Sake Blending in Niigata: Craft Your Own Signature Blend｜Japan

Uncover the secret art of sake blending in a hidden laboratory where creativity flows.

Located 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 in this quiet setting you can explore Chōgō—the post-fermentation blending process—a hidden layer of artistry in sake creation that few ever get to see.

Hosted by a brewery guide (WSET Level 3 Certified), this immersive experience invites you to learn, taste, and create your own sake blend.
Begin with an English/Chinese-guided lecture on how sake is made and how craftsmanship shapes flavor.

You’ll then enjoy a tasting of five carefully selected sakes: the flagship Jozen Mizuno Gotoshi, known for its graceful balance and clean, delicate purity that harmonizes with any flavor, and four others representing key flavor profiles—dryness, sweetness, richness, and acidity.

After the tasting, craft a blend that reflects your own palate. And if you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry—curated blending recipes designed by the master brewer are available, tailored to different moods, occasions, and taste preferences.

To complete your creation, give it a name that captures its essence and brush it onto your label with kanji characters—creating a personalized bottle to take home, made in your own hand. Optional commemorative photos in a traditional brewery coat and apron are also available.