MASHIKO

Explore
Sake & Culture
in MASHIKO

A two-day itinerary to experience Japanese pottery, sake, aizome, and farms

Day ONE in MASHIKO

sake-voyage-sake-trips-mashiko-Shoji Hamada Memorial Museum

10:00~10:50
Shoji Hamada Memorial Museum

Visit the former home, workshop, and kiln of Shoji Hamada, one of Japan’s most famous potters. While you’re here, learn about his life and see his famous works on display.
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11:00~12:30
Tsukamoto Pottery Making

Visit one of many Mashiko’s pottery studios to make your own Mashiko pottery. Why not create a Mashiko ‘SAKE CUP’ to drink sake from?

English speaker available
From 11:00-, 13:00-, 15:00-
Closed: Thursday
Please book in advance
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12:45~13:45
Lunch at Sarikikyougasaka

Enjoy a delicious lunch at this popular Japanese restaurant. Book in advance if you want to order their special seasonal Japanese lunch set– they only serve 20 each day!
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14:00~15:00
Jyonaizaka Sreet

Jyonaizaka Street is Mashiko’s high street with many Mashiko pottery shops. Beginning at the top of the hill, you’ll find many shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit the famous Higeta Aizome Kobo (Higeta Indigo Dyeing Studio) near the bottom of the hill.
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15:00~16:00
Higeta Aizome Kobo
(Higeta Indigo Dyeing Studio)

Established more than 200 years ago, Higeta Aizome Kobo is a well-respected indigo dyeing studio in Japan.

Enter the building with a traditional thatched roof and watch craftsmen working in the studio or shop for handmade items that were dyed at Higeta Aizome Kobo.

Free entry.

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16:30~17:15
Saimyouji Temple

The three-story pagoda is one of the oldest in East Japan.

Saimyouji Temple was originally built in 737 by Arimaro Ki. The temple had 12 residences for monks at the height of its influence in 782.

All buildings were destroyed by fire In 1127, rebuilt in 1178, and destroyed again in 1351. Over time, the Main Hall (1394), Tower Gate (1492), three-story Pagoda (1538), the Hall which houses the “Laughing Emma” (1714), and Bell Tower (1722) were all rebuilt.

17:30
Hotel

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Mashiko-kan Satoyama Resort Hotel

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Mashiko Yuwakan Hotel

Day TWO in MASHIKO

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8:50~9:50
Yoshimura Strawberry Farm

Yoshimura Strawberry Farm is a popular family-run strawberry farm in Mashiko.

This area is the best place to grow strawberries in Japan and there are some delicious species, such as Sky-Berry and Milky-Berry, which can only be grown in this region of Japan.

Strawberries taste best when they’re freshly picked in the morning, so start your day with an all-you-can-eat strawberry feast!

Bookable online.

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10:00~12:00
Tonoike Sake Brewery

Tonoike Sake Brewery was founded in Mashiko in 1937 by Itsugoro Tonoike, whose family began brewing sake in Tochigi Prefecture in 1829.

In 2019, the brewery was ranked 4th in the World Sake Brewery Rankings, which compiles scores from domestic and international contests.

The brewery has a small museum where guests can learn about sake production, a sake tasting area, a shop, and a new sake bar. Tasting tours are available to book online.

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12:15~13:15
Lunch at tetto grand

Enjoy a delicious lunch at ‘tetto grande’, a European restaurant with a Japanese touch!

The owners converted a 110-year-old traditional Japanese house into a welcoming restaurant that offers cuisine from Italy, Spain, and the south of France using local produce from Mashiko.

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13:30~14:00
Rice Field Tour

Take a tour of Japanese rice fields and see how the rice for sake is grown.

To book a tour contact Tonoike Sake Brewery
Tel:+81 0285-72-0001
(Open 9:00AM-5:00PM)

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14:10~15:00
Sweet Potatoes and Sake

Visit Tonoike Sake Brewery to cook local sweet potatoes on an outside fireplace and enjoy a glass of sake.

To book this experience, contact Tonoike Sake Brewery
Tel:+81 0285-72-0001

(Open 9:00AM-5:00PM)

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15:30~16:15
Mashiko Michi No Eki

Drop by to enjoy one of the newest features of Mashiko. Mashiko Michi No Eki includes a popular gift shop with local produce, a gallery space, and a cafe/restaurant.

Bicycles can also be hired here from 700 yen a day.

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19:30
Arrive back in Tokyo

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OTHER OPTIONS

~Activity~

Strawberry Picking

Mashiko is a popular destination for picking strawberries. Strawberry picking season runs from December through early April.

Cycling

Bicycles are available to hire at Mashiko Sta., Mashiko Countryside Tours, Mashiko Michi No Eki, and Mashiko Kyohan Center (from 700 yen/day).

~Lunch~

Soma

Soma is a nice Japanese restaurant in Mashiko (near Mashiko Station). The chef trained in Tokyo and uses only the best seasonal local ingredients. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is popular with locals.

Yamani

Yamani is a local restaurant near Mashiko Kyohan Center at the top of Jyonaizaka Street. Soba (buckwheat noodles) and Japanese curry are popular dishes.

~Hotel~

Mashiko Yuwakan Hotel

Stay at this historical building, which was once the emperor's residence (then crown prince) when he evacuated WW2.

OTHER TRIPS

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Visit the cave brewery as well as traditional paper craft workshops.

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Visit Nikko and a small brewery that still uses a rare traditional pressing method.

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Visit a 7th-generation sake brewery and follow the water source to the beautiful Chuzenji-lake.