Harushika Sake Store

Taste five seasonal sake styles at the Naramachi brewery shop of an 1884 sake maker.

AI-generated visual study · not a documentary photograph

Discover Harushika Sake Store

Harushika is the sake label of Imanishi Seibei Shoten, founded in Naramachi in 1884. Its small brewery shop offers five seasonal samples for ¥700, a compact way to compare how rice, brewing and finishing shape different styles. Tasting is separate from the limited brewery tour: visitors cannot assume a production-floor visit simply by entering the shop. The brewer connects its name to Kasuga Taisha’s deer tradition, but a tasting can also be a practical pause in a Naramachi walk.

An 1884 brewery in Naramachi

Imanishi Seibei Shoten dates its foundation to 1884 and identifies its business as sake production and sales. The brewer says the name Harushika joins Kasuga’s name with the deer associated with its shrine tradition. Bottles, limited releases, mirin and Nara-zuke are among the shop’s products; this is the brewery’s own retail space rather than a general souvenir shop.

Compare five seasonal samples

The brewery currently lists five tasting samples for ¥700, with the sake and original glass changing by season. The tasting counter accepts orders 10:00–16:30. The latest dated notice gives general shop hours as 10:00–17:00, while the undated shop page says 09:00–17:00; treat the opening-time difference as unresolved and check the live calendar or call before travelling. Tasting may be unavailable during brewery events.

Use the reserved tasting slots carefully

For groups of four to eight, the shop lists reserved 30-minute seats at 10:00 and 11:00 on weekdays other than its closing day. The official pages are not fully consistent: the shop page’s FAQ says tastings are not reserved in advance, while its reservation details and current dated announcement describe these two group slots. Confirm by phone or email before relying on a reservation. At other times, visitors register at the counter and wait their turn; walk-in availability can vary.

A brewery tour is a separate, seasonal event

The brewer holds production tours only on specially announced dates, usually in February or March. Its 2026 tour dates (7 and 21 February, 7 and 14 March, two sessions each day) have passed. This year’s ¥2,750 web-booked ticket included one 720 ml tour-only sake, was limited to 35 people per session and five per booking, and did not include a tasting; tasting had to be applied for separately after the tour. No 2027 tour schedule was posted as of 25 October 2026. Check the operator’s news page for the next release before planning around a tour.

Make the stop responsibly

The shop has only five parking spaces and asks drivers not to taste. Walk from the Naramachi area or arrange another safe onward journey if you plan to drink. Visitors who do not drink can still browse bottles and learn about the producer; verify any product ingredients or alcohol content with staff.

What to look for

Naramachi sake-brewing heritage

Five seasonal sake samples

Small-group tasting by advance arrangement

Photo notes

The operator’s website prohibits unauthorised reuse of its text and images, but does not spell out a general personal-camera rule for the shop. Ask staff before photographing the interior, employees or customers. Production areas are not part of the regular shop visit; ask about photography rules if admitted on a separately scheduled brewery tour.

Plan your visit

LocationNara City

Visitor detailsFive-sake tasting: ¥700 per person; samples vary by seasonShop hours: Official pages differ: the undated shop page says 09:00–17:00; the latest dated notice (14 Oct 2026) says 10:00–17:00. Confirm before arrivalTasting hours: Five seasonal samples ¥700; tasting reception 10:00–16:30Brewery tour: Special dates only, usually February–March; 2026 dates are over and the 2027 schedule was not yet posted as of 25 Oct 2026Regular closure: Tuesday (following day if Tuesday is a holiday), plus Obon, New Year and other announced closuresVisitor information sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Confirm current hours and fees before visiting.Check source for visitor details Alcohol tasting is for adults of legal drinking age in Japan. The tasting lineup, event days, closures and group reservation availability can change; check the current brewery calendar and ask the operator for arrangements in another language.

Getting thereThe shop is at 24-1 Fukuchiincho. The operator estimates a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or 25 minutes from JR Nara Station; a Tenri-bound bus to Fukuchiincho takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 3-minute walk. The lot holds about five cars. The brewery asks tasting visitors not to drive.

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Sources & editorial status

Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 25 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.