From Shrine to Table - Nara & Mie
12 - 15 October 2025
Step into a world where time slows down and every sip tells a story. Wander through the serene grounds of ancient shrines and temples, their quiet beauty echoing centuries of devotion. Watch as master brewers bring to life age-old techniques - hands deep in rice, hearts steeped in tradition
In Nara and Mie, sake is more than a drink; it is a sacred thread, binding spirit, culture, and craft. This is not just a tour, it’s an immersion into the soul of Japan
Highlights
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Visit one of Japan’s most renowned breweries, Yucho Shuzo - home to the celebrated Kaze-no-Mori sake - nestled in the same prefecture as Shoryaku-ji Temple, the very birthplace of sake
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Then, discover Moriki Shuzo, crafting pure junmai-shu by hand since 1988 using traditional kōji methods for rich, deep flavour
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Journey onward to Hayakawa Shuzo, founded in 1915, where signature TABIKA sake is brewed with local rice and pristine mountain water
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Finally, explore KAWABU Shuzo, established in 1857, honoring the heritage of Ise Shrine through its distinctive KAWABU and SHIKI sake lines
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End your journey with a curated Mie & Nara sake flight showcasing regional highlights. Some of these exclusive, trendsetting breweries, usually closed to the public, are featured in Craft Sake Week 2025
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Be guided by a truly unique sake expert: a senior associate at an international law firm, former executive officer at Mitobe Shuzo, product manager at Suginomori Brewery, and a WSET Level 3 in Sake graduate with Merit
Proposed Schedule (subject to change)
Day 0 (Sunday, 12 October 2025)
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Pre-sleep in Night in Osaka (hotel TBC - dinner not included)
Day 1 - Kaze-no-Mori Day (Monday, 13 October)
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BREAKFAST at the hotel
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Relaxed bus ride to Nara
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Visit Shoryaku-ji Temple
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Explore the world of Kaze-no-Mori
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Visiting three brewing facilities and rice planting
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Exclusive sake tasting
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Night in Gose, Nara (hotel TBC - dinner included)
Day 2 (Tuesday, 14 October)
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Introductory sake lecture
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Visit Moriki Sake Brewery in Mie
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Visit Hayakawa Shuzo in Mie (TABIKA) - Craft Sake Brewery 2025
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Mie & Nara Sake Flight
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Night in Mie (hotel TBC - dinner included)
Day 3 (Wednesday, 15 October)
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Visit Kawabu Shuzo in Mie - Craft Sake Brewery 2025
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Farewell in Nara or in Nagoya (per your preference)
Price & Policy
SGD 2,500 plus 10% consumption tax = SGD 2,750
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable
If cancelled by the end of August 2025, the amount minus the handling fee (SGD 100) can be used as a Story of Sake Coupon (valid for 2 years). Cancellations made after August 31st 2025 will not be eligible for any refund or credit
Other Information
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Minimum number of participants: 4
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Maximum number of participants: 8
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Applications accepted until the end of August; however, registration will close once capacity is reached
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In the event the tour is cancelled, you may choose either a refund or a credit (in this case, no handling fee will be charged)
Comments from guests of previous study tour
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It was a great learning experience. Not only we learned so much at the breweries, but we also learned from one another.
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What an amazing experience! Thank you for organising!
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The breadth of insight and experience we got at each brewery was incredible. Each of them focused on different aspects of sake brewing, and each was setup in completely different ways.
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Yuki-san is an awesome guide and driver :D
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Absolutely brilliant trip. So so amazing. Thanks Yuki san!!