March 3rd and March 24th events confirmed!
◆Taste Japan: Shochu & Cultural Experience with a Shochu Presenter ◆
＜Schedule＞
◆ Munakata Taisha Visit ◆ 10:00–
Munakata Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines rooted in mythology, is registered as a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by nature and solemn shrine architecture, you will spend a deeply purifying and spiritual time.
◆Traditional Tea Ceremony at “Ashiya gama-no-Sato” ◆ 11:40-
Experience the Ultimate Shochu Hot Water Mix, Crafted with “Special Water” Boiled in an authentic Ashiya Kettle!
In Japanese tea culture, the kettle used to boil water is called a “chagama.” Of the nine nationally designated Important Cultural Properties of tea kettles, eight are Ashiya kettles, and “Ashiya gama-no-Sato” owns one of them.
On this tour, you will experience a “chaji” using a modern Ashiya kettle. Chaji is the highest form of hospitality in tea ceremony, combining both tea and a meal. You will enjoy a specially arranged chaji in a tea room overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden.
You will taste not only matcha but also shochu mixed with hot water boiled in the special kettle, known for its gentle and exceptional flavor.
◆ “Gindaco Highball Sakaba”◆ 16:00–
Experience casual, everyday Japanese shochu culture while enjoying izakaya-style food including Japan’s popular “takoyaki.”
◆“Hotel New Otani Hakata”◆ 17:30–
Savor shochu cocktails created by the champion bartender of the “10th HBA/KOKUBU Cocktail Competition 2024.”
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◆Profile:Ms. Nobuko Kurose◆
(President & CEO of HarmoniK Co., Ltd. / Shochu Producer)
A descendant of the legendary “Kurose Toji,” a renowned group of shochu master brewers from Kurose Village, Kagoshima. The Kurose Toji are known for their expertise and for greatly advancing shochu production across Japan.
Upon discovering her lineage, Ms. Kurose began activities with a passion to “spread shochu to the world,” giving lectures, organizing events, and launching popular programs such as the “Shochu Women’s Gathering.” She also leads regional revitalization projects using shochu at the request of government agencies. She organized the 2025 study tour that greatly impressed top sommeliers and bartenders from France’s Kura Master.
This tour, curated and guided by Ms. Kurose, is a one-of-a-kind premium experience that goes far beyond simple tasting. Through shochu, participants will explore Japan’s history, craftsmanship, food culture, and modern lifestyle with all five senses.
