Hiking and Cultural Experiences
Visiting the source of that single drop. Walking up Mt. Takamizu, the mountain from which the brewing water is sourced, and savoring it in the village. A journey of local production and consumption through sake breweries in Okutama.
Mt. Takasui & Ozawa Brewery: A Journey to the Source of Water and Sake
DIFFICULY
★★☆☆☆
Approximately 6 hours
2-10 people
From
¥101,200 and up (tax included)
森林浴, 食体験, 日本酒
OVERVIEW
To a secluded village nestled deep within Tokyo, a place of nature and sake.
Starting from Gunbata Station, we hiked along a rural trail, passing through quiet cedar forests and moss-covered paths to reach the summit of Takamizuyama.
After enjoying the view of the Tama River stretching out below and savoring a gentle sense of accomplishment, we leisurely descended the mountain to Sawai Station.
Finally, we'll visit "Sawanai," a sake brewery that has been operating for 300 years in a region known for its pristine water, and immerse ourselves in the world of Japanese sake.
This is a reward hiking trip for adults that includes sake tasting and a tour of a sake brewery.
Walk through nature, experience culture, and unwind with sake—a little-known day trip through Tokyo.
① "Mountain water nourishes sake" - Nature and culture connected by the blessings of pure water
The mountains of Okutama, including Mount Takamizu, have long been known as **"mountains of water"**.
The rain and snowmelt that fall on the mountains pass through the geological layers over time, eventually emerging as pure, pristine water in the Sawai area.
Ozawa Brewery uses its **underground water (spring water)** to brew its sake "Sawanai".
It is truly the "natural environment of Takamizuyama" that nurtures the flavor of this local sake.
🟢 Mountains and sake breweries are connected by "water"—a journey to trace this invisible bond.
② "The Mountain of Asceticism and the God of Sake" — The Contrast Between Asceticism and Intoxication
Takamizuyama has long been known as a place of **Shugendo** (mountain asceticism),
The Jofukuin temple at the mountaintop served as a base for ascetic monks.
On the other hand, sake is a "sacred drink" deeply connected to Shinto rituals.
Sawanoi's sake brewery also has a shrine dedicated to "Matsuo-sama (the god of sake)."
**The appeal of this tour lies in its pilgrimage-like structure, which combines stillness and movement, with the idea of "purifying oneself in the mountains and unwinding one's soul with sake."**
🟢 Take a walk to refresh yourself, then unwind with some alcohol—this is a great suggestion for a "modern mini-pilgrimage."
"From which mountain does the water you will savor today originate?" The password is "Sawanai Goal." This is a local food tour for adults, where you will visit Takamizuyama, which is easily accessible from the city center, and toast with Sawanai, a renowned sake brewed with its groundwater.
The traverse, which passes over the ancient temple Jofukuin and the scenic Iwatakeishiyama mountain, offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment even for beginners. After descending, head to the "Seiryu Garden" overlooking the beautiful Tama River gorge. The sake you drink after walking with a guide and experiencing the blessings of the headwaters firsthand will taste especially good. Please enjoy this superb holiday where mountains and villages, water and sake come together.
HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy the changing scenery and views of Okutama with a traverse of the "Takamizu Three Peaks." Be amazed by the spectacular panoramic view from Iwatakeishiyama.
This popular course is easy enough for beginners to walk, yet it offers the satisfaction of conquering three peaks: "Takamizuyama," "Iwatakeishiyama," and "Sogakusan." In particular, the central peak, **Iwatakeishiyama (elevation 793m)**, offers unobstructed views, and on a clear day, it's a superb viewpoint where you can see the Okutama mountain range, including Kawanoriyama and Kumotoriyama, and even the Kanto Plain.
A cultural experience to soothe your soul in a tranquil forest: the ancient temples of Jofukuin and Aoi Shrine, which offer a glimpse into the history of mountain worship.
Just below the summit of the first peak, Mt. Takamizu, lies the historic Shingon Buddhist temple, Jofukuin. Pray for a safe climb in the solemn atmosphere where Namikiri Fudo is enshrined, and then visit the inner sanctuary of Aoi Shrine on the third peak, Mt. Sogaku. This is not just a hike; it's a journey where you can feel the long-standing religious culture of the satoyama (rural mountain area) and its history as a stage for lion dance performances.
After descending the mountain, toast with "Sawanai"! Enjoy sake tasting at Seiryu Garden and experience the renowned sake brewed with the groundwater of Mt. Takamizu.
The greatest attraction of this tour is the reward after descending the mountain, known as **"Sawanai Goal"**. In fact, the water used to brew Sawanai is spring water filtered through the bedrock of Mt. Takamizu, which we climbed today. After a brewery tour where you can learn about this connection, head to "Seiryu Garden Sawanai-en" located on the banks of the Tama River. A blissful moment awaits you, where you can enjoy freshly brewed sake and local specialty tofu dishes while gazing at the beautiful valley scenery.
ITINERARY
🍶🌲 Takamizuyama Hiking & Ozawa Sake Brewery Tour: Sample Itinerary
📅 Estimated time: Approximately 6 hours
(Walking: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes / Sightseeing, travel, and breaks: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
🕘 09:30 Meet at Gunbata Station on the JR Ome Line
Meet with the guide, receive instructions and check your equipment.
Simple stretches & preparations for departure
🥾 09:45 Start of Takamizuyama hike
Gunbata Station to Takamizuyama (via Jofukuin Temple)
We'll make our way through gentle cedar forests and moss-covered mountain paths, accompanied by commentary on nature.
Along the way, you may encounter seasonal plants and wild birds.
🏞 11:15 Arrived at the summit of Takamizuyama (elevation 759m)
Take a short break at the observation point.
Snack time (rice ball or trail lunch)
The guide will also share stories about the local culture and beliefs.
⛰ 11:45 Started descending towards Sawai Station.
The descent trail has some slippery sections, so please proceed slowly and safely.
A view overlooking the Tama River unfolds before you.
🛤 13:00 Arrive at Sawai Station on the JR Ome Line - short break
🍶 13:15 Ozawa Sake Brewery (Sawanai) Sake Brewery Tour (approx. 40 minutes)
We toured a sake brewing facility that has been operating since the Edo period.
You will learn about the meticulous brewing process using local spring water.
🍷 14:00 Sake tasting experience & free time (approx. 1 hour)
Tasting of several types of Sawanoi sake (non-alcoholic option available)
You can also freely enjoy souvenirs and the cafe (Seiryu Garden Sawanoi).
Sweets and snacks can be paired with your meal upon request.
🛤 15:15 Disbandment (Sawai Station)
Take the Ome Line home (approximately 1.5 hours to Shinjuku/Tokyo area).
DETAILS
[Mt. Takamizu Hiking & Ozawa Sake Brewery Tour: Important Notes, Clothing, and Items to Bring]
1. Clothing (appropriate attire for each season)
Temperatures in mountainous areas are about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than in urban areas. Layering your clothing to easily regulate your body temperature is recommended.
Summer (June to September): Please wear clothing made of moisture-wicking and quick-drying material. You will sweat a lot during the hike, so be sure to bring a change of clothes so you can comfortably enjoy the sake brewery tour after descending the mountain.
Winter (December to March): The area near the summit and inside the sake brewery gets very cold, so you will need plenty of warm clothing such as thick fleece or down jackets.
Footwear (important): The downhill path has slippery sections and some rocky areas. For safety, be sure to wear trekking shoes (mountain climbing boots) or hiking shoes with good traction.
2. Packing List
Backpack (one that leaves both hands free; a slightly larger one is convenient if you plan to buy souvenirs), drinks (500ml to 1000ml), rain gear (separate-type rainwear; essential as the event will proceed even in light rain), bear bell (recommended), cash (necessary for souvenirs), and other items (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mobile battery).
3. Regarding costs
The tour price includes: guide fee, brewery tour fee, sake tasting (one glass), and lunch. These costs are included in the tour price, so you do not need to pay them separately on the day of the tour.
The tour fee does not include: the cost of purchasing souvenirs (sake, handicrafts, etc.), and any additional drinks or snacks during free time. These are the responsibility of the participant. Please bring cash.
4. Response in case of rain
The event will proceed even in light rain. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the rainy forest and the peaceful time at the sake brewery. The event will be canceled in the event of a typhoon, a weather warning, or severe weather that makes it difficult to ensure safety. In principle, you will be notified of the cancellation at least 48 hours before the event via the registered email address.
5. Other Notes
Physical exertion: This activity involves approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of walking, including breaks. Please ensure you are in good physical condition before participating.
Alcohol: While a sake tasting experience is included, serving alcohol to those under 20 years of age or those who will be driving is prohibited by law. Non-alcoholic amazake (sweet rice wine) or soft drinks are available as alternatives.
Allergy Information: If you have any allergy restrictions for lunch, please contact us at least 7 days before your reservation.
6. Meeting place and contact information
Meeting place: In front of the ticket gate at Ikusabata Station on the JR Ome Line (meet at 09:30).
Organizer and Inquiries: Tokyo Yamagawa DMC Co., Ltd. (Email: info@fwness.com)
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