Finding sake making classes, courses, or workshops in Japan can be challenging, as most sake breweries are not equipped to accommodate tourists. However, for those eager to delve into the art of sake brewing, there are select breweries that offer immersive sake making experiences in Japan. These unique opportunities allow participants to engage in comprehensive sake brewing courses, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for this traditional craft.
Here are some of the best sake making experiences available:
- Kurabito Stay: Sake Making Experience in Nagano (3 days)
- Gakkogura: Sake Brewing Course in Niigata (7 days)
- Gakkogura: Sake Brewing Course in Niigata (20 days)
Kurabito Stay: Sake Making Experience in Nagano
Nestled in the Saku area of Nagano Prefecture, Kurabito Stay offers a unique sake making experience at a brewery with over 300 years of history. Launched in 2019, Kurabito Stay allows guests to stay overnight and immerse themselves in the life of a sake brewer, known as kurabito in Japanese. Guided by the friendly brewery owner and the chief brewer (Toji), participants can explore the intricate process of sake brewing.
The historic brewery, featuring a large chamber (hiroshiki) where brewers once slept, has been revitalized to provide comfortable living quarters for guests. The experience extends beyond the brewery, inviting guests to stroll through the welcoming town, which is home to over 13 breweries.
The Kurabito Experience is a 2-night, 3-day program designed for sake enthusiasts to learn the art of sake brewing, focusing on "Shubo" making. Priced at 88,000 yen (tax-included), this immersive experience accommodates 8-10 participants per session, offering a comprehensive look into the traditional brewing process.
Program Highlights:
- Sake brewing lessons with hands-on involvement in rice steaming, koji making, and fermentation
- Orientation and dinner with the brewery president, featuring a special menu and sake pairing
- Purification ritual and brewery tour
- Sake tasting seminar
- "All you can drink" sake service with access to a sake server offering limited and seasonal sakes
Participants will receive a completion certificate and photos taken during the experience. The program is primarily conducted in Japanese with supplementary English explanations. Due to safety, the program is not open to minors, and a minimum of four participants is required for each session.
Inclusions:
- Two nights' accommodation in single or double rooms
- Breakfast on days 2 and 3, dinner on day 1
- Brewing lessons, rental boots, and work clothes
- Tasting seminar fee, course materials, and insurance
- Commemorative souvenirs, including a hand-cloth and two bottles of sake, with one delivered to your home
The Kurabito Experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of sake brewing, set in the picturesque region of Saku. Join this educational journey to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition behind Japanese sake.
Gakkogura: Sake Brewing Course in Niigata
Located on Sado Island, Gakkogura is a unique sake brewery housed in a former elementary school renowned for its beautiful sunsets. Established by Obata Shuzo in 2014, the brewery was transformed to preserve the school's legacy and to craft sake that embodies the unique environment of Sado Island.
Gakkogura integrates biodiversity resources and renewable energy, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The brewery offers immersive sake brewing experiences, including a one-week program designed to attract sake enthusiasts and highlight the island's rich culture. Recently, Gakkogura expanded to include accommodation facilities and a café, further enhancing the visitor experience and fostering a sustainable community.
Sake Making 1 Week Course
The 1-week Gakkogura Sake Making Program offers an intensive introduction to key processes in sake production, focusing on koji making and three-stage brewing. Participants will wash, soak, and steam rice, make koji, and engage in brewing activities. The program also includes a visit to local rice fields and a professional sake tasting session.
Program Highlights:
- In-depth experience in essential sake production steps
- One overnight stay for koji making
- Orientation sessions and guided sake tasting seminars
- Visit to local rice fields to understand the regional agricultural cycle
Inclusions:
- One night’s accommodation at Gakkogura
- Work clothes, sake tasting seminar, aroma samples
- One reception party
- Commemorative souvenirs and a graduation ceremony
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Open to healthy individuals over 20 years old
- Participation fee: 80,000 yen (tax included)
- Participants must be able to commit to the entire week-long program
- Comfortable clothing recommended
Schedule:
- Daily activities from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Program ends around noon on the final day
- Schedule subject to change based on brewing conditions
Sake Making 20 Days Course
The 20-day Gakkogura Sake Making Program offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience in traditional sake production. Participants will engage in every step of the process, from creating the fermentation starter and making koji to preparing the three-stage fermentation mash. The program also includes rice washing, soaking, steaming, and mashing, as well as visits to local sake rice fields to understand the regional agricultural cycle.
Program Highlights:
- Complete immersion in sake production, including two overnight stays for koji making
- Orientation sessions and guided sake tasting seminars
- Visits to local rice fields to learn about the agricultural aspects of sake production
- Optional additional experiences in fermentation mash management and pressing
Inclusions:
- Two nights' accommodation at Gakkogura
- Work clothes, sake tasting seminar, aroma samples
- Two reception parties
- Commemorative souvenirs and a graduation ceremony
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Open to healthy individuals over 20 years old
- Participation fee: 150,000 yen (tax included)
- Participants must be able to commit to the entire 20-day program
- Comfortable clothing recommended
Schedule:
- Daily activities from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Program ends around noon on the final day
- Schedule subject to change based on brewing conditions
Other Sake Making Experiences in Japan
There are a few other sake breweries that offer unique sake making experiences, though English support is often limited.
Ito Shuzo in Mie offers a unique sake brewing experience where participants, under the supervision of a master brewer (toji), create handmade junmai ginjo-shu using organic, pesticide-free rice. This communal brewing experience, exclusive to members, allows participants to engage in the entire brewing process. The finished sake, labeled with the names of all participants, can be taken home. The program runs from late October to mid-December, with sake delivery in early to mid-December.
Shimonoseki Shuzo in Yamaguchi offers a unique sake blending experience where participants can create their own personalized bottle of sake. Established in 1923, this guided tour, priced at 5,000 yen (tax included), includes a leisurely tour of the brewery with a sake taster, providing insights into its history and the sake-making process. The experience includes a sake tasting class for beginners and a hands-on blending session with a sake sommelier, allowing participants to craft their ideal sake. Each participant takes home one 300ml and one 700ml bottle of their custom blend, making this a truly unique and educational experience.
Nishiyama Brewery in Hyogo offers a 2-night, 3-day sake brewing experience. Participants are picked up at Tamba Taketa Station and taken to the brewery for a guided tour, sake brewing activities, and meals featuring local Tamba ingredients. Over the course of the stay, guests engage in various brewing processes, join morning assemblies with brewers, and partake in communal dinners. The experience concludes with a final brewing session and lunch. The sake brewed during the stay is later mailed to participants, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor at home.
Conclusion
Exploring the art of sake brewing through classes, courses, or workshops in Japan can be a rare opportunity, as many breweries are not equipped for tourism. However, select breweries offer immersive experiences that allow participants to engage deeply with traditional sake production.
From the Kurabito Stay in Nagano to the Gakkogura courses in Niigata, these programs provide a unique and hands-on approach to understanding sake. Other notable experiences include Ito Shuzo in Mie, Shimonoseki Shuzo in Yamaguchi, and Nishiyama Brewery in Hyogo. Each of these programs offers a distinct way to learn and appreciate the craft of sake brewing.
For those interested in exploring more sake breweries, check out Sake Breweries to Visit from Tokyo and Sake Breweries to Visit in Tokyo for additional recommendations.
