shirakoma, a mysterious moss forest thrives with 519 different species of moss. From a distance, the moss appears like a green carpet, but when viewed through a magnifying glass, you can see the unique branching and leaf shapes of each species. The types of moss vary not only in appearance but also depending on where they grow, revealing a surprisingly deep and intricate world.

On this tour, moss guide Yudai Yamaura will lead you through the forest, introducing the hidden beauty and diversity of moss. Experience the calming atmosphere of Northern Yatsugatake as you encounter moss that changes its expression with the weather and light, offering a truly unique moment of relaxation.

Farm Tour and Apple Jam Making Experience

Guided by Mr. Suda, you will walk through the apple orchards, learning about the farm’s cultivation techniques and the care taken during harvest. After the tour, you can try your hand at making apple jam. This is a delightful experience where you can learn, taste, and take home your own creation.

A Special Experience at a Traditional Japanese House

At the experiential accommodation Furukusa, you will try traditional Japanese indigo dyeing (Aizome). Skilled artisans will guide you carefully, so even beginners can enjoy the experience with ease.

For lunch, enjoy rice cooked over a traditional kamado (wood-fired stove) on the premises.

Note: During the experience, please change into the provided indoor clothing worn by guests and kindly cooperate with photo-taking.

【Itinerary (Tentative)】

Day 1: Saturday, Oct 18

Time	Activity	Meal
08:30	Tokyo Station (8:30–8:45) → Saku-daira Station (9:45–10:00) You may also board from Ueno Station or Ōmiya Station (same fare).
10:00	Meeting at Saku-daira Station Our staff will greet and welcome you upon arrival.
11:00	Activities at Furukusa (Traditional Experience Accommodation) ・Traditional indigo dyeing experience ・Tour of the accommodation facility ・Lunch featuring rice cooked over a traditional kamado (wood-fired stove) Note: Please change into the provided indoor clothing and kindly cooperate with photo-taking.	Lunch (included)
13:30	Visit Yachiho Fisheries, learn about Shinshu Salmon production
15:00	Kurosawa Sake Brewery Tour & Historical Walk Through the Kurosawa Family District President Takao Kurosawa will personally guide you through areas of the brewery that are normally closed to the public. You will also visit the brewery’s Sake Museum, which displays antique tools and artifacts related to traditional sake brewing. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk through the historic Hozumi neighborhood, where the Kurosawa family and their relatives have preserved the local heritage. The tour is led by the head of the family himself, sharing stories and history passed down through generations.
17:00	Check into Shino-ya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn Free time until dinner.
18:30	Social Gathering with Locals Enjoy a convivial evening with local residents, featuring dishes made from Shinshu Salmon and other local ingredients. You will also have the opportunity to taste and compare different sake from Kurosawa Sake Brewery.	Dinner (included)
21:00	Free time / relax at the guesthouse

Day 2: Sunday, Oct 19

Time	Activity	Meal
07:30	Breakfast at the ryokan	Breakfast (included)
10:30	Walk Through the Moss Forest Take a guided walk through a primordial forest covered in moss, discovering its mystical and calming atmosphere with moss guide Yudai Yamaura.
12:00	Boxed Lunch If the weather is nice, enjoy your lunch while taking in the scenic view of the lake.	Lunch (included)
13:30	Visit Suda Farm – Apple Orchard Tour & Jam-Making Experience Hear from Mr. Suda, a local farmer, about orchard cultivation techniques. After the tour, enjoy a hands-on experience making your own apple jam.
15:30	Sightseeing & Cultural Experiences Includes visits to local farms, museums, and other attractions.
17:00	Arrive at Saku-daira Station Saku-daira Station (17:30–18:00) → Tokyo Station (18:50–19:20) You may also get off at Ōmiya Station or Ueno Station (same fare).

※Times are approximate. The schedule and contents may be subject to change depending on local circumstances and progress.

【Travel Details & Conditions】

Dates	Oct 18 (Sat) – Oct 19 (Sun)
Monitor Price	¥10,000 (per person)
Included in Price	Round-trip train fare , lodging, meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner), sake tasting at dinner, all experience fees, facility usage, and travel insurance.
Pick-up/Drop-off Stations	Tokyo, Ueno, or Omiya (same fare)
Accommodation	Shino-ya Ryokan
What to Wear / Bring	・Comfortable walking shoes ・Long sleeves and pants ・The moss forest gets chilly — bring a down jacket or equivalent
Payment Methods	Bank transfer or credit card (VISA, Master)
Additional Notes	・Due to the nature of this being a monitor tour, some changes may occur. ・Please refrain from excessive perfume or hair products at the sake brewery. ・The tour is conducted in Japanese.
Participation Conditions for This Monitor Tour	Please note the following conditions before applying: ・Must be 20 years or older. ・Must be able to attend the entire tour. ・Willing to complete a post-tour survey. ・Consent to photos/videos taken during the tour being used online or in printed materials. ・Willing to share your experience on social media, if requested. ・Notify us in advance of any health conditions or allergies. (Participation may be declined depending on the situation.)

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