sake in kansai
Not Just a Drink, Sake Is a Cultural Asset of Japan
"KANSAI"?
“KANSAI” is the name of the region which consists of six prefectures; Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Shiga, and Wakayama.
Visit Breweries, Know the Culture
Sake breweries in kansai region
HYOGO Prefecture
Kobe as the capital city, Hyogo is the third biggest sake pref. in terms of its number of breweries. Nada Sake District is a must-see sake spot for sake enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in sake as a traditional culture.
KYOTO Prefecture
The ancient capital of Japan with their profound history, Kyoto has been serving as one of the sake hubs in Japan. Fushimi Sake District always attracts visitors from all over the world.
SHIGA Prefecture
High quality rice making and also Lake Biwa with beautiful water from the mountains allow this area very unique for making remarkable sakes.
NARA Prefecture
It is said that Nara is the birth place of the sake we know now. Temples in Nara were deeply involved in sake making more than 1,000 years ago.
WAKAYAMA Prefecture
This area holds Kumano-kodo, the world heritage mountain site with historical buddhism. Though, it doesn't have many breweries, some are consistent award winners in even international competitions.
OSAKA Prefecture
The Kitchen of Japan, Osaka is an area with a huge sake consumption. City areas are highlighted, but there are sake making places in the outskirt both bay and mountain areas.
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SAKE AND KANSAI REGION
About 90 in Hyogo, Kyoto and Shiga have about 40 each, the total number is roughly 250 including Nara, Osaka, Wakayama.
Temples had a great role to brew Sake in Nara to Heian Period. Shoryakuji Temple is especially known and they have been passing down some important brewing cultures even now. Itami area (Hyogo) is also known as a pioneer for practicing a method that is now a standard for all sake making. It is still uncertain where exactly is the birth place of sake, but it is clear that Kansai took a significant role in to developing the sake culture.