Unique local sake is produced in the Bichu region of Okayama Prefecture.
I have only moved to Kurashiki a few months ago, but I feel that many izakayas offer local sake.
Just when I was thinking, "I want to learn more about Bichu sake," I was informed that an event called "Sake Battle" would be held at Shinkei-en Garden, so I decided to participate as it seemed like a good opportunity.
At the Sake Battle, you can taste local sake from the Bichu region of Okayama Prefecture and the Bingo region of Hiroshima Prefecture. It seems that brewers from each region will also gather.
I will introduce the Sake Battle that took place on April 21, 2024 (Sunday).
What is "Sake Battle in Shinkei-en: Bingo Sake vs. Bichu Sake"
The "Sake Battle in Shinkei-en: Bingo Sake vs. Bichu Sake" was an event held on April 21, 2024 (Sunday).
Three breweries from both the Bingo region and the Bichu region participated, allowing attendees to enjoy a variety of unique local sake while interacting with the brewers.
The participating sake breweries are as follows:
- Kumaya Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kurashiki City)
- Sankan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kurashiki City)
- Horyu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Takahashi City)
- Tenpoichi Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama City)
- Miwa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Jinsekikogen Town, Jinseki District)
- Yamaoka Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Miyoshi City)
Participants came not only from Okayama Prefecture but also from Hiroshima Prefecture.
The event was organized by Bichu Sake Bar Suiyobi, run by the owner Nakahara Kazuo. You can also enjoy special snacks prepared by Nakahara for the event.
The venue was Shinkei-en, built in 1893 (Meiji 26) as a villa for the Ohara family. It is a beautiful place with a Japanese garden and traditional architecture that has over 100 years of history.
It is rare to have the opportunity to drink sake while overlooking a Japanese garden, so the special atmosphere of the venue elevates the mood even more.
The Day's Events
On the day of the event, it was drizzling, but the rain added a more atmospheric feel to Shinkei-en.
Before the Toast
After completing the registration and payment, I entered the indoor area, where tables were lined up in the large hall.
The size of this large hall is said to be 56 tatami mats. The capacity for this event was 50 people, but it was a spacious area that could easily accommodate a large number of guests.
At the front of the room, the sake prepared for this event was lined up and chilled.
This time, each brewery prepared 3 to 4 types of sake, resulting in a total of 19 types of sake.
Many people were taking pictures of all the bottles before the event started, which made me realize that sake enthusiasts had gathered.
The picturesque garden spread out before us, and the greenery glistened beautifully from the rain. The anticipation of drinking sake in such a lovely place heightened my excitement even more.
Since it was open seating, I chose a spot I liked.
On each table, there was a bento with snacks and a list of the sake available for tasting.
It was helpful to have such a list to check which sake I had tried.
First, Nakahara from Suiyobi, the organizer, gave a greeting, and finally, the Sake Battle began.
Before the toast, there was an explanation about the sake prepared by the six breweries.
Starting with stories about the regions and history of the breweries, the explanations included interesting details about the characteristics and brewing methods of the sake, and everyone listened attentively.
Each brewery's passion and thoughts about sake were palpable in their stories.
Start of the Sake Battle
Everyone poured their favorite sake, and finally, it was time for the toast.
I poured myself a glass of "Moeibuki," a sake from the Bingo brewery Tenpoichi.
People sitting close to each other also toast, asking, "What did you choose for your first drink?" and "Do you have any recommended sake?" Conversations among participants are lively through sake.
I also tried to engage the two participants sitting across from me by asking, "Where are you from?"
They said they came from Hiroshima Prefecture and expressed, "I'm so happy to be able to drink Bichu sake, which is not often seen in izakayas in Hiroshima!"
The conversation then shifted to snacks. The lineup seemed perfect for pairing with sake, and it's fun to discuss "What kind of sake should we pair with this?"
Participants pour their own sake at their own pace, but it was a wonderful moment of interaction to pour sake for each other with the sake brewers and people present.
Although everyone was meeting for the first time, the common interest in "sake lovers" made it easy to engage in conversation.
As time passed, more people began to move around the seating.
Some enjoyed chatting with the sake brewers they were interested in, while others relaxed and savored sake while gazing at the garden, each spending their time as they liked.
When I returned to my seat, Mr. Nakahara, the organizer, was going around to each table, engaging with the participants.
I participated alone this time, but thanks to Mr. Nakahara's approach, I felt that my interactions with the people around me expanded. It was a space where I could enjoy sake comfortably even as a solo participant.
Final Souvenir Janken
As the closing time approached, a janken tournament for souvenir sake was held.
Everyone stood up to participate, creating a lively atmosphere.
Participants played janken with the sake brewers, and those who won received sake from each brewery as a gift.
With each win or loss, voices of "Oh no!" and "Yay!" echoed throughout the room.
I also participated, but unfortunately, I kept losing in the first round and returned to my seat without winning anything.
However, a participant at my table won some sake and kindly asked, "Would you like to drink together?"
I gratefully accepted a cup of freshly opened sake, and I realized that this event deepened the interactions among participants until the very end.
Conclusion
The Sake Battle was an event where I could enjoy delicious sake and engage with fellow sake lovers from start to finish.
While talking with participants from Hiroshima, we exchanged information about recommended izakayas and sake from our respective regions, and my interest in Bingo has grown stronger than ever. I think it's wonderful that Bingo and Bichu are connected through sake.
I was able to enjoy the best of both Bingo and Bichu sake at once, which made me feel like it was a great deal.
This event has inspired me to consider visiting the Bingo region someday.
Sake Battle in Shinkei-en Garden - Bingo Sake vs. Bichu Sake Data
| Name | Sake Battle in Shinkei-en Garden - Bingo Sake vs. Bichu Sake |
|---|---|
| Location | Shinkei-en Garden, Keikendo |
