Enjoy Local Sake from Tambasasayama

On the weekend of September 28th and 29th, the "Tambasasayama Sake Festival 2024" took place at the Otemae South Parking Lot in Tambasasayama City. This charming location offers views of the Sasayama Castle Moat and Aoyama Historic Village. The event was organized to coincide with "Sake Day" on October 1st, with local sake breweries, Houmei Shuzo and Sakura Shuzo, at the forefront. Visitors enjoyed sake tastings, local cuisine, and a talk show with master brewers.

Sake-Brewing Songs and Brewer Talks

Attendees could purchase tickets to enjoy sake tastings and, if they found something they liked, could buy a bottle to take home. The history of sake brewing in Tambasasayama is rich, even counted among Japan’s "Three Major Brewing Guilds." The “sake-brewing songs,” used historically to keep rhythm and timing during brewing, are preserved by local groups. During Sake Festival 2024, five master brewers performed these songs on stage. This was followed by a talk show with Master Nakagawa, who shared rare insights into the challenges, rewards, and traditions of sake brewing in Tambasasayama, captivating the audience.

Two Days of Local Food and Exciting Drawings

In addition to sake, booths offered food made from locally sourced ingredients. The festival featured treats such as wild boar sausages, black bean rice, mont blanc desserts, and coffee, allowing visitors to savor both local flavors and sake. “Tambasasayama sake, known for its soft taste due to the use of soft water, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of local ingredients,” commented Kazuma Nishio from Houmei Shuzo.

This festival is a wonderful way to experience not only local sake but also the history, nature, and food of Tambasasayama. Don’t miss out on joining the event next time!