Knowledge of Japanese Sake and Sake Brewery
What is the season for making Japanese sake?Since the 17th century, "Kanzukuri," sake brewing in winter when yeast is effectively active, was the mainstream for sake brewing. Even now, taking advantage of the natural environment in this cold period, around November to February, sake is actively being produced at small and medium-sized sake breweries.
Meanwhile, at major brewery manufacturers with factory type storage and air conditioned facilities, "Shikizukuri," or brewing sake throughout the year, can be done.
What is "kurabiraki" (warehouse opening) at the sake brewery?From January to early May, "kurabiraki" are held to celebrate the completion of the sake. It is a very fun event where visitors can enjoy freshly made sake, limited edition sake only available at the brewery is sold, stalls with local food are opened, and so on.
Recently besides the Shinshu Matsuri new sake festival, there are an increasing number of breweries that do "Summer Sake Festival" and "Autumn Sake Festival" before sake brewing. Since many breweries post information about "kurabiraki" on their websites, please check for events that can be easily visited.
Does Kyushu have any famous "kurabiraki"?Kyushu's particularly famous kurabiraki are "Jojima Sakagura Biraki" in Fukuoka Prefecture and "Kashima Sakagura Tourism®" in Saga Prefecture.
"Jojima Sakagura Biraki" is the largest sake event in Kyushu, mobilizing about 100,000 people, and it is held for two days every year from early to mid February. Jojima has long been praised as a famous place of sake in Japan, following Hyogo Prefecture's Nada and Fushimi in Kyoto Prefecture.
Then, "Kashima Sakagura Tourism®" is held over two days on a weekend at the end of March. Kashima has attracted attention as the city where the world's best sake was born since Fukuchiyoshuzo's "Nabeshima Daiginjo" received "Champion · Sake" award for sake in the "International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2011."
At both, not only can you enjoy new sake but stage events showcasing traditional arts such as lion dance, Japanese traditional dance, Japanese drum performance, and so on are also held, and it is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with Japanese culture.
"Jojima Sake Brewery" and its tickets
Is there anything to be careful of when touring a sake brewery?Because sake breweries need high quality spring water, many locations are away from the city center and transportation may be limited. Please confirm the time of trains and buses beforehand.
When you arrive at the brewery, first watch your step. There are falling risks such as wet floor and the scaffolding when you visit big stock tanks. Low heels and shoes with traction are good.
Please avoid wearing perfume. Also, avoid eating strong smelling food when you visit the brewery. Please refrain from fermented foods such as yogurt and pickles. In particular, natto (fermented soy beans) is strictly prohibited.
And there is a shrine in the sake brewery. Let's greet the god of the sake brewery by putting our hands together and bowing.
Which gods are there in the sake brewery?In the past, it seems that the god of drinking, the god of fire for steaming rice, the god well water, the god of business to sell alcohol, and the god Oinarisama were celebrated. Now it seems that there are many sake breweries which celebrate the famous sake making god of "Matsuo Shrine" or local gods.
What should I remember when drinking sake?Drink water with alcohol to prevent drunkenness. By drinking water, it helps alcohol breakdown in the body. Water to drink with alcohol is called "Yawaragi Mizu" in Japan.
Also, if you drink on an empty stomach, it will be easier to become intoxicated. Be sure to eat something when drinking alcohol.
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