Fujii Honke Sake Brewery was established in 1831 and sole brewery to make and provide sacred Sake to the Japanese Imperial Court and shrine all over Japan because of the Inperial Niiname Harvest Festival.

Lake Biwa is surrounded by mountains and is known as one of the ancient lakes of the World, It's unique geographic character makes the local weather and water ideal for sake brewing and rice cultivation.

This sake called "Kyokujitsu Kirara" made by very traditional ways and it was a gift for world leaders at G20 summit held in Osaka, 2019.

Also, Their Sakagura Brewery building is registered Tangible Cutural Property, it 700 years old! Over 8000 visitors a year come to Sakagura Brewery tours to learn how to make Sake traditionally.

Fujii Honke Sake Brewery offers international shipping. For more details, please contact them by email using the following template.

E-mai : info@fujiihonke.jp

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The Ota family can trace their family tree back to one Dokan Ota, a samurai and Buddhist monk from the 15th century. They are said to have started this sake brewery after the end of the old feudal system in order to make use of the high-quality Omi rice harvested from their large number of rice fields.

Developing into a fully-fledged brewery as a result, they continue to send delicious sake out into the world today.

Junmai Daiginjo is a A levels Sake, its special designations are specified by the Japanese government, and also a all Sake brewery's best offering.

Ohta Shuzo Brewery offers "Dokan" which includes beautiful wooden box making it ideal for a special gift. Price would be 720ml : 2100 yen, 1800ml : 5,500 yen ex.tax and shipping fee etc.

Visit their website to see more Sake products : http://www.ohta-shuzou.co.jp/

They are happy to selling for overseas customers, so please contact via e-mail with following details : got1641@ohta-shuzou.co.jp

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There are some different types of sake, and the following special designations are specified by the Japanese government. It depends on rice polishing or alcohol level, name will be different as "Dai-ginjo shu", "Ginjo shu" and "Junmai shu".

Complicated?

But this Shironeko offers Ginjo-shu, which means a sake with toned down acidity levels. This type of sake is perfect for first time sake drinkers.

The japanese word "shironeko" itself means white cat in Japanese, but why this Sake called "white cats"? From ancient time, there are so many mice in the Sake brewery. As everybody knows, cats love to catch mice. Almost Sake breweries are protected by this natural hunters against mice problem.

Ideal gift for cat lovers!

720㎖ 1,380円
300㎖ 680円
ex. tax and shipping fee

Website : http://www.shigasakari.com/

E-mail : omi@shigasakari.jp or shigasakari@gmail.com

They are happy to selling for overseas customers, so please contact via e-mail with following details.

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Laissant la rivière Seta derrière nous, nous nous rendons à Kusatsu. C'est là que les deux grandes routes de l'époque Edo, la Tokaido et la Nakasendo, se réunissaient avant d'arriver à Kyoto, Kusatsu-juku en étant l'avant-dernier arrêt.

Nous arrêtons d'abord à la brasserie de saké Tenjogawa, une des 33 de la préfecture, où le propriétaire nous fait visiter. Nous sommes impressionnés par la salle tempérée, où le koji est fabriqué; l'odeur de cèdre mêlée au parfum subtil du riz emplit nos narines dès que nous traversons le pas de la porte basse.

Au fond du bâtiment, passé les larges cuves, se cache une impressionnante presse traditionnelle, couverte de chiffres qui marquent son âge.

Notre hôte explique que ce type de presse permet de donner un goût plus pur au saké. Il nous offre ensuite d'essayer ses différentes bouteilles. Je laisse à plus expert que moi la liberté de s'en faire une idée!

Quittant Tenjogawa, nous cheminons à pied jusqu'à Hyôsendô, un atelier de gourdes faites de calebasses.

Cette ancienne station de la Tokaido a été immortalisée par Hiroshige dans sa série des arrêts sur la route; on peut comparer l'oeuvre et la réalité grâce au marqueur de pierre qui se dresse devant le magasin encore aujourd'hui.

Nous passons la prochaine demi-heure à décorer notre propre gourde avec des marqueurs avant de partir avec nos nouvelles mascottes.

De retour en voiture, nous traversons la rivière Kusatsu et nous rendons à la croisée des deux anciennes routes.

Cette partie de la ville a gardé ses airs d'antan et de nombreux vieux bâtiments ont résisté à l'épreuve du temps. Nous longeons la rue principale qui était autrefois la Tokaido, et des élèves en vélo nous saluent au passage.

Appréciant les œuvres d'art modernes qui ponctuent le paysage, nous nous rendons chez Taigi, une boutique d'encens.

Là nous passons un bon moment à fabriquer nos propres nioi bukuro, des petits sachets remplis d'encens. Après avoir reniflé chacun des huit ingrédients, nous versons notre sélection dans un mortier et les mélangeons au pilon. Je choisis des parfums d'épices, que la propriétaire m'aide ensuite à insérer dans chacun des sachets.

Suivant cette expérience aromatique, nous retournons à la jonction et explorons un peu les environs. Une rivière surélevée passait ici, mais elle a été transformée en long passage où faire des promenades ou s'arrêter manger. Cependant, nous n'avons pas le temps de nous arrêter, car notre destination finale nous attend : le sanctuaire shinto de Tachiki.

Le sanctuaire se trouve à l'autre bout du chemin qui mène à Kusatsu-juku. Près du torii se dressent des restes des anciens pèlerinages qui menaient ici.

Les quelques bâtiments et la cour intérieure n'ont rien d'imposant, mais on y trouve plusieurs statues de cerfs, marquant sa relation avec Nara, ainsi que de nombreux arbres anciens.

C'est ainsi que notre journée se termine, dans cette petite enclave de nature.

Walking the Nakasendo, its not only Nagano and Kyoto. You can walk the most popular section in Shiga, called Kusatsu or Moriyama, as a daytrip from Kyoto. Here's our recommended route of Nakasendo in Shiga.

Kusatsu was a Shukuba-machi, mean Post Town of Nakasendo. You can see some sign anywhere in Kusatsu.

As follow, still remaining same as above old picture.

Kusatsu was a place for branching and merging with the two major highways, the Tokaido and the Nakasendo connecting Kyoto and Edo (Current Tokyo). It was also a lively place for many travelers and goods because it was connected closely to the way to Yabase port where was an important place of ship transportation of the Lake Biwa.

This is a Honjin, so do you know what is "Honjin"?

"Honjin" was the most prestigious accommodation in Shukuba (post town) in the Edo period.

There were only one or two Honjin in Shukuba. It consists of a large land and a big building, and there were some special facilities that only the Honjin was allowed to make. "Honjin" used to refer to the "military headquarters", but later because of the meaning of "the place where the shogun is staying", it became to refer to "an accommodation facility for the exclusive use of elite of society, such as Daimyo (feudal load), Hatamoto (direct retainer of the shogun) and Kuge (the nobility)".

More information about Kusatsu Honjin : https://www.city.kusatsu.shiga.jp/kusatsujuku/english/index.html

In Kusatsu, Shiga prefecture, you can enjoy the walk Nakasendo also Tokaido. At the Furukawa Shuzo Sake Brewery is on the route of Tokaido, you can tasting some of Japanese Sake.

Just second minutes walk from Furukawa Sake Brewery, you can see the sign board picture by Hiroshige Utagawa.

Thsi building was a Japanese sweets shop and now Hyosendo's office, Hyosendo is selling Hyotan (Gourd) and it used to water bottle when people walking Nakasendo / Tokaido.

In Spring time, there is a festival called Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri.

This festival includes a historical pageant that proceeds through the traditional city streets, with a large number of onlookers taking in the vast array of gorgeous outfits. The main players in the pageant strike a chord deep in the hearts of all who see them, while the rich and fabulous costumes and hairstyles clearly delineate the differences between samurai and noble cultures.

More information about Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri festival : https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/event/detail/14

Visit Shiga to walking Nakasendo and Tokaido. We are next to Kyoto and only 9 minutes by normal train.

https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/

Warm, comforting and creative, the Luxury room "Vista" is a luxuriously appointed relaxing space, from beautiful bedrooms to elegant bathroom is now open for public.

All are appointed with separate showers and "Airy" bathrooms.

All come with a coffee machine and local sweets, beverages including Japanese Sake from the local.

A private check-in is available inside the room, only for you. This beautiful luxury rooms offer all the key features of the superior and deluxe bedrooms with awesome view from the balcony and much more!

For more information about Biwako Hotel : https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/110

A unique chance to stay in a beautiful traditional accommodation in Japan Heritage town called "Gokashouchou Town", Higashi-Omi city, Shiga prefecture. This event will be held only ONE DAY!

This small town located in East side of Lake Biwa, inside the Higashi-Omi city. The Gokashocho Town is a region with strong links to the Omi Merchants (Omi-Shonin).

This town has been designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, as well as a Japan Heritage site in 2015.

Walking these fascinating streets will reveal a refined atmosphere, with clean water flowing through the waterways where vari-colored carp swim elegantly. In the region there are also three Omi Merchant houses open to the public, allowing you to see how these famous businessmen lived.

Lets's explore 3 traditonal Omi Merchants house.

This well-maintained house was Mr Shigeru Tonomura's house, build in 1901. This house will transform as a Japanese traditional restaurant to serve your lunch.

Timeless...

Garden design is an important Japanese art form that has been refined for more than 1000 years, also it's important for Omi Merchants' house.

This garden to provide beauty, relaxation and inspiration for busy successful businessman as a Omi Merchants.

Let's see where to stay as your accommodation.

Fancy a Sake from local brewery? Enjoy your night with your special to Kanpai (cheers) with Sake here.

Omi (Shiga) has been a thoroughfare across land and water for many years, and with the mountainous slopes also giving rise to an abundance of pure, clean water, many sake breweries have flourished here. Shiga Prefecture is truly perfectly situated for the production of sake.

Night time will be illuminated in this garden.

Wanna stay in this historic house? Must book in advance : https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/29654932

Finally, we went to Mr Jungoro Nakae's hoouse.

This traditional house will be transform into accommodation as a hotel for just ONE DAY.

Omi Merchant lived here with their families, but recent years it has become a spot often used for filming TV programm.

Wanna stay in this house as your accommodation? Must book in advance : https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/29727337

Got to explore Nagahama with Molly DeDona! We found some real gems on our day out!

First, we went to make our own blown glass cups.

It was a little scary at first, but they were so nice and guided us through every step.

They were professionals and made me feel like I was in good hands.

Next, at the same shop, we made our own designs on cups to be sandblasted.

Sandblasting basically adds a cool, frosted effect to your class.

We both decided to do it the difficult way so it took some time, but the result was worth it!

After all of our hard work, we got some food that is a specialty of Nagahama.

It's a kind of udon soup. It was deli0cious! The broth was thicker than most and it had a giant mushroom in it! :)

Next, we walked around Nagahama. We looked at a few shops, including the shop of the figure museum in Nagahama.

It seemed like a cool museum and I wouldn't mind checking it out next time I go!

We visited also visited a temple as we walked around. While they didn't have an English brochure, just looking at the temple's structure and beautiful shrine inside was worth the visit.

There were also shops nearby that looked like they sold Yukata. I'll have to stop by and check them out some time!

Also, the animal that represents that temple or the area is a fox. So, there were lots of cute pictures of foxes on our way to the temple.

We eventually made our way over to the Plum Blossom exhibit on the other side of the tracks to make our Plum Sake! It was a once in a lifetime experience and I enjoyed every minute! We had visited the Plum Blossom exhibit before, however we had no idea that there was such an event held there.

Japanese people can make sake in their own house so they had this class.

There was a taste test before where we tried 11 different kinds of sake.

Then, they explained why each sake was different and showed us how to make it.

There was even a company sponsoring the event, so we got a free can of plum juice and sake that we could drink right away.

I have to shake the plum sake glass jar everyday, but I'm excited to try my own homemade sake when it's ready! :)

Still, we saw some goodies back in the shopping area that we had to buy so we stepped out for a minute.

However, when we got back, they lit up the garden out back and it was beautiful.

After drinking some tea and enjoying some mochi, we took some pictures and said farewell.

In the end, I honestly never would have thought there would be such gems in Nagahama. I loved exploring and getting to learn more about the opportunities in Shiga. I can't wait to choose another city and explore again!

This is a little overdue, but here is an overview of my super fun Saturday in Nagahama!

Me and Kate had the chance to go to Nagahama, a bit North of Hikone and try out some of the activities and specialties of the region.

So, the first place we went to in Nagahama was Kurokabe Glass House.

While we were there, Kate and I had the chance to make our own glass cups.

While the glass artists did most of the work, we did get the chance to shape the hot glass a little bit. It was difficult to do, the glass was molten hot!

It was really fun though, we got to choose what colors were added to the glass, but we did not get to take it home right away, since it has to cool.

However, the cup arrived in the mail today, and it looks great! I am excited to get to use it!!

At the same business, you can decorate a cup or plate, and have it sandblasted permanently with a design.

I made mine represent Lake Biwa, and I marked out Hikone and Ootsu in relation to it.

It was really fun, and it is not very expensive (about 15 dollars). I would totally go again; and I would really like to sometime this semester, I highly recommend it.

We got to eat Noppei udon, which features a huge Shitake mushroom in with the noodles.

The broth is really thick, almost like thick cornstarch gravy. It was delicious though!

We ordered a lunch that also came with a rice bowl, which had salmon and soy sauce drenched rice, which was also delicious.

Lunch was really close to Kurokabe Square, a great shopping center with a wide variety of stores in the arcade style mall, as well as many places to buy souvenirs, mostly of glass figures and tableware.

There were at least three really nice stores to buy a wide variety of glass cups, plates, hina masturi (For the national Girls day holiday, displays of Heian era court figures are popular to display) figures, and jewelry.

You can also buy Shiga-prefecture specific food specialties.

We also made plum sake, which was really fun.

I didn't understand everything that was being said because it was all in Japanese, and since I was tired and it was warm in the room, I almost fell asleep for a minute!

We got to try various umeboshi sake, they were all a lot sweeter than I expected, but I definitely want to try to buy some and bring it home to share.

I had been to the bonbai exhibit once already, (like bonsai trees, but blooming plum trees instead)

but this time we went closer to sundown, and we got to see all the special lights on both inside and outside the exhibit, it was really pretty at night.

so,when we went to the bonbai exhibit, it was nearing dusk, and we excited to se the light-up of the exterior garden that wold happen after dark.

Even through I had been there once before, it was during the day, so we missed the light-up part of the exhibit. The plum trees themselves were rather amazing,some are nearly 400 years old!

They are given constant attention and pruning from their caretakers, and only the best are selected to be displayed in the exhibit.

One of the great parts of the exhibit is the interaction you can have with the flower blooms, you can lean over and smellthe blooms, and they sure do smell good!

There are two floors of the exhibit, and the upstairs has a little place where you can sit down and have tea and light snacks. I had matcha tea, and a small sweet, and as we were drinking and eating, we could look out the window as the lights were turned on out in the garden. There is also a really nice gift store on the way to exit the exhibit, you can get a variety of sweets, teas, and other local food products.

It was a really fun exhibition, it would recommend it to anyone.

On November 26th, I had the opportunity to visit Hyakusaiji temple, as well as a sake brewery to taste sake and see how it was made.

First, we went to Hyakusaiji temple. Hyakusaiji is one of the oldest temples in Japan.

We saw the garden first, and it was beautiful! Because it was fall, there were beautiful maple leaves with vibrant colors. So we sat and enjoyed the peacefulness of the garden and the beauty of nature.

The main temple is on top of a mountain, so after climbing for about ten minutes, we reached the main temple.

There, we went inside, and then outside of the temple, where a large bell was, we each rang the bell and then prayed for something.

After our temple visit, it was lunchtime. So, we ate Omi Chanpon near Hikone station.

It was my first time eating chanpon, and it was delicious! I also found out that it was a special food to Shiga, which was also interesting.

After our lunch, we headed to Inae station, and after a train ride, took a short bus ride to a sake brewery, where we learned how sake was made.

Before that, we played a game where we tasted different kinds of sake and had to match them to their bottles.

Needless to say, I couldn't tell which sake was which.

After the sake-making tour and the sake tasting game, we had a chance to look around the market area that was inside of the main building.

We tried many local Shiga foods, and drank amazake as well as plum sake. Amazake is not only good for your health, but it is also delicious and great for a cold day!

I don't like alcohol very much, but the plum sake was pretty tasty!

After a long, fun-filled day, we headed home. I learned a lot about Shiga and its' local foods and culture during this trip, and I am grateful for the chance I had to explore Shiga. It was a great day!