Many visitors to Japan will pass through Narita Airport on their way to Tokyo. But to head straight to the city center is to miss the rich beauty and culture of the area that surrounds the airport. Chiba Prefecture, where Narita is situated, is known for its sweeping Pacific coastline, picturesque townscapes and a brewing legacy stretching back over three centuries. This historic landscape provides the foundation for Greenport Travel’s specialized itineraries. 

Based directly at the airport, Greenport Travel creates locally focused, guided tours that move beyond standard sightseeing to connect visitors with the authentic culture, craftsmanship and everyday life of the region.

Its tours will take you to hidden gems like the towns of Sawara and Kozaki — places where centuries-old sake breweries and repurposed merchant houses offer a window into the past. Whether you’re on a short stay or a resident in Japan, these experiences provide a meaningful bridge to the people and heritage of Chiba.

The following seven-hour guided tour, available now, is a feast for the senses. It moves from Nabedana, a sake brewery that has passed through 19 generations of the same family, to Le Un, a renowned French restaurant where the chef builds each dish around the region’s fermentation traditions. Along the way, you’ll pass through a charming canal town and explore Edo-era streets that remain remarkably intact.

Nabedana: 300 Years of Sake Brewing Heritage in Kozaki

The guided tour begins in the town of Kozaki, home to Nabedana, a storied brewery that was founded in the Edo period. Tracing its roots back over 330 years, Nabedana eventually centralized its operations in Kozaki during the 1940s. The move was strategic, as the site offered the expansive space and exceptional quality of local rice and water necessary to maintain their rigorous brewing standards. 

For travelers, this location offers a rare opportunity to discover the history and charm of traditional Japanese sake brewing through immersive, firsthand experiences. As a key stop on a Greenport Travel itinerary, Nabedana provides a look at the artistry behind Japan’s national drink. 

Visitors can witness the intricate sake-making process through guided tours of the historic facilities, which are conveniently available in English to ensure the experience is inclusive for international travelers. After exploring the brewery, guests can visit the on-site store, which is open daily for discovery and tastings. Here, visitors can sample a wide range of expertly crafted brews, including the well-known Jinyu and Fudoh labels, as well as exclusive aged varieties that showcase the brewery’s long history.

Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Narita Airport, Nabedana is a perfect example of a deep cultural destination that is easily accessible for those looking to explore the authentic side of Chiba shortly after arrival or before a departure. 

Le Un: Inventive French Fusion That Honors Local History

The journey then moves to Sawara, a charming riverside town beloved for its beautifully preserved Edo-era streets, lined with traditional merchant houses. Once a vital trade hub, the town remains a picturesque destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s history. 

Sawara is also famous for its thriving culinary scene, with an abundance of delicious eateries that range from chic cafes and modern patisseries to gourmet restaurants. A centerpiece of this town is Le Un, the flagship restaurant of the Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel. This establishment operates within a repurposed sake warehouse formerly belonging to the Babahonten Brewery, retaining its original character with soaring ceilings and thick timber beams. 

Chef Hidemi Amau has crafted a dining experience here that functions as a bridge between French technique and Sawara’s deep-rooted fermentation culture. The menu is a farm-to-table tribute to the Chiba countryside, utilizing an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local producers to create dishes that can only be experienced in this specific corner of Japan.

Amau’s fermented French cuisine blends classic methods with local staples like koji, soy sauce and sake lees. In a creative departure from tradition, he often uses sake lees to provide a savory, umami-rich depth that replaces traditional French cheeses. 

Furthermore, the restaurant is a leader in sustainable initiatives, adopting a zero-waste philosophy. This includes sourcing “imperfect” vegetables that are usually discarded and transforming ingredient parts typically left unused into rich, concentrated sauces. 

By visiting both Nabedana and Le Un, travelers witness a dialogue between the past and the present. One preserves the foundational methods of a centuries-old craft, while the other uses those same traditions to innovate for the modern palate. These experiences ensure that your time in the region is more than just a visit — it is a meaningful connection to the stories and flavors that make this culinary heritage unforgettable.

To book the tour, click here.

More Information

Greenport Travel


Nipponia Sawara

Le Un

Nabedana Sake Brewery