Jan 13, 2025
We joined the annual Bodaimoto Festival and visited Yucho Shuzo and Kuramoto Shuzo to learn about this traditional brewing method and its ties to the local community.
Following our successful sake tour in November, we once again organized an immersive sake tour in Nara Prefecture. This time, our focus was on the annual Bodaimoto Festival, where we had the rare opportunity to observe the ancient sake-making method known as Bodaimoto. In addition, we visited two distinguished breweries—Yucho Shuzo and Kuramoto Shuzo, both of whom are members of the Bodaimoto Research Association. Through these visits, we gained a deeper understanding of Bodaimoto production, its historical significance, and its role in the local community and environment.
Day 1: Bodaimoto Festival at Shoryaku-ji Temple - The Birthplace of Sake
On the first day, we gathered early in the morning and headed to Shoryakuji Temple, a historical site recognized as the birthplace of sake in Japan. The temple hosted the Bodaimoto Festival, where seven breweries belonging to the Bodaimoto Research Association gathered to perform the traditional sake starter-making ritual. The starter prepared on this day was then distributed among the breweries, where it would be used in the production of their sake.
The festival concluded with a blessing ceremony by the temple’s head priest, leaving us with a profound sense of connection to the centuries-old sake-making tradition.
Shoryakuji Temple
157 Bodaisencho, Nara 630-8413 Nara Prefecture
Day 2: Yucho Shuzo & Sustainable Brewing at Katsuragi Sanroku Brewery
On the second day, we visited Yucho Brewery, a sake brewery renowned for its revival of the Bodaimoto brewing method. We explored their facilities and learned about their dedication to preserving this traditional technique. For lunch, we enjoyed a sake pairing experience at the local restaurant "Yoshokuya Kemuri", where each dish was carefully matched with local Sake. In the afternoon, we visited the newly established Katsuragi Sanroku Brewery, which has introduced innovative initiatives to support the local community. This brewery not only collaborates closely with local farmers but also implements a system where purchasing their sake directly benefits the region’s economy. One of the highlights was the introduction of their new sake brand, “S Kaze no Mori”, which features a unique sustainability indicator called "Mirai Shudo" (Future Sake Index). This index evaluates sake based on three key factors:
Environmental sustainability - minimal ecological footprint
Soil fertility - the health of the rice fields
Regional contribution - support for the local community
The brewery’s efforts to preserve tradition while embracing modern values left a lasting impression on all of us.
Yucho Shuzo Co., Ltd. 1160, Nara, Gosho City, 639-2200
https://yucho-sake.jp/ Yoshokuya Kemuri
1296, Nishi-Kashiwacho, Gose City, Nara Prefecture, 639-2224
https://www.gosemachi.com/kemuri/
Day 3: Kuramoto Brewery – Exploring Aged Sake & Horizontal Tasting
On the final day, we visited Kuramoto Brewery, home to an impressive aged sake collection. Walking through their koshu (aged sake) cellar, we were amazed by rows of large sake bottles that had been stored since the early 2000s.We then had the chance to taste their “Bodaisen”, a sake brewed using the starter prepared at the Bodaimoto Festival. In addition, we experienced a horizontal tasting session, comparing multiple variations of sake brewed using the Bodaimoto method. This allowed us to appreciate the complexity and depth of flavors that develop over time.
Through this tour, participants not only learned about sake brewing but also deepened their understanding of Nara’s rich history and cultural heritage. We are committed to continuing to provide unforgettable sake experiences, blending tradition, innovation, and local charm. Kuramoto Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Nara 2501 Toki Tusan-cho, Nara City, 632-0231
We look forward to welcoming you on our next sake journey!