6 Recommended Spots in Handa City, the City of Vinegar and Sake

Posted on: 2024.07.05

6 Recommended Spots in Handa City, the City of Vinegar and Sake

The Chita Peninsula, where Handa City in Aichi Prefecture is located, has been one of Japan's leading sake-producing regions since the Edo period. In addition to sake, brewed products such as miso, soy sauce, and vinegar are also popular. Handa city is the birthplace of the groundbreaking innovation of making vinegar from sake lees. It also sparked the Edomae sushi (Edo-style sushi) boom.

This time, we will introduce you to some places where you can learn and have fun while experiencing the culture and history of Handa city. Please use this as a reference for your weekend outings!

Table of Contents

Have fun learning about vinegar
"MIM Mizkan Museum"

Exterior of the Mizkan Museum

MIM Mizkan Museumin Handa City, Aichi, reopened in March 2024. It is an experiential museum where you can enjoy learning about the history of vinegar production by Mizkan, a company famous for its vinegar, as well as the appeal of food culture.

"Daichi no Kura"

"Toki no Kura"

Tours of the museum must be booked in advance. There are two types of courses: the "Whole Museum Course," which allows visitors to visit all five zones, including guided tours, and the "Mini Course," which allows visitors to freely enjoy two zones, the "Storehouse of the Earth" and the "Garden of Light".

"Hikari no Niwa"

Sushi display

In the "Garden of Light," you can learn about the charms of food in a fun way through various experiences. This is probably the zone that will get your children most excited. There is also an "Ajipon Studio" where you can make your own "My Ajipon" with your own original label!

"MIM Mizkan Museum" is a museum where not only adults but also children can learn with the whole family. Why don't you have fun learning about the history of Mizkan and the profundity of vinegar making?

Life Designs

2024.06.28

[Handa] Is this the Mizkan Museum?! The Mizkan Museum is a place where you can learn about vinegar while having fun...

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/mim

Handa CanalThe museum is located along the Handa Canal, a 3-minute walk from Handa Station on the JR Taketoyo Line, or a 13-minute walk from Meitetsu Kowa Line Kawawa Line. In the past, vinegar made from this product was transported by boat. The Mizkan mark is everywhere. Mizkan Museum exterior Mizkan Museum entrance Advance reservations are required to visit the Mizkan Museum. There are two types of tours: the Full Course, which allows you to visit all five zones, including a guided tour, and the Mini Course, which allows you to freely enjoy the two zones, Daichi no Kura and Hikari no Niwa. <Full Course> Stay time: 120 minutes Maximum number of people...

[MIM Mizkan Museum] *Advance reservations required via the internet
Address: 2-6 Nakamuracho Handa City Aichi Prefecture
Business hours: 9:30-17:00 (last admission 15:00)
Closed: Thursdays, New Year's holidays
Parking lot: 1st approx. 40 spaces, 2nd approx. 50 spaces
https://www.mizkan.co.jp/mim/

You can taste the legendary "Kabuto Beer"
"Handa Red Brick Building"

Exterior of the "Handa Red Brick Building"

Kabuto Beer's billboard, which also appeared in the Ghibli film "The Wind Rises"

Along with the Mizkan Museum, you should also visit Handa Red Brick Building, which is actually a place that has a deep connection to the Mizkan Group.

The "Handa Red Brick Building" is a brewery that produced "Kabuto Beer," a beer that was only produced for about half a century and is known as the "phantom beer." Until now, it was only open to the public a few times a year, but in 2015 it was renovated as a tourist facility.

kabuto beer

It was here in Handa that Nakano Sumise, which is now part of the Mizkan Group, was founded. Kabuto Beer began in 1889 when the fourth-generation owner of Nakano Sumise, Nakano Matazaemon, and Morita Zenpei, the founder of Shikishima Baking, shipped a bottle of beer called "Marusan Beer."

In 1898, mechanical engineers and brewing engineers were brought in from Germany to build a new brewery in Handa Red Brick Building in Enokishita, Handa Town. They renamed the company "Kabuto Bakushu" and began brewing full-scale German beer. Just two years later, they won a gold medal at the Paris World's Fair. Their popularity grew at a rate that was approaching that of the big four beer manufacturers.

Draft Kabuto beer can be tasted.

You can actually taste Kabuto Beer at Handa Red Brick Building!

There is also a cafe called "CAFE BRICK" inside the building. You can enjoy the revived "draft" Kabuto beer and snacks made with local ingredients. It is a luxurious space where you can enjoy a legendary beer in a historic building.

Life Designs

2019.02.01

"Handa Red Brick Building" where you can try the legendary "Kabuto Beer"

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/handa-akarenga

Do you know the beer called "Kabuto Beer"? The Kabuto Beer sign appeared in the Ghibli movie "The Wind Rises" and became a hot topic. Kabuto Beer was only produced in Handa City for about half a century, and is called the "phantom beer." This time, we will introduce the "Handa Red Brick Building" the brewery that produced this legendary Kabuto Beer. Until now, it was only open to the public a few times a year, but in 2015 it was renovated as a tourist facility. We will introduce everything from the history of Kabuto Beer and the building to "Cafe Brick," where you can taste draft Kabuto Beer. The legendary "Kabuto Beer"...

[Handa Red Brick Building]
Address : Aichi Prefecture Handa City 8 Enoshita-cho
Telephone number : 0569-24-7031
Business hours : 10:00-17:00
https://handa-akarenga-tatemono.jp/

Experience the traditions of Kuni Zakari
"Kunizakari Sake no Bunka-kan"

Appearance of "Kunizakari Sake no Bunka-kan"

Inside the "Kunizakari Sake no Bunka-kan"

Kuni Zakari Sake no Bunka-kan is a sake museum run by Nakano Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., and is housed in a storehouse that has been used for sake brewing for over 200 years. You can learn not only about sake brewing, but also about the appeal of sake and the tools and techniques that are filled with the wisdom of our ancestors.

Tools actually used in sake brewing

The reception is on the first floor, and the second floor has an exhibition, a tasting space, and a shop. The facility staff will guide you through the building, so even those who are not familiar with sake can easily ask questions.

The museum's large space is used to display the sake brewing tools that have supported Kuni Zakari 's history. The tools are arranged according to the process of making sake, making it easy to visualize the actual brewing process.

A shop where you can purchase Nakano Sake Brewery sake

There is also a shop where you can purchase Nakano Sake Brewery 's sake. Nakano Sake Brewery produces a variety of brands of sake, including Kuni Zakari, as well as plum wine and other fruit liqueurs. A perfect place to get a souvenir!

Life Designs

2021.10.19

[Handa city] Discover Handa's Sake Brewing Culture at "Kunizakari Sake no Bunka-kan"

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/nakanoshuzou_museum

Handa City on the Chita Peninsula is a city of black-walled storehouses lined up along the lazily flowing canals, and many historical buildings remain. The city has prospered since the Edo period, with its transportation and brewing industries. Even today, Handa City is home to several sake breweries, the red brick building where Kabuto Beer is made, and the headquarters of Mizkan, famous for its vinegar and Ajipon, and the brewing culture continues to be passed down. This time, we went to the Kuni Zakari Sake Culture Museum, which uses a storehouse that has been used for sake brewing for over 200 years! You can deepen your understanding not only of sake brewing, but also of the charm of sake and the tools and techniques filled with the wisdom of our ancestors...

[Kunizakari Sake no Bunka-kan]
Address: Aichi Prefecture Handa City 2-24, Higashi-Honcho
Phone: 0569-23-1499
Hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Thursday (or the following day if Thursday is a national holiday) Obon, New Year holidays
Admission: Free (reservation priority)
https://www.nakanoshuzou.jp/museum/

The only planetarium on the Chita Peninsula
"Handa Sky Science Museum"

Appearance of "Handa Sky Science Museum"

The first floor has an "Earth"-themed exhibition room, and the second floor has a "Space"-themed exhibition room, both of which are free for even small children to enjoy.

The Handa Sky Science Museum is an experiential science museum where you can have fun learning about the mysteries of the Earth and the universe through the experiences of seeing, touching, and playing.

In addition to the only planetarium on the Chita Peninsula, visitors can enjoy free access to the exhibition rooms where they can learn about science, the universe, and the wonders of the earth. The astronomical observatory on the rooftop is also popular for its "Hoshi-mi-kai (stargazing gathering)" held regularly on fun themes!

planetarium

The museum's planetarium has a dome with a diameter of 18m and 240 seats, so you can relax and immerse yourself in a world of dreams under the starry sky.

Especially recommended is the live commentary that introduces the myths associated with the constellations and other fascinating aspects of the stars in an easy-to-understand manner. Some of the commentaries include mini quizzes, which are so exciting that small children get carried away answering them. The regularly changing programs are fun for children and adults alike!

望遠鏡

There are five telescopes, including a 40cm diameter Cassegrain reflector telescope, and you can see various celestial bodies at the rooftop astronomical observatory. Themed "Stargazing gathering" is being held.

The "Noon Stargazing Party" is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, weather permitting, with no application required and no participation fee. Seeing the stars at noon is also a fresh experience.

Life Designs

2021.12.02

[Handa City] Handa Sky Science Museum has only Planetarium in Chita Peninsula!

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/sky-handa

About 40 minutes by car from Nagoya. "Handa Sky Science Museum" is an experiential science museum where you can learn about the wonders of the earth and the universe through the experience of seeing, touching, and playing. Not only can you enjoy the only planetarium on the Chita Peninsula, but you can also enjoy the exhibition room where you can experience the wonders of science, the universe, and the earth for free. In addition, the astronomical observatory on the roof is also popular for its "stargazing parties" that are held regularly with fun themes. This time, we went to "Handa Sky Science Museum", which was perfect for my son who loves mysteries and the universe! The entrance to "Handa Sky Science Museum". There is a free parking lot across the street. The reception desk is right at the entrance...

[Handa Sky Science Museum]
Address : 4-210 Kirigaoka 4-chome, Handa City, Aichi, 475-0928, Japan
Phone number : 0569-23-7175
Hours of operation : 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Hall use until 9:30 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) December 29 - January 3
*The museum may be closed due to unavoidable circumstances other than those mentioned above.
Parking: Free 154 spaces (including 8 spaces for disabled persons)
web :https://sky-handa.com/
Instagram: none
facebook : https://www.facebook.com/handanosora
twitter : https://twitter.com/skyactio

Both adults and children can return to their childhood
"Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum"

新美南吉記念館の外

Nankichi's work "Gon the Fox"

Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum opened in 1994 in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture. It is located in Nakayama, the setting of Nankichi's novel "Gon the Fox." In addition to the museum, you can also stroll through the surrounding forest and enjoy a cafe, making it a great spot to spend the whole day.

exhibition room

The exhibition room realistically recreates the world of the fairy tale! There are many exhibits including panels explaining Nankichi's works and life, his handwritten notebooks and documents he used at that time.

Cafe & Shop Gon's Gifts

"Gon's Gift Cafe & Shop" is located opposite the memorial hall. It has a cafe and a goods shop, and can be used even by those who are not visiting the memorial hall. (You can enter directly from the memorial hall.)

The shop stocks a wide range of original goods, including Nankichi-related items, Tokoname ware, and lamps that appear in fairy tales.

Life Designs

2022.08.18

[Handa city] Return to your Childhood Memories, "Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum"

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/nankichi

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});童話の世界を再現してつくられた森と記念館波打つ外観が個性的な「新美南吉記念館」。自然との調和を乱さないようにつくられています。こんもりと木々が生い茂る「童話の森」「新美南吉記念館」は愛知県半田市に1994（平成6）年にオープン。南吉の作品『ごんぎつね』の舞台でもある中山の地に建ちます。芝生が広がる敷地には、木々が生い茂る「童話の森」と、波打つ建物がインパクトのある「新美南吉記念館」があります。波打っている部分は記念館建物の屋根にあたる部分な...

[Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum]
Address: 1-10-1 Iwaname Nishimachi Handa City
Phone number: 0569-26-4888
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Admission fee: 220 yen for adults (free for junior high school students and younger); 170 yen for groups of 20 or more
*Free if you are only using the library, cafe, or purchasing goods.
Closed: Every Monday, the second Tuesday of every month (open on national holidays and substitute holidays, closed on the next open day), New Year's holidays
http://www.nankichi.gr.jp/index.html

Recommended for lunch!
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant Uotaro, where you can enjoy sushi with red vinegar

魚太郎外観

Uotaro’s local fish omakase 5 pieces ¥1,100

If you visit Handa, a town of vinegar that prospered through the brewing industry, you should definitely try the sushi!

Of particular note is Kaitenzushi Uotaro, which opened in April 2024. This conveyor-belt sushi restaurant is owned by "Uotaro," a very popular fresh fish restaurant with auction rights at four fishing ports on the Chita Peninsula. You can enjoy local and seasonal fish delivered on the same day from the fishing ports of the Chita Peninsula.

Red vinegar 3-piece set ¥720

Especially recommended is sushi made with red vinegar!

Red vinegar (kasu vinegar) was used in nigiri sushi during the Edo period. Red vinegar, which has a sweeter and more savory taste than rice vinegar, quickly became popular in Edo as it went well with sushi. Try it and feel like an Edokko (a person born and brought up in Tokyo).

Crab soup ￥340

Fried local fish

There are also plenty of a la carte dishes, such as crab soup and fried local fish. All are extremely fresh and delicious!

Whitebait ice cream

The recommended dessert is "Shirasu Ice Cream." Vanilla ice cream topped with fluffy shirasu (whitebait). The saltiness and slight bitterness of the shirasu go perfectly with the sweetness of the ice cream!

Sushi display at Mizkan Museum