{"id":108467,"date":"2019-02-06T15:00:05","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T06:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=108467&lang=en"},"modified":"2019-02-08T18:21:04","modified_gmt":"2019-02-08T09:21:04","slug":"fukuoka-sakagura-biraki-guide","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/fukuoka-sakagura-biraki-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Fukuoka Sakagura Biraki Guide 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fukuoka is blessed with good quality water and rice, making it one of the best places to brew sake<\/em> in the country. The prefecture is home to 70 breweries, which is the 5th highest number in Japan. From the end of January to April every year, breweries throughout Fukuoka Prefecture hold kurabiraki<\/em> (sake<\/em> festival) events, giving visitors the chance to sample local sake<\/em> and learn more about regional customs. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

During a kurabiraki<\/em> event, visitors get the chance to explore areas of a brewery that are not usually open to the public and sample sake<\/em> carefully selected by onsite staff. It is also a great chance to try some of the area’s newest brews while strolling around a market-style setup!<\/p>\n

Tips for enjoying a kurabiraki event!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2460 Get to the venue early!<\/strong>
\nEnjoy feeling tipsy under the midday sun, but keep in mind that some of the most popular sake<\/em> brands might get sold out right away. So make sure to get to the venue nice and early!<\/p>\n

\u2461 Learn a bit about sake<\/em> before you go!<\/strong>
\nJapanese sake<\/em> is usually divided into eight categories based on ingredients and the ratio of polished rice used in the brewing process.
\na. Honjozo-shu
\nb. Ginjo-shu
\nc. Daiginjo-shu
\nd. Junmai-shu
\ne. Junmai Ginjo-shu
\nf. Junmai Daiginjo-shu
\ng. Tokubetsu Junmai-shu
\nh. Tokubetsu Honjozo-shu<\/p>\n

Classifications are also made according to the taste and aroma. There is a lot to choose from, so it\u2019s worth knowing your preferences. Make sure to check out Fukuoka Now’s sake<\/em> guide<\/strong><\/a> (English) and enjoy discussing sake<\/em>!<\/p>\n

\u2462 There are also good non-alcoholic beverages available!<\/strong>
\nSome breweries also produce amazake<\/em> (sweet sake). Made using koji<\/em> (malted rice), this non-alcoholic option contains natural ingredients and has a nutritional composition that is said to be good for your health. It\u2019s filled with so much nutrition that some people even call it a drinkable IV (intravenous therapy) drip!<\/p>\n

\u2463 Bring a bag!<\/strong>
\nVisitors will get the chance to purchase freshly brewed sake<\/em> and limited edition beverages that are not easy to find in stores. Bring a bag just in case you end up buying more souvenirs than you had originally planned!<\/p>\n

\u2464 Use public transportation!<\/strong>
\nDrinking and driving is illegal and dangerous! Take a train, bus, or shuttle and enjoy the day without having to worry about driving!<\/p>\n

Sakagura Biraki Schedule for 2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Suginoya<\/strong><\/a>: 1\/26 (Sat.) ~ 3\/3 (Sun.) *only on weekends and national holidays
\nIsonosawa<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/11 (Mon., hol.)
\nKamenoo<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/15 (Fri.) ~ 2\/17 (Sun.)
\nJojima Sake Festival & Brewery Hopping<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/16 (Sat.), 2\/17 (Sun.)
\nJosui<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/15 (Fri.) ~ 2\/17 (Sun.)
\nShiraito<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/23 (Sat.) ~ 2\/24 (Sun.), 4\/13 (Sat.), 4\/14 (Sun.)
\nNaranotsuyu<\/strong><\/a>\uff1a 2\/23 (Sat.), 2\/24 (Sun.)
\nKikubijin<\/strong><\/a>: 2\/23 (Sat.), 2\/24 (Sun.)
\nKitaya<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/2 (Sat.), 3\/3 (Sun.)
\nKyushugiku<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/3 (Sun.)
\nChitosenomatsu<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/9 (Sat.), 3\/10 (Sun.)
\nTamamizu<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/10 (Sun.)
\nAyasugi<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/16 (Sat.)
\nTamadeizumi<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\nTenshin<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\nYamenokotobuki<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\nMuhomatsu<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/23 (Sat.)
\nHakata Nerizake<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/23 (Sat.), 3\/24 (Sun.)
\nBeniotome<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/23 (Sat.), 3\/24 (Sun.)
\nAsahikiku<\/strong><\/a>: 3\/24 (Sun.)
\nMannengame<\/strong><\/a>: 4\/7 (Sun.)
\nMizuhogiku<\/strong><\/a>: 4\/7 (Sun.)
\nKinran Fujimusume<\/strong><\/a>\uff1aMid-Apr. ~ Golden Week
\nTsukushi<\/strong><\/a>: May (to be announced)
\nWakanami<\/strong><\/a>: May ~ Sep. *as occasion demands\u200b (one group per day only, by appointment)
\nHiyokutsuru<\/strong><\/a>: As occasion demands\u200b *excluding Sundays, national holidays, and company holidays
\nBandai<\/strong><\/a>: As occasion demands\u200b *brewery tour only<\/p>\n

Suginoya<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 1\/26 (Sat.) ~ 3\/3 (Sun.) *only on weekends and national holidays
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Hamachi Shuzo
\n\u2022 1442 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-806-1186<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.suginoya.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Isonosawa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 2\/11 (Mon., hol.)
\n\u2022 1-2 Nishikumanoue, Ukiha, Ukiha City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0943-77-3103<\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/isonosawa\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Kamenoo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 2\/15 (Fri.) ~ 2\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 9:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Izu Honten
\n\u2022 1060 Takemaru, Munakata City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0940-32-3001<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.kamenoo.com\/index2.html<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Jojima Sake Festival & Brewery Hopping<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 2\/16 (Sat.), 2\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 9:30~16:00 *Shuttle bus running between the participating breweries will be running from 9:00
\n\u2022 Participating breweries: Asahikiku, Ikekame, Chikushinohomare, Hananotsuyu, Hiyokutsuru, Mannengame, Mizuhonishiki, Morinokura
\n\u2022 764 Jojima-machi Naratsu, Kurume<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-64-3649<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.nanbu-shoko.jp\/sakagura\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Josui<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 2\/15 (Fri.) ~ 2\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 11:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Ishikura Shuzo
\n\u2022 1-30-1 Katakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-651-1986<\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.ishikura-shuzou.co.jp\/news\/911\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Shiraito<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 2\/23 (Sat.), 2\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 11:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Shiraito Shuzo
\n\u2022 1986 Hon, Itoshima City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-322-2901<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.shiraito.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event, tasting and purchase of products available, also open on 4\/13 and 4\/14<\/p>\n

Naranotsuyu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 2\/23 (Sat.), 2\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Katsuya Shuzo
\n\u2022 4-1-10 Akama, Munakata City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0940-32-3010<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.katsuyashuzo.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Kikubijin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 2\/23 (Sat.), 2\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Kikubijin Shuzo
\n\u2022 183 Setaka-machi Kaminosho, Miyama City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0944-62-3001<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/kikubijin.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment *except weekends and national holidays<\/p>\n

Kitaya<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/2 (Sat.), 3\/3 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Kitaya
\n\u2022 374 Moto-machi, Yame City, Fukuoka <\/a>
\n\u2022 0943-23-2154<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.kitaya.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment *until 15:40<\/p>\n

Kyushugiku<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 3\/3 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~15:00
\n\u2022 Hayashi Shuzojo
\n\u2022 992-2 Saigawasakiyama, Miyako-machi, Kyoto-gun, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0930-42-0015<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.kusugiku.jp\/kusugiku.html<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment <\/p>\n

Chitosenomatsu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/9 (Sat.), 3\/10 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 9:30~17:00
\n\u2022 Chitosenomatsu Shuzo
\n\u2022 370-1 Kitano-machi Imayama, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-78-3003<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.chitosenomatu.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Tamamizu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/10 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Tamamizu Shuzo
\n\u2022 214-1 Takata-machi Maizuru, Miyama City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0944-67-2001<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.fukuoka-sake.org\/map\/detail.php?ID=37<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Ayasugi<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/16 (Sat.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Ayasugi Shuzojo
\n\u2022 1-12-37 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-541-3908<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.ayasugi.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Tamadeizumi<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Oga Shuzo
\n\u2022 4-9-1 Futsukaichi-chuo, Chikushino City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-922-2633<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.ogashuzo.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Tenshin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 9:30~16:00
\n\u2022 Mizokami Shuzo
\n\u2022 1-10 Keisho-machi, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 093-652-0289<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.sake-tenshin.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Yamenokotobuki<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 3\/16 (Sat.), 3\/17 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~17:00 (3\/17: ~16:00)
\n\u2022 Yamenokotobuki Shuzo
\n\u2022 1 Kitano-machi Otomaru, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-78-3025<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/yamanokotobuki.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Muhomatsu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 3\/23 (Sat.)
\n\u2022 10:00~15:00
\n\u2022 Muhomatsu Shuzo
\n\u2022 310 Shindoji, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 093-451-0002<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/muhomatsu.ntf.ne.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Hakata Nerizake<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/23 (Sat.), 3\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Wakatakeya Shuzojo
\n\u2022 706 Tanushimaru-machi Tanushimaru, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0943-72-2175<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.fukuoka-sake.org\/encyclopedia\/detail.php?ID=209<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura event are possible by appointment *only the brewery shop (established in 1700) is open to the public<\/p>\n

Beniotome<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/23 (Sat.), 3\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Beniotome Shuzo
\n\u2022 214-2 Tanushimaru-machi Masuoda, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0943-72-3939<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.beniotome.co.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Asahikiku<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 3\/24 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Asahigiku Shuzo
\n\u2022 403 Mizuma-machi Itchobaru, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-64-2003<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.asahikiku.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event *participating in the Jojima Sake Festival (2\/16 ~ 2\/17)<\/p>\n

Mannengame<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 4\/7 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:30
\n\u2022 Mannengame Shuzo
\n\u2022 68-4 Mizuma-machi Kusaba, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-64-2025<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.mannengame.info\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event *participating in the Jojima Sake Festival (2\/17 Sat.) ~ 2\/18 Sun.)<\/p>\n

Mizuhogiku<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 4\/7 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 13:00~15:30
\n\u2022 Mizuhogiku Shuzo
\n\u2022 375 Tento, Iizuka City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0948-22-1050<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/mizuhogiku.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Kinran Fujimusume<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 Mid-Apr. ~ Golden Week
\n\u2022 9:00~17:00
\n\u2022 Goto Shuzojo
\n\u2022 26 Kurogi-machi Kurogi, Yame City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0943-42-0011<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.fukuoka-sake.org\/encyclopedia\/detail.php?ID=68<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits are only possible during the sakagura<\/em> event<\/p>\n

Tsukushi<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 May (to be announced)
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Nishiyoshida Shuzo
\n\u2022 612 Izumi, Chikugo City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-53-2229<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/nishiyoshida.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Wakanami<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 May ~ Sep. *as occasion demands\u200b (one group per day only, by appointment)
\n\u2022 9:00~17:00
\n\u2022 Wakanami Shuzo
\n\u2022 752 Kanegae, Okawa City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0944-88-1225<\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/wakanami.jimdo.com <\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment<\/p>\n

Hiyokutsuru<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2022 As occasion demands\u200b *excluding Sundays, national holidays, and company holidays
\n\u2022 10:00~16:00
\n\u2022 Hiyokutsuru Shuzo
\n\u2022 466-1 Jojima-machi Uchino, Kurume City, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 0942-62-2171<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/www.asahikiku.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Participating in the Jojima Sake Festival (2\/16 ~ 2\/17)<\/p>\n

Bandai<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2022 As occasion demands\u200b *brewery tour only
\n\u2022 10:30~16:00
\n\u2022 Kobayashi Shuzo Honten
\n\u2022 2-11-1 Umi, Umi-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-932-0001<\/a>
\n\u2022 http:\/\/sakebandai.com\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Note: visits outside of the sakagura<\/em> event are possible by appointment *appointments can be made through the Kobayashi Shuzo website<\/p>\n

Originally written in Mar. 2018, updated Feb. 2019.
\nCopyright Fukuoka Now \u2013 including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to to this page.<\/p>\n

NOTE:<\/strong> The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in Mar. 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fukuoka is blessed with good quality water and rice, making it one of the best places to brew sake in the country. The prefecture is home to 70 breweries, which is the 5th highest number in Japan. From the end of January to April every year, breweries throughout Fukuoka Prefecture hold kurabiraki (sake festival) events, giving visitors the chance to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":117945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[4914],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-108467","guide","type-guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-others","location-fukuoka-prefecture","en-US"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide\/108467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/guide"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}