Sake Blending Experience : Craft Your Own Signature Sake

5.0 (22 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

22 reviews

5.0

Sake Blending Experience : Craft Your Own Signature Sake — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Sake Blending Experience : Craft Your Own Signature Sake, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover a Hidden Sake Lab and Create Your Own Signature Blend

Step into a hidden corner of a sake brewery for a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll explore the post-fermentation blending process, a special part of sake making rarely experienced, even by locals.

Hosted by a WSET Level 3–certified brewery guide, you’ll craft your own personalized sake blend. Finish your bottle by painting a kanji character on the label that reflects your blend’s personality.

Take home a one-of-a-kind bottle created by you. Creative, immersive, and unforgettable.

Sake Tasting Excellent Quality New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: 白瀧酒造直売店 Flow

Ages: Adults (20–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Alcoholic beverages: Your custom blend (500ml)/ The five component bottles
Included: Tasting of 5 distinctive sake styles
Included: Access to 7 blending recipe suggestions by our master brewer
Included: Label calligraphy with your choice of kanji
Included: An English-guided overview of the sake brewing process
Included: Sake Brewery original tote bag
Included: Optional photo in traditional brewery attire
Included: Sake blending session in a hidden lab

Itinerary

Uncover the secret art of sake blending in a hidden laboratory where creativity flows. At the gateway to Niigata—Japan’s renowned sake capital—Shirataki Sake Brewery has been crafting sake for over 170 years using soft snowmelt from one of the world’s heaviest snowfall regions. Step into a secluded, rarely seen corner of the brewery where you can explore Chōgō—the post-fermentation blending process—a hidden layer of artistry in sake creation that few ever get to see. Begin with an English-guided lecture by a brewery guide (WSET Level 3 Certified), on how sake is made and how craftsmanship shapes flavor. Taste five carefully selected sakes: the flagship Jozen Mizuno Gotoshi, known for its graceful balance and crisp purity, and four others representing key flavor profiles—dryness, sweetness, richness, and acidity. Then, craft your own blend to reflect your palate. Curated recipes by the master brewer are available if you need guidance, tailored to different moods, occasions, and tastes. Finish by choosing a kanji character to express your blend and brush it onto your label with staff support, creating a personalized bottle to take home.

Stop 1

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please come directly to Flow, our retail shop and taproom, just a 5-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Head to the counter on the 2nd floor, where our staff will be waiting. If you have any trouble finding us, feel free to call or message us.

End point

Please come directly to Flow, our retail shop and taproom, just a 5-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Head to the counter on the 2nd floor, where our staff will be waiting. If you have any trouble finding us, feel free to call or message us.