Japan's Fermentation Soul — Sake, Miso & Zen, One Hour from Tokyo
Japan is a fermentation culture. Miso, soya sauce, sake, pickles — nearly everything that defines Japanese flavour was born from the ancient art of fermentation. Yet most tourists never go deeper than a sushi restaurant. This tour changes that.
One hour from Tokyo, the small castle town of Hanno holds some of Japan's most authentic fermentation experiences — a world-class fermentation theme park, a 130-year-old sake brewery drawing from ancient mountain water, and a 500-year-old Zen temple.
OH!!! Fermentation Theme Park — Japan's Only One
Over 800 fermented products from across Japan — kimchi, miso, sake, amazake, salt koji, fish sauce — gathered under one roof and celebrated as living art. Browse the artisan shop, sip a naturally fermented drink, and join a short salt koji workshop if available (¥500). Your guide will explain the science and soul behind fermentation — why Japanese people say “living food” and what that means for your health. Lunch at OH!!!'s seasonal restaurant is included, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with fermentation philosophy.
Igarashi Brewery — Sake Born from Ancient Mountain Water
Founded in 1890, Igarashi Brewery draws from three underground wells fed by the ancient Okutama mountain aquifer — each producing water with a different mineral character used to brew different sake styles. At the tasting counter, sample the Tenranzan label: light floral junmai to rich aged varieties. Your guide will explain rice varieties, the brewing process, and what makes Saitama sake distinct from Niigata and Kyoto. On select dates, a private brewery tour is available at no extra charge.
Noinji Temple — 500 Years of Zen in Cedar Forest
Ground yourself in Hanno's oldest history. Noinji Temple has stood for over 500 years, surrounded by cedar forest unchanged since samurai walked these paths. Your guide will share the philosophy of Zen and why this quiet corner of Saitama has attracted monks and wanderers for centuries.
This Tour is Perfect For:
Food lovers, fermentation enthusiasts, and sake fans
Travellers who want authentic Japan beyond the tourist trail
Health-conscious visitors curious about Japanese gut health culture
Anyone who has seen Tokyo and wants something completely different
Includes: Guide, OH!!! entry, seasonal lunch, sake tasting. One hour from Tokyo on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
