Dear Matsumoto fans, how are you?
I know many of you are enjoying the cherry blossoms these days.

Have you been to Koboyama yet?

Yesterday the weather was not ideal for outdoor activities so instead I took a train to Suwa, to see a music event at a Sake bar (Yoi Yoi Sake Ten).

The bar is a standing Izakaya (small and reasonably priced), and it is normally closed on Sundays but yesterday was a special occasion, because this band was playing.

The bar was small but got crowded quickly, everyone was enjoying the music and having fun drinking different types of nihonshu (or sake).

In Nagano prefecture, Suwa is a special place for nihonshu.

It is home to five sake breweries (the famous Suwa Gokura), so nihonshu seems to be the drink of choice in this town.

The shop offers a selection of nihonshu, craft beer, import beer, wine, whiskey and more.
The price for 50ml of nihonshu is 200ml, so if you are planning on tasting different types of sake, this is your occasion to do so! (Please, be careful and drink responsibly).

Today’s favorite was Nigori, a white sparkling sake.

It takes about 40 minutes by train from Matsumoto to Kamisuwa.
Kamisuwa station offers some fun attractions as well.

You can enjoy a foot bath while you wait for your train and there is a corner where you can hardboil an egg if you are feeling like a snack!

I would recommend spending a day in Suwa, there is a lot to enjoy!
If you go, don’t forget to pay a visit to Yoi Yoi Sake Ten!

Yoi Yoi Sake Ten
8-1 Suehiro, Suwa, Nagano 392-0025