The Aizu region produces good sake wine. If you have a sweet tooth and love sake, Kyō (蔵喫茶 杏) is the cafe in Nanukamachi that you must visit. Operating by a sake brewery founded in the Edo period, the cafe has the finest sake sweets waiting for you to enjoy. Moreover, you won’t get many chances to dine inside a traditional sake brewery!
Kyō is a stylish cafe inside Suehiro Sake Brewery’s (末廣酒造) oldest sake storehouse, completed in 1892. Inside the storage is a space perfectly combining a Japanese-style interior with modern furniture. The fan and flower carvings on the transom are just gorgeous. The cushioned dining chairs and sofas allow you to enjoy the Japanese elements comfortably. From the windows, you can peek into the Japanese garden outside.
High-end sake and sake lees are used to make their original handmade sweets. They don’t taste extremely alcoholic like the chocolate liquor. Instead, they have Japanese sake’s unique aroma. Even those who dislike alcohol (like me) would enjoy their sake sweets!
The coffee here is brewed using the same spring water that the brewery uses to make sake. The sake brewery isn’t just particular about its sake but also about everything it serves in its cafe. For example, the ice cubes of its cold-brewed coffee are made from coffee, so the taste doesn’t weaken as the ice melts!
Of course, the Suehiro Sake Brewery’s sake is on the menu.
About Suehiro Sake Brewery
Suehiro Sake Brewery was founded in 1850. Its sake is made using high-quality ingredients, including some locally grown organic rice. Utilizing techniques passed down generations, the brewery’s sake is loved by those who have encountered it.
Join the free tour to explore Suehiro Sake Brewery’s sake storehouses and three-story wooden residence. Sake-tasting during the tour is free. It is your chance to find your favorite sake while getting advice from professionals.
Note that the sake brewery tour is not held on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information, refer to Suehiro Sake Brewery’s Website. You can translate it using your browser’s translation function.
Tip: If you love photography, remember to check out the small old camera museum.
Kyō’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kyō is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- Suehiro Sake Brewery and the cafe and is a 10-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Where Else to Enjoy Food in Nanukamachi
A break is a must while traveling to rejuvenate. The great news is that Nanukamachi has several good spots to stop by and enjoy food made from locally harvested ingredients. Don’t underestimate the cooking skills of the chef in the rural area. The food that is brought to the table is incredible!
For more information about where to eat in town, refer to our article on The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants in Nanukamachi!
Where to Shop for Souvenirs on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
Because there are many shops in Nanukamachi, if you don’t have time to check them out one by one, refer to our Recommended Shops on Nanukamachi-dōri Street article for our top picks!
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The Nanukamachi-dōri Street, where Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop is located, is the starting point of Japan’s most stunning train line, the Tadami Line. From the local train’s window, which runs through the mountains, breathtaking natural views unfold one after another throughout the year. Several tourist spots worth checking out are also dotted along the Tadami Line, enriching your visit to Japan’s rural towns.
So, refer to our Tadami Line article for more information on expanding your itinerary to include a couple of scenic spots!
