Nihonsakari Corporation (headquarters: Nishinomiya, Hyogo; President: Taro Morimoto) will host the "Nihonsakari New Sake Brewery Opening 2026" on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Nihonsakari head office factory premises and Sakagura Street Brick House. This special event offers a unique opportunity to experience sake culture through all five senses, with exclusive tastings, brewery tours, and family-friendly activities.
Event Highlights
The brewery opening features paid sake tastings including limited-edition sake available only at this event, as well as guided brewery tours. First-time vendors Hokkahokka Tei and CONCENT MARKET will serve sake-friendly cuisine. Families can enjoy mini-games and corporate collaboration activities, while the brand-new "Sake Aroma Lab" offers an educational introduction to sake appreciation through scent.
From beginners to sake enthusiasts, adults to children, everyone can discover something new about Japanese sake at this brewery-exclusive experience.
Event Overview
Name: Nihonsakari New Sake Brewery Opening 2026
Date and Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Nihonsakari Head Office Factory Premises and Sakagura Street Brick House (4-57 Yōkai-chō, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Admission: Free
Access:
- 15-minute walk from Hanshin Nishinomiya Station
- 15-minute walk from JR Nishinomiya Station
- 15-minute walk from Hankyu Imazu Station
Brewery Tour (Limited to 84 participants, approx. 45 minutes, advance reservation via app)
Tour the brewery and visit the hand-crafted "SAKARI Craft" facility to taste limited-edition sake. Participants receive an exclusive clear sake cup with strap and one bottle of nama genshu (unpasteurized sake) Daiginjo.
Participation Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included)
About SAKARI Craft: Established in October 2021 within Nihonsakari's main brewery, this small-batch production facility hand-crafts sake from scratch according to customer needs. The facility has produced special anniversary products for various domestic companies and custom orders from overseas clients.
Brand website: https://sakaricraft.com/index.html
Sake Aroma Lab (Limited to 60 participants, approx. 45 minutes, advance reservation via app)
This hands-on workshop focuses on the "aroma" of sake. Experience the scents that define sake through quizzes and brewers' insights in an experimental format perfect for beginners. Participants receive one bottle of Hanayaka Pure Rice sake.
Participation Fee: ¥500 (tax included)
Note: Reservations for both the Brewery Tour and Sake Aroma Lab open on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
Paid Tasting Set
A tasting set featuring Nihonsakari's recommended sake, including brewery-opening limited editions, with 3 sake cups, one Hanayaka Yuzu Soda, and one Yawaragi water (palate cleanser).
Participation Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included)
Lucky Bags and Yamato Transport Collaboration Lucky Box Sale
In addition to the popular annual lucky bags, Nihonsakari introduces a new "shipping-only lucky box" in collaboration with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. Lucky bags come in Nihonsakari's original pocket-equipped tote bag filled with limited sake exclusive to the brewery opening and newly released cosmetics. The lucky box solves the common event challenge: "I want to buy lots of sake, but it's too heavy to carry home!" It contains large-capacity sake and cosmetics carefully selected by Nihonsakari, plus an original Yamato Transport eco-bag. Purchased boxes can be shipped directly, allowing shoppers to enjoy the event unburdened.
Lucky Bag: ¥3,000 (tax included), limited to 300 units
- Available for purchase on the day and via advance reservation through the official app
- Advance reservations are also quantity-limited
Lucky Box: ¥5,000 (tax included), limited to 200 units
- Purchase available on the day only
Stage Contents
Straw Wrapping Demonstration / Barrel Opening Ceremony / Barrel Sake Sales
Staff demonstrate the traditional art of wrapping sake barrels with straw, then perform a ceremonial barrel opening (kagami-biraki) with attendees, and sell the freshly opened barrel sake on the spot. Experience the entire process from creation to drinking in a live, interactive format.
Times:
- First session: 12:00 PM
- Second session: 2:30 PM
Price: ¥500 (tax included) per cup with wooden masu cup
*Cash only
Toji (Master Brewer) Talk Session
Nihonsakari's master brewer takes the stage to discuss this year's sake characteristics and behind-the-scenes brewing stories. This special talk session shares insights only a brewery toji can provide, including ingredient selection, temperature management techniques, and "stories you can only hear here." The toji's own words convey Nihonsakari's commitment to sake-making and daily brewing episodes, making sake more accessible to attendees. Technical content is explained in easy-to-understand terms, making it enjoyable for everyone from sake beginners to enthusiasts.
Food Booths
- [First-time vendor] CONCENT MARKET - Sake lees bread made with Nihonsakari sake lees, and more
- [First-time vendor] Hokkahokka Tei - One-hand BENTO and more
- Wellness Hanshin - Yakisoba and more
- Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka - Kakinoha sushi
- Takoyaki Manfuku - Takoyaki and more
- Pizza-La - Pizza (brewery opening special pizza) and more
- FamilyMart - Oden and more
- Sakagura Street Brick House - Homemade sake lees soup, snacks, and more
Other Activities
- Special pricing on Nihonsakari products
- Miyatan mascot appearance
- Bottle can stacking game
- Yamato Transport EV vehicle viewing and traffic safety instruction
- Photo spots
- SNS-linked giveaway campaign, and more
The Nihonsakari New Sake Brewery Opening 2026 promises a full day of sake culture, delicious food, and family fun in the heart of Hyogo's brewing tradition.
