My first visit to Chichibu in about two years! The last time I visited was in October 2023 for the Ichiro’s Malt Tasting Seminar as part of a Chichibu workcation. I still remember how the ginkgo trees in Chichibu Muse Park were beautifully colored back then.
This time, it’s another Chichibu workation. But instead of just a tasting session, this trip includes an exclusive tour of the Venture Whisky (Ichiro’s Malt) distillery! Since the distillery is not usually open to the public, this was a truly special opportunity. Past participants were given priority access before the general public, so I had no hesitation in signing up immediately!
Arrival in Chichibu and Exploring the Town
I originally wanted to head there in the morning, but due to travel constraints, I arrived in Chichibu in the early afternoon. On the last day of February, the temperature was a warm 15°C, giving a sense of spring approaching.
Since this was a workation, I started with some work at a coworking space before taking the afternoon off to explore Chichibu.
Buko Shuzo sake brewery
One of my stops was Buko Shuzo, a long-established sake brewery with a great selection of local Chichibu sake—a must-visit for any sake lover!
Recharging at Chichibu Shrine
While in the area, I also visited Chichibu Shrine. Inside the shrine grounds, I noticed barrels of Ichiro’s Malt on display, adding a cultural and historical touch to the scenery. Under the clear blue sky, the solemn atmosphere of the shrine made me feel refreshed and at peace.
Enjoying Chichibu Craft Beer at Mahoro Bar
2 PM—perfect time for a daytime drink! I headed to Mahoro Bar, where I sampled five types of craft beer from Chichibu Beer:
- NO.8 Mahoroba Bear (Imperial West Coast IPA / Alc 8.8%)
- NO.7 Naminori Kuma (West Coast IPA / Alc 7%)
- NO.5 Kurokuma Stout (Oatmeal Stout / Alc 7%)
- NO.3 Benikuma (“Mizunara” Red Ale / Alc 5%)
- NO.6 Shirokuma (Hazy IPA / Alc 6%)
As an IPA lover, I naturally gravitated toward the bear series. What a luxurious afternoon! I also had a great chat with the staff about craft beer and barrel aging. They introduced me to Hazy Labo, a brewery in Sayama City, Saitama, which now has me intrigued. Yet again, my list of must-try drinks has grown…!
Evening Social Gathering and Chichibu Horumon Feast
In the evening, we had a networking session with 15 participants at the coworking space. Many attendees from the previous whisky seminar workation were there, and it was nice to be recognized: “Weren’t you here last time too?”
A variety of Chichibu’s finest drinks were available:
- Ichiro’s Malt
- Buko Masamune & Chichibu Nishiki (sake)
- Toshida Winery’s white wine, “Chichibu Blanc”
- Even shochu!
Among them, Chichibu Blanc was a big hit, with its juicy, ripe fruit flavors disappearing in no time!
Adding to the feast was Chichibu horumon (grilled offal), cooked over an open flame. The smoky aroma, the sizzling sounds, and the local flavors under the night sky… It was truly a “perfect night.”
Afterparty at Highlander Inn Chichibu
A smaller group continued the night at Highlander Inn Chichibu.
This whisky-lover’s paradise offered a fantastic selection, but strangely… I can’t quite remember what I drank!
This has never happened before… Did I drink too much? Or was it the lack of sleep?
Regardless, I managed to return to my lodging on my own—so I call that a win! (Haha)
Continuing to Day2
This workation was a fantastic experience, filled with great drinks and warm hospitality in Chichibu. I can’t wait to see what new encounters the next trip will bring.
If you love sake or whisky, Chichibu is a must-visit destination. Why not take a weekend trip and discover it for yourself?
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