Handa, a magnificent town with breweries that prospered with Sake making

The city of Handa is located in central Chita Peninsular, approximately 50 minutes by train from Nagoya. Ever since the Edo period, it has prospered with Sake brewing, textile manufacture, maritime trade, and other manufacturing industries. There are many sites to visit including the breweries that stand along the Handa Canal and museums, which convey the city's development and history. Traditional festivals including the valiant and gorgeous Handa Dashi Matsuri Festival which is held only once every five years, and the Dashi Matsuri Festivals that are held in each district between late March and the beginning of May are also part of the charms of this town.

The Mizkan Museum MIM was renewed in November 2015. Using the cutting-edge movie technology, it introduces the history of vinegar making and the Japanese food culture. (Admission fee for adult is 300 yen. A 90-minute guide tour in Japanese is available with advance reservation.)

Benzaisen trading vessel

The 20 meter-long Benzaisen trading vessel is replicated. On the deck, you will see a large screen which shows a compelling video on how vinegar was transported by sea from Handa to Edo (currently Tokyo).

A town with the Sake breweries

Enjoy the beautiful view of Handa Canal where different Saké breweries stand. The canal was constructed around three centuries ago in order to transport vinegar, Handa's specialty, to Edo (the current Tokyo). Walking along the area while observing the view, or cycling through the town on a rental bicycle would be nice.

"Kunizakari Sake no Bunkakan Museum", symbol of a town that prospered in Saké brewing

A museum in an old Saké brewery. It introduces the history of sake brewing method. (Free admission)

Inside the museum surrounded by chic black walls, a wooden pulley to carry heavy Saké barrels and other valuable tools which are no longer used due to mechanization and power-saving are exhibited.

Tasting is available in the museum. Compare various types of Saké to find your favorite taste. You can buy them as a souvenir too.

The house of Nakano Hanroku

A house of a well-off family which built their fortune with maritime trade and Sake brewing in the 19th century. Step into the traditional house to have a breathtaking view of the elegant Japanese tatami rooms, Tokonoma, and glass windows which bring in plenty of light. (Free admission)

Konya Kaido

Konya Kaido used to be a strategic point in the old days. You will encounter traditional buildings as you head towards the red brick architecture.

"Handa Red Brick Building", an architecture that has lived through turbulent times

The Kabuto beer factory, Handa's local beer, was built in the end of the 19th century (during Meiji period). In terms of scale, it is one of the top five brick buildings in Japan constructed during the time. It was designed by Tsumaki Yorinaka, a leading figure of the Meiji architecture, who also designed the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and the Nihonbashi (the decoration part). The regular exhibit room (admission fee: 200 yen) shows model and videos introducing the history of the Handa Red Brick Building and the invention process of Kabuto beer.

Kabuto beer

Kabuto beer (600 yen) is a recommended souvenir. It has high alcohol content of 7%, and offers a mild texture like wine.

The town of Niimi Nankichi

The "Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum" is one of the sites you must not miss in Handa. Niimi Nankichi is a famous author of children's literature, who was born in this city.

His major novels, the "Gongitsune" (Gon, the little fox) and "Tebukuro-wo Kaini" (Buying mittens) are translated in to various languages. Even today, these novels are adopted in many of the Japanese school textbooks, therefore almost all Japanese people have read the stories in childhood time.

At the memorial museum, the world of Nankichi's literature is introduced in a diorama style exhibit (explanation available in English.).

Birthplace of Niimi Nankichi

The house of Niimi Nankichi is reconstructed the same way as it used to be, with the father's Tatami shop and the stepmother's Geta store.

Yakachi-gawa river bank

In late September, Higanbana flowers (red spider lilies) bloom all over along the 1.5 kilometer-long river bank which spreads from east to west. The flowers also appear in the novels of Niimi Nankichi.

Lunch at Uotaro

"Uotaro, kurano-machi" offers plenty of fresh seafood dishes. It is a buffet style restaurant (1,580 yen) and serves over 10 dishes including Kaisen-don (rice bowl with seafood toppings), Sashimi, and more. Both your stomach and heart will surely be satisfied.

Café Brick

Try the Nama Kabuto beer, local craft beer, and sausages at Café Brick which is in a red brick warehouse. German plate set with the Kabuto beer (1,400 yen) and pasta lunch (1,000 yen) are also available.

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