Sample Sake from Seven Different Breweries in Takayama City
Takayama City, located in the breathtaking Japanese Alps, is renowned for its high-quality sake breweries. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it is no wonder that Takayama has become a popular destination for sake enthusiasts and travelers alike. In this article, we will explore the seven sake breweries in Takayama City, highlighting their unique characteristics and offerings.
For over 300 years, Takayama has been producing sake, making it a city with a long and proud history in the art of sake brewing. Today, visitors can stroll through the town and sample sake from seven different breweries, each with its own distinct flavors and brewing techniques.
One of the highlights of visiting the sake breweries in Takayama is the opportunity to witness traditional Japanese architecture. The breweries, with their thick beams and vaulted earthen floors, showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have been passed down through generations. The old-world charm of these buildings adds to the overall experience of tasting sake in Takayama.
To fully immerse yourself in the sake culture of Takayama, don’t miss the sugidama, which are balls of cedar leaves that hang in front of sake breweries. These green balls are a symbol of quality and freshness, indicating that the sake inside is of the highest standard. It is believed that the color of the sugidama changes over time, reflecting the maturation process of the sake within.
When it comes to tasting sake in Takayama, there are several options available. Many restaurants around the city offer local sake from the breweries, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Takayama while enjoying a meal. This is a great opportunity to pair sake with traditional Japanese cuisine and experience the harmony between the flavors of the food and the sake.
Now, let’s delve into the details of each of the seven sake breweries in Takayama City:
1. Harada Sake Brewery:
Represented by their brand Sansha, Harada Sake Brewery is known for its dry and sharp profile. The sake made by Harada maintains the umami and sweetness of the rice it is brewed with, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. Visitors to Harada Sake Brewery can sample over 10 types of sake and even keep their cup as a souvenir.
2. Funasaka Sake Brewery:
Located on the same street as Harada Sake Brewery, Funasaka Sake Brewery offers a new style of sake brewing that can be enjoyed by both sake connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of sake. In addition to sake, the brewery also produces Japanese liqueurs made of plum or yuzu citrus fruit, as well as sweets and cosmetics made with sake. The old brewery buildings have been renovated into a Hida beef restaurant and a sake bar, adding to the overall charm of the place.
3. Hirase Sake Brewery:
Hirase Sake Brewery is the oldest sake brewery in Takayama, with a history that spans approximately 400 years. Known for their sake brand Kusudama, Hirase Sake Brewery has a loyal following who swear by the quality and taste of their sake. Kusudama sake is often enjoyed during celebratory occasions and festivals, thanks to its auspicious name and unique flavor profile.
4. Kawashiri Sake Brewery:
Kawashiri Sake Brewery takes a unique approach to sake brewing by specializing in aging sake. Their product is stored for years, allowing the fermentation process to continue and develop complex flavors. As the only sake brewery in Hida that focuses on aging sake, Kawashiri offers a truly distinctive tasting experience.
5. Niki Sake Brewery:
Founded in 1695, Niki Sake Brewery has a long-standing tradition of using well water for brewing sake. The well, located in the center of the building, provides the purest water, which is essential for creating high-quality sake. One of their well-known brands, Tamanoi, is named after the well and represents the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of sake.
6. Hirata Sake Brewery:
Hirata Sake Brewery prides itself on the concept that sake is something that is brewed and nurtured. With three new brands – Hiro, Tagayama, and Shoryu no Mai – each using different sake rice and showcasing unique characteristics, Hirata Sake Brewery offers a diverse range of flavors for sake enthusiasts to explore. They also produce an aged, sweet sake called Suiou, which is a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.
7. Oita Sake Brewery:
Oita Sake Brewery is known for its famous brand, Onikoroshi, which translates to “a sake so dry that it can kill demons.” Established around 1720, this brewery has been producing dry sake for almost 300 years. The distinct flavor profile of Onikoroshi has made it synonymous with Oita Sake Brewery and a must-try for sake lovers.
To fully enjoy the sake tasting experience in Takayama, it is recommended to plan your visit during the winter season. The cold climate during winter helps to enhance the flavors of sake, making it the perfect time to indulge in this traditional Japanese beverage.
Getting to the sake breweries in Takayama is easy, as many of them are located in the Sanmachi old town area, which is within walking distance from Takayama Station. If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can catch the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen toward Shin-Osaka and get off at Nagoya Station. From there, you can take the JR Hida-go train or a highway bus to JR Takayama Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by train or 2 hours and 45 minutes by bus.
In conclusion, Takayama City offers a unique and immersive sake tasting experience that allows visitors to explore the rich history and craftsmanship of sake brewing. With its seven sake breweries, each with its own distinct flavors and traditions, Takayama has become a must-visit destination for sake enthusiasts from around the world. Whether you are a seasoned sake connoisseur or a curious traveler looking to expand your palate, Takayama’s sake breweries are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, raise your cup and toast to the flavors of Takayama!
Address And Maps Location:
1-22-2 Showa-machi, Takayama-shi, Gifu-ken
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