Our activities began in a place steeped in the aroma of sake culture. We began our journey of food and art for invited guests at a special guest house and magnificent garden, which took 10,000 days to build at a long-established sake brewery in my hometown of Kyoto.
The entrance to this private, luxurious building is a cultural asset relocated from the residence of Oda Urakusai, a famous Japanese military commander, and the garden is dotted with the brewer’s historic collection of stones, including the stone used in the birth bath of the famous military commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s child, the stone pier of Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, a symbol of Kyoto, and a large stone from the Nara period.
we believe that true cultural exchange begins with authentic, hands-on experiences. As the founder of 7yume.org, We have been creating opportunities for international guests to step into the world of Japanese traditions, and one of our most cherished programs is our sake-making experience.
Japan’s national drink, sake, is more than just a beverage—it is a story of water, rice, craftsmanship, and community. In our workshops, participants don’t just watch; they take part in every step, from learning about the history of sake to handling the tools and techniques used by brewers for generations.
What makes our program unique is the balance between cultural immersion and personal creativity. Guests are guided by local experts, hear the untold stories of regional breweries, and connect deeply with the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. For many, it is not only an introduction to sake but also a chance to understand the values of patience, harmony, and respect embedded in Japanese culture.
Whether you are a traveler seeking a new adventure or a connoisseur interested in the roots of Japanese tradition, our sake-making journey offers a rare gateway into the heart of Japan.
A Standard Plan for Our Guests
Here is an example of what a typical sake-making experience
1. Welcome & Introduction (30 min)
- Greeting at the brewery or cultural venue
- Overview of Japanese sake history and regional traditions
2. Brewery Tour (45 min)
- Guided walk through the facilities
- Explanation of ingredients: rice, water, and koji mold
3. Hands-on Sake Making (90 min)
- Washing and steaming rice
- Mixing koji with steamed rice
- Learning fermentation techniques with guidance from experts
4. Tasting Session (45 min)
- Sampling freshly brewed sake alongside seasonal pairings
- Learning how to taste and appreciate different sake varieties
5. Cultural Exchange & Closing (30 min)
- Time for questions, photos, and conversation with local brewers
- Opportunity to purchase special bottles as souvenirs
Total: Approx. 3.5–4 hours
1. Private Morning Ritual (45 min)
- Exclusive visit to a local shrine where brewers traditionally pray for good fermentation
- Introduction to the spiritual connection between sake and Shinto
2. Secret Ingredients Experience (60 min)
- Visit to rice paddies or pure spring water source used in brewing
- Seasonal tasting of local produce that complements sake
3. Master Brewer’s Session (90 min)
- One-on-one workshop with a toji (master brewer)
- Learn specialized techniques not usually shown to the public
- Create a personalized small-batch blend
4. Hidden Japan Lunch (90 min)
- Farm-to-table kaiseki lunch in a private room or historic house
- Paired with rare sake varieties, some unavailable in shops
5. Evening Firelight Tasting (60 min)
- Exclusive night-time sake tasting in a traditional kura (storehouse)
- Accompanied by live shamisen or local folk storytelling
Total: Approx. 6–8 hours