Breakfast at the Terraced Rice Fields
Hosted by KURABITO STAY
With the support of the Okazaki Brewery
Only 7 guests par day
Breakfast at one of Japan’s most beautiful terraced rice fields, together with the brewery that produces Shinshu Kirei.
Selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Rice Terraces”, the Inakura Rice Terraces in Ueda have long captivated and inspired visitors. The gently cascading paddies that nestle into the valley embody the quintessential Japanese landscape—a scenery shaped by generations of people living in harmony with nature.
About 25 years ago, when the terraces were at risk of falling into disrepair, local residents formed a preservation association with a shared mission: “More Than a Landscape. Connecting people with nature, with one another, and with future generations.” Thanks to the dedication, hard work, and affection of countless people, the terraces have been carefully preserved and remain as beautiful as they are today.
For over 350 years, Okazaki Brewery has brewed its elegant sake in Ueda. Through cultivating sake rice in these terraces, the brewery continues to play an important role in preserving this cherished landscape.
This year once again, we are honored to support Okazaki Brewery’s sake tourism program, which invites guests to experience the region’s unique culture and terroir. Brewery president Kenichi Okazaki envisioned a special experience that takes place during the early morning hours, when the terraces are at their most beautiful. In this unforgettable setting, the entire landscape becomes your breakfast table.
Allow yourself to harmonize with the vitality of the rice terraces bathed in the soft morning light. Feel the earth beneath your feet as you walk through the fields, and savor the hospitality of the terraces through a breakfast that celebrates the local landscape and culture.
Enjoy a memorable breakfast while surrounded by the morning light that illuminates the terraces. Chef and kurabito (brewery worker) Shuhei Otsuka has prepared a one-of-a-kind breakfast inspired by the art of fermentation—an experience that can only be enjoyed here.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this special morning together.
* Part of the program fee will be donated to the Inagura no Tanada Hozen Iinkai (committee for the protection of the Inagura rice terraces) to support their activities. By joining this experience, you are helping preserve one of Japan’s most beautiful terraced rice fields for future generations.
Walk among the terraces flooded by morning light
A guide will tell you more about the history and importance of the terraces. And breakfast will taste even better after a pleasant morning stroll!
Breakfast overlooking the terraces
You will be served carefully prepared rice balls made with freshly cooked rice grown in the terraced fields, delicious soup made with local miso, and local ingredients chosen for their connection to fermentation.
◆Language
Japanese, English
◆Maximum number of participants
7 people
◆Dates
10 Dates Available
・Day-trip plans are not available this year. Reservations are available only as accommodation packages that include a stay at either SAKE HOTEL KIREI (Ueda) or KURABITO STAY (Saku). Guests check in on the day before the breakfast experience.
・Accommodation packages at SAKE HOTEL KIREI (Ueda) are already sold out.
・The event will proceed in light rain. However, if severe weather conditions make it unsafe to use the rice terraces, the breakfast event at the terraces will be cancelled. Depending on weather conditions, cancellation notices may be given shortly before the event.
・In the event of cancellation, an alternative program will be provided. Guests will enjoy breakfast with the brewery team in a special venue set up within the grounds of Okazaki Brewery.
【August】
(Dates below indicate the morning experience date. Check-in is on the previous day.)
August 23 (Sun) — Fully Booked
The “Shishi-odoshi” event will take place on the evening of August 22.
August 28 (Fri) — Spots still available (3)
August 29 (Sat) — Spots still available (4)
August 30 (Sun) — Spots still available (3)
【September】
(Dates below indicate the morning experience date. Check-in is on the previous day.)
September 4 (Fri) — Spots still available (3)
September 5 (Sat) — Spots still available (5)
September 6 (Sun) — Fully Booked
September 11 (Fri) — Spots still available (6)
September 12 (Sat) — Spots still available (4)
September 13 (Sun) — Fully Booked
Availability is subject to change. Please refer to the reservation website for the latest booking status.
◆Gift to take home
Shinshu Kirei Ueda Inagura Rice Terrace Junmai Ginjo 720ml (1 bottle per person)
* Due to the limited number of bottles produced, it will not be possible to buy more.
◆Price
Accomodation package at KURABITO STAY（Saku）
JPY 44,800 – 47,800 per person tax included
Includes:
・1-night stay at KURABITO STAY（Saku）
・Dinner
・TANADA MORNING experience（Breakfast at Inakura Rice Terraces）
Important Notes
・Complimentary transportation between KURABITO STAY and the Inakura Rice Terraces is available for guests staying at KURABITO STAY.
・Sake will be served during the program. Guests who plan to drive after the event will be offered a non-alcoholic amazake sweet fermented rice drink instead.
◆Schedule
KURABITO STAY Saku – 1 Night / 2 Meals Included
DAY 1
From 4:00 PM – Check-in available
Please check in by 5:30 PM. If you expect to arrive significantly later, please contact us in advance.
About Access to KURABITO STAY:
https://kurabitostay.com/en/access/
By JR Koumi Line
3:18 PM Sakudaira Station → 3:43 PM Usuda Station
4:00 PM Sakudaira Station → 4:32 PM Usuda Station
4:45 PM Sakudaira Station → 5:13 PM Usuda Station
From Usuda Station:
18-minute walk to KURABITO STAY
Or
By Taxi from Sakudaira Station:
Approximately 25 minutes by taxi
Approximate fare: JPY 4,500
5:40 PM – 6:00 PM Orientation
From 6:00 PM Dinner at the KURABITO STAY Lounge
Enjoy a specially prepared dinner box and Shinshu soba noodles from Tomosen, carefully selected to pair with local sake from Saku. We also invite you to enjoy conversations about sake with fellow guests.
＼ Complimentary Sake on Tap During your stay! ／
A sake server is available on the ground floor of KURABITO STAY. Enjoy complimentary seasonal sake from Saku and Ueda regions throughout your stay.
After enjoying local sake at your own pace, relax and get a good night’s sleep for the next day’s experience.
DAY 2
5:30 AM Depart KURABITO STAY
Complimentary transportation available for guests who request it\. KURABITO STAY staff will provide the transfer.
6:30 AM Arrive at Inakura Rice Terraces
Check-in and registration
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM TANADA MORNING
After a guided walk through the rice terraces, enjoy a special breakfast served on a stage overlooking the magnificent landscape.
9:00 AM Depart Inakura Rice Terraces
Complimentary transportation available for guests who request it.
9:30 AM Tour ends in front of Okazaki Brewery
Before departure, please collect your complimentary bottle of sake.
Although the sake has been pasteurized, we recommend bringing an insulated bag during the summer months to keep it cool.
Reservations
Please make your reservation through the dedicated booking page. Online payment only.
Due to the limited capacity and preparation required for this special event, cancellations and refunds are not available.
The Okazaki Brewery team