Serving Shizuoka Tea Though we have a strong affinity with John Barleycorn, Bacchus, and kindred spirits, it was never our intention to focus exclusively on Japanese alcoholic beverages. There are other drinks worthy of attention, and in this week’s blog post we will look at one of them—tea—specifically the beverage derived from the leaves of … Continue reading Totally Tea
Umezake from Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
Umezake Non-grape wine varieties have often been stigmatized by wine snobs, who consider them unworthy of serious consideration. They are the oenological equivalent of the cinematic crazy in the basement or loony in the attic, risky relatives best kept locked away. What a pity! Drinking Japan: It’s Not Just Sake O’Connor & O’Connor We started … Continue reading Umezake from Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 2 – Terada Honke Brewery
As we mentioned in our last posting, there are two sake breweries near Narita, the other being Terada Honke Brewery, which is within walking distance—about five minutes—of Nabedana Kouzaki Brewery. We stopped in and purchased a bottle of their sparkling sake, Daigo no Awa, which we tasted well chilled that evening. There are few people, … Continue reading Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 2 – Terada Honke Brewery
Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 1 – Nabedana Kouzaki Brewery
When we think of Narita, many of us conjure up an image of the big international airport that services Tokyo, and, in so doing, overlook the other attractions deserving of our attention. Narita is far more than just an airport — it is the site of an impressive Buddhist temple, Naritasan, which is a popular … Continue reading Have a few hours to kill in Narita? Why not visit a sake brewery or two? Part 1 – Nabedana Kouzaki Brewery
Trip Report Part 2: Akigawa Keikoku Valley and Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
In perhaps one of her less memorable hits, Madonna chanted “Time goes by so slowly...Time goes by so slowly....” That sentiment accurately describes the Akigawa Keikoku Valley, an area that is technically part of Tokyo but a place entirely different from the typical image of a concrete jungle. Time, indeed, goes by so slowly. The … Continue reading Trip Report Part 2: Akigawa Keikoku Valley and Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
Trip Report Part 1: Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
The entrance is quite impressive The brand of sake from Nozaki Shuzo is Kisho, and it is sold and served throughout the Akigawa Keikoku Valley. No tastings or plant tours but there is a quaint shop on site to buy their offerings. I purchased two bottles - a Junmai Ginjo made from Yamadanishiki rice and … Continue reading Trip Report Part 1: Nozaki Shuzo (Brewery) in Akiruno, Tokyo
A Visit to Mamagotoya and the Ozawa (Sawanoi) Sake Brewery in Tokyo
Ozawa Brewery, which sells sake under the Sawanoi brand, is located on the Ome Line in western Tokyo. You can get there in about 80 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Sawanoi has a number of restaurants. Mamagotoya is the fanciest one. The food is delicious and the view is breathtaking. You can order one sake sampler... … Continue reading A Visit to Mamagotoya and the Ozawa (Sawanoi) Sake Brewery in Tokyo
Drinking Japan 