—Inspired by the Komodaru
Tsukaguchi:
The home of the special sake barrels
vital to Japan’s sake culture.
Have you ever seen one of those special sake barrels,
carefully wrapped in straw,
used in Japanese festivals and ceremonies?
Called komodaru, these barrels safeguard the sake
and create a pure, celebratory atmosphere—a symbol of Japan’s traditional culture.
They aren’t merely vessels
but crafted works imbued with the skill of the craftsmen and the Japanese spirit itself.
Tsukaguchi, in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture,
is where this beautiful tradition continues today.
Located right beside Nada Gogo, one of Japan’s most renowned sake-producing regions,
Tsukaguchi has long nurtured a thriving craft of barrel-making to support sake brewing.
Today, around 70% of these special sake barrels
used throughout Japan are produced here.
Tsukaguchi isn’t a sightseeing spot—
it’s a town where everyday life and the legacy of traditional industry run deep,
making it one of the few places where you can experience Japan’s authentic, everyday culture.
After the experience, it’s worth visiting nearby restaurants
to sample Nada’s sake paired with seasonal dishes.
In Tsukaguchi’s shopping street,
you’ll find authentic sushi restaurants where chefs prepare each piece on the spot,
along with Japanese dining spots serving Hyogo Prefecture’s local sake
and dishes made with regional ingredients.
Discover the traditions found only in Tsukaguchi—Japan’s leading producer of komodaru—
together with the flavors cherished by locals.
Recommended Experiences
From crafting komodaru barrels, which hold the top market share in Japan,
to popular hands-on sushi-making experiences,
Tsukaguchi offers high-value experiences that let you engage with authentic Japanese culture.
Just a short trip from Umeda in central Osaka, it’s a rare opportunity to witness true Japanese local life.
Komodaru barrel-making
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Book This Plan
Required Time: 120 minutes
Craft your very own original komodaru!
Authentic, hands-on komodaru making with craftsmen
and exploring the history and culture of Japanese sakeA hands-on crafting experience that lets you connect with the spirit of the artisans. Learn the intricacies of komodaru barrel-making directly from active craftsmen at the long-established manufacturer Kishimoto Kichiji Syouten. Hear the history of komodaru, deeply tied to Japan’s sake culture, and try painting your own original barrel with unique designs and lettering.
It’s the perfect experience for those who value genuine craftsmanship and wish to devote time to experiencing Japanese traditional arts in depth.
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Book This PlanRequired Time: 60 minutes
Explore the komodaru workshop and receive a sake cup souvenir!
Take a glimpse into the world of artisans with this special komodaru workshop tourA condensed 60-minute tour showcasing traditional craftsmanship. This plan gives a lighter introduction to the deep history, background, and production process of komodaru covered in the 120-minute experience.
It’s a great experience for those with limited time or who want to casually observe the craftsmen at work. In just a short time, you can soak in the unique atmosphere of Japan’s top komodaru production region. At the end of the experience, take home an original cypress sake cup as a souvenir.
Local specialties
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Book This Plan
Required Time: 90 minutes
Master the art of sushi—a multi-sensory journey into Japanese cuisine!
Enjoy an authentic sushi-making experience at a historical restaurant, along with an exquisite mealThis plan offers more than just sushi-making—you will also learn about the history of Matsuba Sushi, sushi etiquette, and the techniques of the craftsmen through videos. As an option, you can wear an original Matsuba Sushi samue (traditional work attire) while making sushi.
It’s an immersive experience where you can enjoy the sushi and tempura you’ve made with the guidance of the craftsmen, offering a deep insight into Japanese food culture and dining etiquette.
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Book This PlanRequired Time: 120 minutes
Discover Hyogo Prefecture’s terroir through its local flavors and Japanese sake!
Enjoy Hyogo’s cuisine and local sake served from the world’s first brewery-direct komodaru-style draft sake serverWhere sake meets tradition. Enjoy a tasting course crafted specifically with international travelers in mind. Paired with dishes made from local ingredients—Hyogo vegetables and fresh seafood from Awaji Island—guests can also savor rare barrel sake served from a komodaru-style draft sake server, along with celebrated brews from the Nada Gogo region.
After experiencing the craftsmanship, enjoy the refined setting and local cuisine, enriching your time here.
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Book This Plan
Required Time: 120 minutes
Japanese sake and kaiseki bento tasting led by a mother-daughter duo of certified sake sommeliers!
Experience Japan’s finest sake and seasonal flavors all in one experience. Savor a unique encounter with the essence of Japanese hospitality, pairing three sake selected by a mother-daughter team of sake sommeliers with a seasonal kaiseki bento (elaborate meal served in a box).Discover Japanese food culture through a kaiseki bento. Sake experts select three premium labels tailored to the season and the dishes, letting you enjoy a guided tasting.
You’ll be served an authentic kaiseki-style bento—beautifully presented and filled with the essence of Japanese cuisine. It’s a premium dining experience for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of Japan’s delicate flavors and artistic culinary sensibilities.
Access to Tsukaguchi Station (Hankyu Railway)
Tsukaguchi offers excellent access from major cities in the Kansai region, and its compact layout makes it easy to explore.
- ［From Osaka］ About 15 minutes from Umeda Station (Hankyu Kobe Main Line) with no transfers.
- ［From Kobe］ About 30 minutes from Sannomiya Station (Hankyu Kobe Main Line) with no transfers.
- ［From Kyoto］ About 60 minutes by transferring between JR lines and the Hankyu Kobe Main Line.