In a place very much off the beaten track for Japan travelers is a city linked to our subconscious mind – somewhere we have seen, but cannot easily place. That place is the city of Naruto, located in Tokushima Prefecture on the island region of Shikoku.
You may have seen the ancient wood-block print of the Naruto whirlpools by Utagawa Hiroshige. The image is rough and wild, as sea foam launches over craggy rocks while the water churns below. These Naruto Whirlpool circles are stamped in our minds.
But it is here – in this land where tidal currents swirl, across a bridge that links it to the main island of Honshu, and only a few hours from Osaka and Kyoto – where a unique adventure of sight, sound, and taste come together.
A one-of-a-kind blend
The Naruto Sake Story is a community project spearheaded by Matsuura Sake Brewery of Naruto City, Tokushima. This project was born from a deep-seated need to share the incredibly rich natural and cultural environs of the region, along with its flavors of food and sake (rice wine). Here, the people who live, work, and celebrate life blend traditions. Naruto is a warm place where art, food, sake, people, history, craftsmanship, and spirituality unite. This is where a special journey into deep Japan takes place.
The story unfolds as a sequence of scenes, contexts where you might find not only the subtle and unique flavors of sake in your cup but also immerse yourself in the cultural and historic mosaic around you.
Near the Matsuura Sake Brewery lies Ryouzenji Temple, the first of 88 that make up the famed Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage. Pilgrims, clad in white conical straw hats, begin their long spiritual journey from here, following in the footsteps of the Buddhist Saint, Kukai. The sounds of chanting the Heart Sutra and the scent of incense create a harmonious atmosphere.
The rice used for brewing sake comes from nearby fields, where the water is pristine and the earth is rich. These meticulously tended rice fields are home to the Oriental stork, known as kounotori in Japanese. Once extinct in Japan, this beautiful bird has been carefully reintroduced and is now flourishing.
A tradition of craftsmanship
Visitors might also enjoy trying their hand at indigo dyeing at a local studio. Awa-Ai is the term for the dyed products, and the dyeing process is referred to as ai-zome, or ‘Japan Blue.’ Alternatively, guests can explore the art of pottery at the nearby Otani Pottery Factories, guided by local masters.
From whirlpools to temples, pilgrims, nature, and art, visitors to the Naruto Sake Story prepare for a journey into the tranquil world of sake brewing. Here, you can set aside your cares and step into the sacred spaces of the Matsuura Sake Brewery to witness how this native elixir of Japan is crafted.
Inside the sake brewery, surrounded by master sake brewers known as toji, one can observe how the simple rice is transformed into the exquisite beverage. The rice is meticulously milled, washed, and steamed until it is immaculate, then prepared for the addition of koji, a fungus that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Following this introduction, the sake begins its transformation. Yeasts and spring water are added, producing alcohol as temperature increases and bubbles surface. Subsequently, materials are deposited into larger vats for mixing, frequent checks, pressing, filtration, and finally, bottling.
Loving attention
From start to finish, the sake masters of Matsuura Sake Brewery watch their creation grow, nurturing it into a delightful range of flavors and textures, accompanied by a variety of aromas and aftertastes. Sake brewing intertwines science and technology with art, instinct, and intuition, creating a magical yet measured experience. You are invited to bear witness with all your senses.
Once you have seen and experienced how sake comes to life, it is essential to sit at the table and encounter the zenith of sake adventure. You will be presented with a range of cuisines – familiar dishes and exciting new flavors. Sake pairs wonderfully with various foods, enhancing the dining experience. Attention to detail allows for moments to savor the aromas and tastes – whether it’s sushi, seafood, vegetables, grilled meats, or flavors both salty and sour. Sake can even be enjoyed with fruits, citrus, and ice cream.
Sake is no longer merely a drink served in thimble-sized cups, enjoyed by old men gazing into their gardens. Today, it brings delight to the palate, flowing around an astonishing range of cuisines, making it the perfect companion for dining and creating connections with new friends from across the globe.
This is the Naruto Sake Story.
