No other initiative provides a blend of tradition, community and local sustainability like the Hakuba Sake Brewing Project. The project launched eight years ago as a collaboration between Hakuba. The community gathers in May, volunteering their time to plant rice using traditional methods.
Once planted, local Hakuba farmers tend to the crop until the community gathers again six months later for the rice harvest, complete with a barbecue and a local sake or two. Tourists are welcome to join both the planting and the harvest.
Next, the rice is delivered to the local brewer who transforms it into delicious sake for everyone to enjoy.
Inspired by France’s Beaujolais Nouveau, this project began in 2017 as a collaboration between Hakuba Happo-One and the esteemed local sake brewery, Hakuba Nishiki. Together, they set out to create a seasonal sake that reflects the rich heritage and quality of Japanese brewing. Each year, the team produces a limited-edition sake and provides locals and visitors with a hands-on experience in traditional sake-making, celebrating each season’s bountiful rice harvest.
Project Leader Hideki Okamoto
MEET THE BREWER: HAKUBA NISHIKI
Founded in 1926, Hakuba Nishiki is a celebrated sake brewery in the Hakuba Valley. Located in Omachi City at an altitude of over 700 meters, the brewery has long been locally prized for its sharp and pure mountain water sourced from the Japanese Northern Alps. Their commitment to local ingredients and craftsmanship is reflected in every bottle, and with over 98 years of brewing expertise, hometown’s rice, water, and people, we produce safe and reliable sake. We pour our thoughts into creating local sake that remains in the memories of our customers, and we want everyone who visits Japan and visitors of Shinshu Omachi,” says the team at Hakuba Nishiki. The brewery’s commitment to quality runs so deep, three-time peaks of Hakuba, symbolizing their close connection to the region.
TAKE HOME YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF THE JAPANESE ALPS
For the first time, Hakuba Hospitality Group is selling a limited edition bottle of Hakuba Nishiki Sake. Available from December 2024, the exclusive release celebrates the collaboration with the Hakuba artist, Henry Brant. Find this one-of-a-kind Hakuba souvenir online at shophakuba.com or in any HHG restaurant or bar this season. Kampai!
JOIN THE PLANTING May
JOIN THE HARVESTING September
