Visited the 22nd Annual Kainokaiun "Kurabiraki" and enjoyed not only its festive atmosphere but also ... sake!
"Kurabiraki" is a sake brewery's annual open day event. Since ancient times, sake breweries have invited people to their cellars on a lucky day at the beginning of the year and held a variety of events such as introducing sake brewing process and tasting new brew.
Located in Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, Ide Brewery, a brewer of sake, Japanese rice wine, "Kainokaiun" originates from the soy sauce brewing began in the middle of Edo period (around 1700). It has operated for over 300 years ever since and with the current family head (Ideyogoemon) as the 21st, has prospered as the one and only sake brewery in Fuji Five Lakes region.
This year its annual "Kurabiraki" open day was held on 14 and 15 February and drew a large number of visitors to the event, touring the cellar and sake brewing process introduced by the chief brewer along with tasting variety of sake such as the Kurabiraki limited one and fresh new brew made using local ingredients.
"Kurabiraki" at Ide Brewery is in February every year. So, plan ahead and come to experience this local traditional festivity.
A friendly but cautionary note: Please be careful not to drink too much.