Japan’s unique sake and beer are beloved favorites, not just in Japan but increasingly overseas too. Fuchu City in Tokyo is packed with places for alcohol enthusiasts, from brewery tours to shrines honoring the god of sake. It’s not just about tasting great drinks; you can dive into all sorts of fun alcohol-themed experiences. So, for all you travelers, we’re about to lay out a 2-day, 1-night “tipsy tour” exploring the best alcohol-related spots around Fuchu.
Table of Contents
- Visit Matsuo Shrine, dedicated to the god of sake, within the grounds of Okunitama Shrine.
- Take a tour at the Suntory & Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery.
- Purchase Fuchu’s famous local sake, “Kokutsuru,” at Sake-za Nakakyu Honten.
- Enjoy a food pairing experience with “The Premium Malt’s” and Japanese cuisine at Nihonryori Mimatsu Honten.
- After enjoying the fine drinks, relax and unwind at a local accommodation.
- Conclusion
Visit Matsuo Shrine, dedicated to the god of sake, within the grounds of Okunitama Shrine.
First on the list is Okunitama Shrine, about a 5-minute walk from Fuchu Station on the Keio Line. The approach (sando) from the entrance torii gate to the main hall is part of the “Baba Daimon Keyaki Namiki” (Zelkova Tree-lined Avenue), a nationally designated Natural Monument with about 120 zelkova trees. Breathing in the pure air of the shrine grounds and strolling along the sando feels like a spiritual cleanse.
It's only about 25 minutes from Shinjuku to Fuchu Station on the Keio Line!
The large torii gate at the entrance of Okunitama Shrine.
Strolling along the sando within the “Baba Daimon Keyaki Namiki.”
Okunitama Shrine, with a history of about 1900 years, has several auxiliary shrines where you can pray for protection from misfortune and for good relationships. Among them, Matsuo Shrine, which enshrines the god of brewing, is highly recommended. This Matsuo Shrine was established in the Edo period at the request of sake brewers (shuzo) in Musashi Province, with its spirit invited (bunrei) from Matsuo Taisha in Kyoto. Every year, sake breweries (sakagura) from Tokyo gather here for a prayer festival, offering sake to the deity. Additionally, the “Musashi no Kuni Sake Festival” is held every autumn, where you can taste and compare Japanese sake from all over the country. Visiting the shrine during this event period allows for even more enjoyment.
First, pay respects at the main hall, the focal point.
To the left of the main hall is Matsuo Shrine, dedicated to the god of brewing.
Various locally produced Tokyo sakes, offered by the Tokyo Sake Brewers Association, are displayed on the grounds.
Take a tour at the Suntory & Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery.
Return to Fuchu Station on the Keio Line and take a taxi for about 8 minutes to reach the “Suntory <Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery.” Here, you can tour the production process of Suntory beer products like “The Premium Malt’s” and even sample the beer on-site.
The "Suntory & Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery," with its eye-catching "The Premium Malt's" logo.
On the factory tour, you can observe the entire process, from the selection of beer ingredients to packaging. You can directly taste the Diamond Malt ingredient, experience the aroma of rich aromatic hops, and watch the wort being boiled in giant kettles… Experiencing the beer-making process through all five senses is so engaging, it could well be called an entertainment performance.
A guide accompanies you throughout the tour.
Tasting Diamond Malt. Its crunchy texture is like eating a bar snack.
Among these, the brewing processes involving the lauter tun, which filters malt husks, and the boiling kettle, where wort is boiled and hop aroma is added, are particularly impressive. You can also witness the double decoction mashing method used to extract the inherent flavors of choice natural water and malt—a precious opportunity to glimpse the secret behind Suntory beer’s deliciousness. Don’t miss the VR experience zone where you can virtually try out the sensory inspection for beer quality!
You can get a glimpse inside the lauter tun and boiling kettle.
A tunnel-like passage made from previously used storage tanks. You can also hear sound effects simulating beer bubbles.
Through a telescope-like device, you can experience a VR sensory inspection of beer quality.
The packaging plant. The large "The Premium Malt's" design on the pillar is a popular photo spot.
In the tasting area, styled like a chic restaurant, you can sample three types of freshly poured beer: “The Premium Malt’s,” “The Premium Malt’s & Japanese Ale> Scented Ale,” and “The Premium Malt’s Master’s Dream.” Interested visitors can also try creating “divine foam” art and pouring their own draft beer, so be sure to give it a go.
The lampshades in the beer tasting area repurpose parts of a mashing kettle.
When tasting “The Premium Malt’s,” you can clearly perceive the impressive aroma of the hops you learned about during the factory tour. “Scented Ale” has a fruity aroma and a refreshing taste, making it enjoyable even for those who are usually wary of beer flavors. “Master’s Dream” is the one among the three with the most intense color and flavor, offering a distinct richness.
From left to right: "The Premium Malt's," "Scented Ale," "Master's Dream."
A service is also offered to print designs onto the fine "divine foam" of The Premium Malt's.
At the factory’s adjoining shop, you can purchase the craft beer “Tokyo Craft Pale Ale,” produced exclusively at the “Suntory <Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery,” as well as snacks that pair well with beer. There’s also a wide variety of original merchandise that you shouldn’t miss. The factory tours are very popular, so be sure to make a reservation on the official website before visiting!
You can buy beer produced at the factory and original merchandise at the adjoining shop.
The "Tokyo Craft Pale Ale," exclusively produced at Suntory <Natural Water Beer Factory> Tokyo-Musashino Brewery, is also sold.
Purchase Fuchu’s famous local sake, “Kokutsuru,” at Sake-za Nakakyu Honten.
From “Suntory Natural Water Beer Factory Tokyo-Musashino,” it’s about a 5-minute taxi ride to “Sake-za Nakakyu Honten.” The founder of “Sake-za Nakakyu Honten,” the Noguchi family, originally served as a Shinto functionary (shinjin) at Okunitama Shrine and started the brewing business when entrusted with making sacred sake (omiki) for the shrine. The first generation, Noguchi Kyubei, named the shop “Nakaya” in 1860. He later became known as Kyubei of Nakaya, shortened to “Nakakyu.” This shop name has been used to this day by this locally-run liquor merchant. The store sells various domestic and international alcoholic beverages, including Fuchu’s famous local sake “Kokutsuru,” which was revived in 2024 after a 40-year hiatus.
"Sake-za Nakakyu Honten," marked by the characters for "Sake-za."
"Kokutsuru," revived by a local Fuchu brewery after 40 years.
From left: Futsushu (ordinary sake), Junmai Karakuchi (dry), Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai, Sakurafukuhime.
The store stocks various flavored alcoholic beverages from Japan and abroad.
For just 500 yen, you can taste and compare three types of Japanese sake and wine.
At the adjoining “Kura Cafe,” renovated from an old sake storehouse, you can enjoy a “Sake Lees Latte” made with “Kokutsuru” sake lees and homemade cheesecake. A tasting event featuring about 10 types of Japanese sake is also held once a month.
"Kura Cafe," enveloped in the warmth of an old wooden sake brewery building.
View details for Sake-za Nakakyu Honten.
Enjoy a food pairing experience with “The Premium Malt’s” and Japanese cuisine at Nihonryori Mimatsu Honten
After picking up souvenirs, take a 5-minute walk from “Sake-za Nakakyu Honten” to “Nihonryori Mimatsu Honten,” a long-established Japanese restaurant beloved by locals. This sushi restaurant is also certified as a “Master of Divine Foam” establishment where you can enjoy Suntory’s “The Premium Malt’s” with its fine, creamy head.
The restaurant serves sushi and Japanese cuisine, all made with fresh seafood procured daily from Toyosu Market. The food pairing experience with beer and Japanese sake is not to be missed. The interior is brimming with Japanese ambiance, offering everything from counter seats to sunken floor (horigotatsu) seating and private rooms where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Sitting at the counter and watching the itamae (sushi chef) showcase their exquisite skills right before your eyes is also a special pleasure. Come to “Nihonryori Mimatsu Honten” and experience a relaxing dining occasion in a Japanese atmosphere.
Sit at the spacious counter and watch the itamae prepare sushi right in front of you.
"Sumire Sushi," where you can fully enjoy fresh seafood.
Private rooms are suitable for travelers who want to dine in a relaxed manner.
Recommended Half-Day Tour in Fuchu, Tokyo! Authentic Sushi Making & Japanese Sake Tasting Tour in Fuchu, Tokyo
After enjoying the fine drinks, relax and unwind at a local accommodation.
After a full day of enjoying Fuchu’s fine alcoholic beverages, it’s recommended to stay overnight in Fuchu City.
There are many accommodation facilities in Fuchu City, ranging from business hotels to family-friendly hotels. You can choose one that fits your itinerary before and after your visit.
Conclusion
From visiting historic shrines to worship the god of sake, touring the production process of delicious beer, to enjoying food pairing experiences with Japanese sake and traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku), a trip to Fuchu allows travelers to experience Japan’s drinking culture from various perspectives.
If you have the chance to be near Fuchu, why not make a detour and fully experience the local charms that can only be found here?