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Activities
Hyogo
Includes a masu (square wooden sake cup) souvenir!

Easy Plan: Komodaru Brewery Tour—A Quick Glimpse into the Artisan's World - Hyogo Prefecture

USD35.05(JPY5,500)

  • A confirmation email for your reservation will be sent to you within 48 hours.
    *If your reservation cannot be completed, WAmazing Play will process your refund.
  • Required Time:
    60minutes

    *Time required from arrival to the end of the tour

  • Reservation Time:
    09:50 / 14:20
  • Supported Languages:
    Japanese / Mandarin / English
Participants(Min.):
3 People
Participants(Max.):
8 People
Min. Participants Required For Activity:
3 People
Payment Method:
Credit Card (VISA/MASTER/AMERICAN EXPRESS/JCB)
Fee:
Experience fee(13 years - 85 years) USD 35.05
Age (Min.):
13 years old
Parent/ Guardian Required:
Under 13 years old
Cancellation:
Yes
Booking deadline:
4 days prior by 17:00

Activity

Learn about the history of Japan's traditional komodaru barrels

With over 120 years of history, Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten, is a long-established company specializing in komodaru barrel production. The komodaru originated in the Edo period (1603-1867), when sake barrels were wrapped in woven straw mats to protect them from swaying and damage during transport by taru-kaisen (sake shipping vessels). Eventually, the breweries began applying their trademarks and designs to the wrappings (komo straw mats). Today, komodaru are commonly seen at celebratory occasions and events such as the Kagamibiraki ceremony (breaking open a sake barrel). This tradition helped Amagasaki, located near the famous sake-producing districts of Nada and Itami, flourish as a production center for these straw mats and ropes. The craft is still passed down as a proud local industry by skilled artisans.

During the factory tour, you'll learn about the following topics while observing the artisans at work:
• The origins of traditional komodaru (sake barrels wrapped in komo straw mats)
• The connection between the region and sake culture
• How komodaru are used today

More than just seeing the process, learning about its origins will deepen your understanding—be sure not to miss this opportunity during your trip.

Observe the craftsmanship behind komodaru up close

The tour begins with the creation of the komo straw mats that wrap the cedar barrels. You'll observe the printing process, a rare sight where the brewery's mark is hand-heat-transferred onto each woven straw mat. See a skilled artisan complete a large komodaru in just 20 minutes!

Easy to reach from central Osaka

Amagasaki is close to central Osaka, making it very easy to access. You can get from Hankyu Umeda Station (Osaka) to Hankyu Tsukaguchi Station (Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture) on the Hankyu Kobe Line with no transfers, taking about 20 minutes.


Schedule

  • Arrival procedures

    Show the reservation page from your My Page upon arrival.

  • Explanation of the komodaru history

    First, you'll watch a video introducing Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten, a long-established komodaru manufacturer with over 120 years of history. The komodaru originated in the Edo period (1603-1867), when sake barrels transported by ship were wrapped in woven straw mats to protect them from damage. Eventually, the breweries began printing their trademarks on the wrappings. Today, traditional komodaru are widely used for celebratory occasions, such as the Kagamibiraki ceremony.

  • Brewery tour

    You will see each stage of komodaru production in order, including straw mat weaving, press processing (transferring designs onto the komodaru), and the printing process (creating transfer paper for trademarks and designs). The tour offers an up-close look at traditional techniques and the beauty of the artisans' handiwork.

  • Which of the original cypress masu designs will you take home?

    You'll receive one of three original designs at random! Find out which one you'll receive on the day!


Included in the Fee

• Brewery tour, a cypress masu cup (souvenir)

Not included in the Fee

• Other than the above (transportation fees, costs for food/drinks not mentioned above, souvenir purchase fees, etc. are not included)

Meeting Place

In front of the Dai-mon gate (Reception at the office in case of rain)

2-8-25 Tsukaguchi Hon-machi, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Prefecture

Directions

Nearest StationTsukaguchi Station (Hankyu Railway)

Directions to Nearest StationAbout a 7-minute walk from Tsukaguchi Station (North Exit)

Destination by TaxiKishimoto Kichiji Syoten Co., Ltd


Things guests need to prepare on the day of the activity (clothes, belongings, etc.)

• Glasses (recommended for reading brochures)


Cancellation Policy

The cancel fee is based on the timing of the cancellation. Please check the cancellation policy below.

  • After 1 days before date of use
    50%
  • The day of use
    100%

Notes

Notes:
• Children ages 12 and under can participate in the experience if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Language Support:
• English brochures are available.
• Use of translation apps for English and Chinese.

Parking availability:
• Free parking is available

Cancellation Policy:
• The experience may be canceled for safety reasons due to bad weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances. In that case, WAmazing Play's customer support or the organizer will contact you using the emergency details you have provided. Please be sure to check your email or incoming calls on the day. (Notifications are typically sent after 4:00pm on the day before the event.)

Organizer

Kishimoto Kichiji Syoten Co., Ltd

2-8-25 Tsukaguchi Hon-machi, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Prefecture 661-0001

×
Experience fee(USD 35.05)
13 years - 85 years
USD0.00(JPY0)
Unavailable:Weekends & Public Holidays (*Available on Saturdays in September & October; certain dates excluded)