Take a Private Sake Lesson at a Hidden Bar

Learn from a sake sommelier in a historic craftsman town

Yame, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of the leading producers of Yamecha tea, known for its delicately delicious tea leaves. The area is nicknamed Chanokuni, or “Tea Country.” However, tea is not the only drink to savor in this gorgeous land of green. The pristine river water is also a key ingredient in making high-quality sake.

Visit Kazuhiro at Sake Bar Ebisu, tucked away in the merchant town within the luxurious Nipponia Hotel. The bartender formerly traveled the world promoting and selling sake, and he will teach you the tricks to savoring sake during a private lesson. After about an hour and a half with him, sake will taste even better with your newfound knowledge and appreciation. You can find a selection of locally brewed sake as well as liquors from other parts of Japan.

Sake Bar Ebisu is located in the historic section of Yame, which is dotted with traditional-style houses built over a century ago. Apart from your sake tour, you can also admire and shop for traditional crafts, such as metal jewelry inspired by Buddhist altar craftsmanship, and handmade artisanal paper products, such as lanterns and stylish bags. You can also visit a number of pottery workshops, some of which produce pottery in a style that has been preserved for centuries.

Access: From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen  to Kurume Station (about 17 minutes); walk to the JR Kurume Station bus stop (about five minutes) and board the No. 32 bus for the Nishi Tojin-machi stop (about one hour three minutes);  walk about 10 minutes.

Sake Bar Ebisu