Experience
Private Villa esoto lies in the fortieth post town of the old Koshu Kaido, Daigahara-juku. One of Hokuto's famed waters, the Ojira River, flows alongside it. And just next to esoto, you will find the brewery that runs it, Yamanashi Meijo. Founded in 1750, the brewery is at the heart of an ecosystem that fosters an indigenous culture through the connection of nature and community. For one night, we invite you into the heart of that ecosystem.
Premium Plan—A 300-Year Sake Journey from the Water Source
From your arrival at noon until send-off at eleven the next morning, experience the pure essence of Daigahara from the source. Over twenty-four hours, immerse yourself step-by-step in the foundational elements of Japanese craft: the mountain water, the rice, the sake, the local table, the thermal baths, and the artisans who bring them to life.
12:00
Check-in
Welcomed at the Anzaisho
In the inner parlor of the Anzaisho, where Emperor Meiji once spent a night, your departure into the serenity of esoto begins.
12:30
Lunch
Lunch at Daimin
The lunch at Shichiken's directly-managed restaurant Daimin opens with a toast with a glass of the brewery's bottle-fermented sparkling sake Yama no Kasumi. A midday spread of regional delicacies brings the day to life.
13:30
Water Source
To the Ojira River gorge, in search of the water source
A private car takes you to the Ojira River gorge—the source of Shichiken's sake. Guided by a private attendant, you will step into the embrace of the Hakushu mountains.
Originating from Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Southern Alps, this pristine stream is counted among Japan’s Top 100 Exquisite Waters. Explore its scenic beauty—from the stunning emerald-green basin of Sengafuchi (a 15-minute walk from the parking area) to the cascading three-tiered Jinja Falls, and Fudo Falls hidden in the valley’s deepest reaches. Take your time to soak in the magnificent water landscapes of Hakushu.
Course Data
- Course Time
- About 30 minutes total
- Route
- Ojira Gorge parking lot → Senga-buchi → Jinja Falls → ridge path → Ojira Gorge parking lot
Notes
・A gentle path that brings you from the parking lot to the main spot Senga-buchi in 15 minutes. ・The path beyond Senga-buchi is akin to a mountain trail, so please take care of your footing. ・Comfortable footwear such as walking shoes is recommended
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14:30
Rice Paddy Tour
Visit the paddies and touch the sake rice.
To the paddies of sake rice that sustain Shichiken’s sake. Beside the ridge, feeling the wind of Hakushu, the scenery of a single cup of sake begins right here.
16:00
Brewery Tour
Step on to Shichiken’s brewing floor.
Step into Shichiken's sake brewery, a space usually closed to the public. From rice washing and the koji room to fermentation and pressing, experience the atmosphere of a living-breathing 300-year-old brewery up close.
16:30
Aged Sake Tasting
Tasting of twenty-year vintages
The tour then moves to our aged-sake cellar, where twenty-year and ten-year vintages slumber. A sip of each will reveal how the passage of time transforms aroma, color, and finish—bringing ten and twenty years side by side in a single glass.
17:00
esoto
A drink and a long soak
After returning to the villa, enjoy a drink in the lounge before heading to the kura bath, renovated from an old storehouse on the grounds, for a long, relaxing soak. Formed by stone and shadow, the bath is a quiet space to rejuvenate and immerse your whole body in the water source of Shichiken's sake.
18:30
Pairing Dinner
An exclusive evening table
With Japanese sake at the center of the experience, we carefully pair dish temperatures with the fine nuance of chosen drinkware. Experience a smooth harmony that seamlessly blends into any setting, thoughtfully crafted into every dish and every sip.
21:00
Relax
Nightcap in the evening afterglow
Before heading to bed, there is time for one last treat in the form of a little Japanese-style nightcap: ochazuke and some small bites. Each incorporates the scent of fermentation, which, when paired with our brewing water, is the perfect soothing start to your slumber ahead.
7:00
Morning
Hakushu dawn walk
Bathed in the morning light, enjoy a breakfast that reflects the bounties of the local land. After your meal, feel free to stroll through Daigahara—once a thriving post town—as the morning unfolds. Above the brewery roofs, clouds drift lazily by.
11:00
Check-out
Send off at the Anzaisho
At the place your stay began, Anzaisho, we will see you off.
Plans
At esoto, we offer three forms of stay. From a simple, quiet night to one of deep exploration into the landscape of Hakushu — choose the time that best suits the purpose of your journey.
Premium Plan—A 300-Year Sake Journey from the Water Source
1 night with 3 meals / transfers included
esoto's most profound experience including all 12 features from the timeline above. Visit the water source, and rice paddies, tour the sake brewery and aged-sake cellar. From the pairing dinner to the following morning's send off, savor the world of Hakushu and Shichiken slowly and in full. ・Included: 1 night with 3 meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) / private transfers / water-source tour / paddy tour / Anzaisho visit / brewery visit / aged-sake comparison tasting in the cellar / kura bath / amenities / drinks. ・Check-in 12:00 / Check-out 11:00
Other Plans
Casual Plan—Relaxing repose
While no meals or experiences from the above timeline are included, you are free to spend your time in the grounds however you please. ・Included: private use of the villa / amenities / drinks (non-alcoholic, soft drinks) ・Not included: breakfast, dinner, lunch / guided tours (water source, paddy, brewery, aged-sake cellar, Anzaisho) / transfers ・Check-in: 15:00 /. Check-out: 11:00
*Shops and restaurants such as Daimin and Kinseikan are available within walking distance to use at your own convenience.
Standard Plan—Immersive Tour of Shichiken
1 night with 2 meals
Essentially a lighter version of the the premium plan with tours of the Anzaisho and sake brewery included. ・Included: 1 night with 2 meals (dinner, breakfast) / Anzaisho visit / brewery visit / kura bath / amenities / drinks ・Not included: lunch at the restaurant “Daimin” / private water-source (Ojira Gorge) tour / paddy tour / aged-sake comparison tasting in the cellar / private-car transfers ・Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
* A separate detailed sechedule for the day will be provided separately.