Sake Blending Experience : Craft Your Own Signature Sake

Discover a Hidden Sake Lab and Create Your Own Signature Blend Step into a hidden corner of a sake brewery for a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll explore the post-fermentation blending process, a special part of sake making rarely experienced, even by locals. Hosted by a WSET Level 3–certified brewery guide, you’ll craft your own personalized sake blend. Finish your bottle by painting a kanji character on the label that reflects your blend’s personality. Take home a one-of-a-kind bottle created by you. Creative, immersive, and unforgettable.

Uncover the secret art of sake blending in a hidden laboratory where creativity flows. At the gateway to Niigata—Japan’s renowned sake capital—Shirataki Sake Brewery has been crafting sake for over 170 years using soft snowmelt from one of the world’s heaviest snowfall regions. Step into a secluded, rarely seen corner of the brewery where you can explore Chōgō—the post-fermentation blending process—a hidden layer of artistry in sake creation that few ever get to see. Begin with an English/Chinese-guided lecture by a brewery guide (WSET Level 3 Certified), on how sake is made and how craftsmanship shapes flavor. Taste five carefully selected sakes: the flagship Jozen Mizunogotoshi, known for its graceful balance and crisp purity, and four others representing key flavor profiles—dryness, sweetness, richness, and acidity. Then, craft your own blend to reflect your palate. Curated recipes by the master brewer are available if you need guidance, tailored to different moods, occasions, and tastes. Finish by choosing a kanji character to express your blend and brush it onto a tag and make it your label, creating a personalized bottle to take home.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.