Asahi Shuzo
Asahi Shuzo (Nagaoka, Niigata) is a place to visit for sake. Booking: Reservation recommended. Guidance in English: Not available. Fee: Free.
The Niigata brewery behind Kubota sake. The 20-minute tour runs all year, free, with no reservation needed for individuals. A 60-minute course (reservation required), available from December to late April, shows the actual production process.
Asahi Shuzo (Nagaoka, Niigata)
Photo: Rebirth10 / CC BY-SA 4.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and croppedHow to visit
- Location
- Nagaoka, Niigata
- Address
- 新潟県長岡市朝日880-1
- Booking
- Reservation recommended
- Guidance in English
- Not available
- Fee
- Free
- By season
- 20-minute course all year; 60-minute course December to late April.
Good to know
- The 20-minute course (year-round) needs no reservation for individuals; sign up on the day at the shop Sakaraku no Sato Asahiyama. Groups of 10 or more and travel agencies must reserve. Departures at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00, taking about 20-30 minutes, with an explanation in the entrance hall and a tasting of a special sake.
- The 60-minute course runs December to late April on Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 13:30, by reservation (online from 60 days before). It admits 1-15 people and includes touching and smelling koji, viewing the mash and tasting freshly pressed sake. Open to upper elementary school age and older; drinking is only for ages 20 and over.
- Guidance is in Japanese only; non-Japanese speakers must bring an interpreter. Drinking before the tour is not allowed.
- Closed on the third Saturday of the month and over the New Year for the 20-minute course. Tours may not run depending on bookings or events.
Photos
Asahi Shuzo (Nagaoka, Niigata)
Photo: Rebirth10 / CC BY-SA 4.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and croppedFrequently asked questions
Do I need to book a visit to Asahi Shuzo?
A reservation is recommended.
Is guidance in English available at Asahi Shuzo?
No, guidance in English is not available.
How much does a visit to Asahi Shuzo cost?
Fee: Free.
When should I visit Asahi Shuzo?
20-minute course all year; 60-minute course December to late April.
Can I take part in a tasting if I'm driving?
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. If you are driving you cannot taste. Use public transport or a taxi, or let someone who is not drinking drive.
Information sources
Information checked against official sources, such as the facility's website.
Checked 2026-10-27
Sources
Spotted a mistake?
Opening days, fees and booking methods change. If you notice a difference, please tell us and we will check and fix it promptly.
