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A trip to visit sake breweries, liquor stores, and bars in the Shiki Bikan Historical Quarter

　table of contents

1. Why sake at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter?
2. 3 recommended options to quench your thirst between walks
   
3. Enjoy “Okayama delicacies x local sake” in an old folk house
4. “Dessert for adults” flavored with Japanese sake 
5. [Souvenir] 3 selections of “Okayama’s famous sake” that you’ll want to buy and take home 
6. Model course: Kurashiki “Tipsy” half-day plan
   

Introduction

A scenic area along the Kurashiki River with white-walled warehouses and rows of willow trees. It’s a photogenic area just to walk around, but did you know that it’s also a sacred place for sake lovers?

Choose local sake made from Omachi, a sake rice grown in Okayama known as the “roots of sake rice,” at stylish old folk houses and historic liquor stores, and compare them.

ガッツリ酔うというよりは、美しい景色の中で少しずつ味わいながら、自分好みの一本に出会う。 We will guide you to the “Kurashiki tipsy walk” for adults.

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1. なぜ「倉敷美観地区」で日本酒なのか？ 

　幻の酒米「雄町（おまち）」の“聖地”だから美味しい

岡山のお酒が全国の日本酒ファンから支持されている一番の理由は、なんと言ってもExistence of sake rice “Omachi”is.

Omachi is a rice suitable for sake brewing that was discovered in 1859 in the Omachi area of ​​what is now Naka Ward, Okayama City. It is a “super long-selling sake rice” that has been produced for over 100 years and is still cultivated in its original form.rare native varietyIt is known as.

Many of the excellent sake rices used throughout the country, such as Yamada Nishiki and Gohyakumangoku, have Omachi blood.Sake rice, often referred to as the “roots of sake rice”is.

There was a time when its production decreased dramatically due to difficulties in cultivating it, and there was a time when it was called a “mysterious sake rice.” However, in recent years, it has regained attention, and thanks to the efforts of farmers and brewers, it has been revived. Even now, Okayama Prefecture is said to account for the majority of production (more than 90%).Okayama is truly the “country of Omachi”That’s it.

　The taste of sake brewed in Omachi

If I were to describe the characteristics of Omachi in one word, it would be:

“Sake rice that is soft and melts easily, and has a rich flavor.”

That image.

• It has a round mouthfeel, and when you put it on your tongue, the flavor gradually spreads.

• The rice has a strong sweetness and richness, and tends to have a full-bodied flavor.

• It has a strong flavor but a good sharpness, and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways, from cold to hot sake.

From the characteristics such asSake rice that is irresistible for those who like the “rich and delicious” type.is.

On the other hand, what makes Omachi so interesting is that its appearance changes greatly depending on how each brewery is made and the rice polishing ratio. A wide range of styles are available, from the fragrant ginjo type to the heavy-bodied junmai sake that shines well when warmed.

People who love sake grown in Omachi came to be called “Omatists.” When you see “Omachi” written on the label, you can’t help but pick it up.There are many core fans all over the country, and it is a standard way to enjoy comparing drinks by region of production and rice polishing ratio.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and its surrounding area are dotted with breweries that make sake using Omachi, as well as liquor stores and bars that collect famous sake from the prefecture, mainly from Omachi.A town where you can “compare Omachi drinks”That’s what makes it a special destination for sake lovers.

 

 

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 2. 3 recommended places to quench your thirst between walks 

In the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, there are many spots where you can casually enjoy a quick drink during the day. In between art and walking around town, quench your thirst and explore the world of local sake.

　① Standing bar Kakehashi｜New spot in LOGIN Kurashiki

Standing bar Kakehashi is a relatively new sake bar that opened in the spring of 2024 within the complex facility LOGIN Kurashiki.

The calm, white-walled exterior blends in with the cityscape, and the interior, with a wood-based counter, creates a casual and comfortable atmosphere.

The concept is

“Being a bridge that connects people with the community through food”

As expected, the counter is lined with Okayama sake, mainly from the Bicchu area. The lineup changes every season, so you can enjoy repeat visits.

Recommended here

• “Find your preference” with a drink comparison set
  The drink comparison set, where you can sample a few of the owner’s recommended drinks, centering around Okayama’s local sake, is popular. If you tell them your preference, such as dry or fruity, they will pair you with a different style of alcohol, so even beginners of sake can feel at ease.

• Small plate snacks made with Okayama ingredients
  There are also plenty of snacks made with Okayama-esque ingredients such as yellow chives, local vegetables, and small fish. Rather than a full meal, it’s just the right amount for a “0th party” or “second meal.”

• Friendly atmosphere for solo travelers
  It has a bright and open counter, and is characterized by many solo customers. The staff will also tell you about the highlights of Kurashiki and Okayama, so it’s a perfect place to stop by to gather information about your trip.

*Business hours and regular holidays may change, so please check “LOGIN Kurashiki” or the store’s official SNS for the latest information.

 

　② Local sake sales company Dotemori | A long-established sake store where you can choose a bottle as if you were on a “treasure hunt”

As I walked along the road along the Kurashiki River, I saw a white-walled building on top of a stone wall, and beside itA noren curtain with a large print that says “local sake”is visible. This is Dotemori, a local liquor store that has been loved by locals for a long time.

This is a long-established store that was founded in 1926. When you enter the store, you’ll find a line-up of sake, shochu, wine, and local beer from Okayama Prefecture.

Recommended here

• A shelf lined with “row” of Okayama’s local sake
  We mainly carry sake from breweries in Okayama Prefecture. We have a wide range of products, from everyday use to gifts, with a lineup and price range that is not priced at tourist destinations but from a local perspective.

• Check out the original brand too!
  Dotemori’s original and playful brands are also available, such as the super-dry sake “Jijibaba”, the white peach sake “Momomusume”, and the Muscat sake “Budojo”. The label design is also unique, making it the perfect souvenir for alcohol lovers.

• Enjoy a conversation with the owner
  The store owner’s presence is also great, as he helps you find the one that suits your tastes while having conversations like, “What kind of food would you like to pair it with?” “Which do you prefer, dry or sweet?” It’s a store where you can find your very own one-of-a-kind book that feels like a treasure hunt.

*The availability of tastings and standing drinks (so-called Kaku-uchi) inside the store changes depending on the season and situation, so if you wish to use it, please check with the staff on the spot.

 

　③ Kikuchi Sake Brewery “Sanzen”｜Keeping track of the talented Omachi x music brewers

A brewery founded in 1894, located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City.Kikuchi Sake Brewery. The representative brand, Sanzen, is a talented brand that has won awards at the National New Sake Awards, overseas contests, and hot sake contests.

It is a brand that can often be found in liquor stores and restaurants around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, so I would like to introduce it as “If you are drinking in Kurashiki, you must try it by the glass at least once.”

　One to watch: Sanzen Special Junmai Omachi

• Type: Special Junmai

• Raw material rice: 100% Omachi from Okayama Prefecture

• Rice polishing ratio: 65%

• Alcohol content: around 15.5%

A plump, sweet aroma with a gentle fruitiness reminiscent of ripe bananas. When you put it in your mouth, the soft sweetness and rich acidity spread out, followed by the rich flavor typical of Omachi.

It’s delicious even cold, but the acidity and umami will stand out more if you let it warm up to room temperature.The type of sake you’ll want to take home with you every night.is.

 

　Unique approach to “music brewing”

Kikuchi Sake Brewery is also known for its “music brewing,” which incorporates classical music into sake brewing. “Kura Rhythm,” a Junmai Daiginjo that plays Mozart’s music and transmits the vibrations to the tank to encourage fermentation, is often chosen as a gift because of its story.

If you see Sanzen at a restaurant or liquor store in the Bikan Historical Quarter, be sure to try a glass of it.

 

 

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 3. Enjoy Okayama delicacies and local sake in an old folk house 

The illuminated Kurashiki Riverside at dusk takes on a fantastical appearance that is completely different from the daytime. If you’re in a hurry, why not relax and enjoy Okayama’s delicacies and local sake at a restaurant that has been renovated from a historic townhouse or old folk house?

　① Old folk house bar Former Hondo House | Enjoy Italian food and sake while looking out at the garden

Located within walking distance of Kurashiki Station and close to the Bikan Historical Quarter, Kominka Bar Kyu Hondo House is an Italian bar that has been renovated from an old folk house that is said to be over 60 years old. It is a restaurant with a great atmosphere, with seating arranged around a courtyard where you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the illuminated garden.

The appeal of this restaurant is that you can casually enjoy authentic Italian cuisine such as homemade fresh pasta and Neapolitan-style pizza. In addition to wine, they also carry local sake,Pairing “Sake x Italian”You can also try.

　Recommended ways to enjoy

• Shrimp and mushroom ajillo × Omachi local sake
  When you pair the ajillo with the scent of garlic and olive oil with the plump sake of Omachi, the oil and flavor will meld together to create a harmonious pairing. If you dip your baguette in oil and have a sip of sake in between, you won’t be able to stop using your chopsticks or glass.

• Choose a seat according to the occasion
  For a date, we recommend a window seat overlooking the courtyard. If you’re going for a group or a girls’ night out, it’s a good idea to sit at a table set in the back with a view of the beams of an old folk house and talk and lose track of time.

 

　② Mingei Chaya Shinsui | “Izakaya for adults” with red lanterns

“Mingei Chaya Shinsui” was founded in 1912 as a Japanese-style inn, and has now transformed into an izakaya-style restaurant. This is an izakaya for adults, tucked away in a corner of the Bikan Historical Quarter, where locals and tourists naturally mingle.

The interior of the store has the warmth of wood, and is casually decorated with folk crafts and old tools, giving it a somewhat nostalgic feel. If you sit at the counter, you can enjoy a drink while watching the food being prepared in front of you.

　Enjoy Okayama-style dishes and local sake

The menu changes seasonally, but when you visit,

• Soaked and dressed dishes using yellow chives

• Fried shrimp

• Daily dish using seafood from Setouchi

etc.,Dishes that give you a taste of Okayamawere lined up.

If you pick up some yellow chives with sharp, dry junmai sake, the sweetness of the vegetables and the acidity of the sake will be a perfect match. Crisply fried shrimp with their shells on, paired with light junmai sake or special junmai, makes it an irresistible snack.

Even in word of mouth,

“A calm atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a tourist spot.”
“I look forward to the seasonal menu.”

There are many voices saying,A great restaurant with repeat customers who say, “If I had to choose just one place to go at night in Kurashiki, it would be this one.”is.

 

　③ Local Sake and Local Cuisine Sawaraya | Blissful Drinking in Bizen Pottery

The image that “Okayama is associated with Spanish mackerel” is condensed into a single store.“Local sake and local cuisine Sawaraya”. Located near the Kurashiki River, you can spend a relaxing time looking out at the small, well-kept garden.

　Experience points

• Specialty: Mackerel grilled with straw (warayaki)
  The mackerel is grilled all at once over a high-temperature straw fire, making it aromatic on the outside and rare on the inside. The elegant sweetness of the fat, which is different from seared bonito, fills your mouth. This is a dish that is known as a signature menu item.

• “Deep digging into the mackerel” with a course full of mackerel
  Sashimi, straw-grilled, rare cutlet, shabu-shabu…you can enjoy various expressions of mackerel in one course, which is unique to a specialty restaurant. If you want to fully enjoy Okayama’s typical fish, we recommend making a reservation in advance for the mackerel course.

• Over 30 types of local sake x Bizen ware sake vessels
  There are over 30 types of sake, mainly from breweries in Okayama Prefecture. Local pottery such as Bizen ware and Kurashiki glass are often used for sake cups and sake bottles, and it is said that “the sake tastes mellower when drunk from Bizen ware.”

 

 

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 4. “Adult dessert” with the scent of Japanese sake 

Recommended for people who don’t like alcohol that much, but want to enjoy the atmosphere.Sweets that casually incorporate Japanese sake. We’d like to introduce you to some dessert spots for adults that you’ll want to stop by on your way to sweets shops.

　Ote Manju Cafe | “Reward Set” of famous sweets and sake

Ote Manju is a famous confectionery that represents Okayama. Ote Manju Cafe, located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, is where you can enjoy this world view in a cafe style.

Enjoy the pairing of famous sweets and drinks in a calm space where you can take a breather while looking out at the white-walled townscape.

　Menu you want to try here

• Freshly steamed large manju set
  A popular set menu that includes freshly steamed steamed buns and a drink. Drinks include coffee, latte, brown rice tea, and more.Japanese sakeYou can also choose. The combination of sweet bean paste and sake goes surprisingly well, giving it the feel of a “Japanese sweets for adults.”

• Major Manju Soft
  The soft-serve ice cream made with manju skin and filling has an elegant taste that is not too sweet. We also recommend taking it out for a walk and enjoying it while walking along the Kurashiki River.

• Summer limited edition Otemanju shaved ice
  For a limited time in the summer, shaved ice with manju-derived syrup and toppings will also be available. Perfect for cooling down in hot weather.

*Business hours are 12:00-17:00 (L.O. 16:30), closed Monday-Wednesday (subject to change). Please check the official website for the latest information.

 

　Gelato Ginroku | Taste local fruits in luxury

Ginroku is a gelato specialty store that opened in the Bikan Historical Quarter on March 1, 2025. The owner is a fruit lover who has been helping out a grape farmer he knows for 10 years.

You can enjoy gelato made with plenty of fruits from Okayama Prefecture in a store that makes use of the dirt floor of a renovated old folk house.

There are about 6 to 14 flavors lined up in the showcase depending on the day, and at the time of our interview,

• Berry A x Milk

• Chocolate x Okayama Banana

• Uji dark matcha x Sachinoka strawberry

etc.,Gelato featuring fruits typical of Okayamawere available.

The only flavor available is “double,” which combines two types, and the flavor changes with the seasons, such as white peach, muscat, fig, watermelon, persimmon, and mugwort.

After enjoying sake, you can reset your palate with fruit gelato – this is the perfect place to end a tipsy walk.

*Currently only open on Saturdays and Sundays, usually from 11:30 to 15:00 (until sold out). Business days and hours are subject to change, so please check the official Instagram (@ginroku.kurashiki) for the latest information.

 

 

 

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 5. [Souvenirs] 3 “Okayama’s famous sakes” you’ll want to buy and take home 

We have picked up three teppan brands that will let you soak in the afterglow of your trip to Kurashiki even after you return home. All of these bottles are full of Okayama characteristics and are recommended as gifts for sake lovers.

　① Sanzen Special Junmai Omachi｜Balanced with all the charm of Omachi

“Sanzan”, produced by Kikuchi Sake Brewery in Tamashima, Kurashiki, is a brand known as a brewery that uses a lot of Omachi. Among them, “Sanzen Tokushu Junmai Omachi” is one that combines the richness typical of Omachi with a good balance that will keep you from getting tired of drinking.

　image of taste

• A plump sweet scent

• Gentle fruit aroma reminiscent of ripe bananas

• Soft sweetness and acidity that gives definition

• The flavor of the rice lingers in the aftertaste.

A “versatile player” that is delicious even cold, but the acidity and flavor rise even more when served at room temperature to lukewarm. It goes well with all Japanese cuisine, as well as butter-based fish dishes and cheese.“It’s reassuring to have one at home” Sake for mealsis.

Basic data (Sanzen Special Junmai Omachi)

• Type: Special Junmai

• Raw material rice: 100% Omachi from Okayama Prefecture

• Rice polishing ratio: 65%

• Alcohol content: 15.5%

 

　② GOZENSHU 9 NINE｜Modern acid made with Bodhimoto

Gozenshu, produced by Tsujimototen, a brewery in Maniwa City, Okayama, is a brand known for reviving the ancient sake base, Bodaimoto. Among them, “GOZENSHU 9 NINE Regular Bottle” is popular as a “junmai sake that can be enjoyed like a white wine” that combines the characteristics of Omachi and Bodhimoto.

When chilled and drunk in a wine glass, the lively acidity and flavor from Omachi stand out, and it pairs well with Western-style appetizers such as carpaccio and marinades.

Basic data (GOZENSHU 9 NINE regular bottle)

• Type: Pure rice sake

• Raw material rice: Omachi from Okayama Prefecture

• Rice polishing ratio: 65%

• Alcohol content: 15 degrees

• Sake level: +5 (slightly dry)

• Acidity: 1.4

The acidity of aged Bodhimoto x the rich flavor of OmachiThis combination goes well with richly flavored dishes such as fatty fish, eel, and hard cheese.

 

　 ③ Daiten Shiragiku Junmai Shiragiku Rice | “Royal food sake” that thoroughly enjoys the flavor of rice

Daiten Shiragiku is brewed by Shiragiku Sake Brewery in Nariwa Town, Takahashi City. Among them, “Daiten Shiragiku Junmai Shiragiku-mai” is a highly rated sake that can be enjoyed with meals, as it is made entirely from the sake rice “Shiragiku”, which is the name of the brewery.

Shiragiku rice is a sake rice that is said to have the blood of Omachi.

• Soft and fluffy taste

• Rich rice flavor

It is characterized by It is a pure rice sake with a calming taste that you will want to drink slowly with your meal.

Basic data (Daiten Shiragiku Junmai Shiragiku rice)

• Type: Pure rice sake

• Raw material rice: 100% Shiragiku rice from Okayama prefecture

• Rice polishing ratio: 65%

• Alcohol content: 16-17 degrees

• Sake level: +4 (refreshing and dry)

• Acidity: 1.8

It is delicious even when chilled, and the flavor and fluffiness of the rice becomes richer when it is served at room temperature to lukewarm. Boiled dishes, grilled fish, meat and potatoes, etc.Excellent compatibility with “standard side dishes for home meals”This is one of the books.

 

 

 

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 6. Model course: Kurashiki “Tipsy” half-day plan 

Lastly, we offer the Tipsy Half-Day Model Course, which takes you around the spots we introduced.

　15:00 View art at Ohara Museum of Art

At the Ohara Museum of Art, known as Japan’s first art museum with a full-fledged collection of Western art, take a leisurely look at masterpieces and crafts from Japan and abroad. After turning on your senses, go for a walk around town.

　16:30 0th party at “Kakehashi” or “Dotemori”

• Compare local sake made with Omachi at “Tachinomi Kakehashi”

• Search for potential souvenir bottles and consult with the shop owner at “Local Sake Sales Company Dotemori”

You can go to one of them or go to one of them. This is the perfect time to have a quick drink and gather information. Please check the official information for each business hours.

　17:30 Walk along the Kurashiki River at dusk

The white walls and rows of willow trees at magic hour are a special treat that can only be seen during this time. If you have time, we recommend riding on a riverboat and looking at the cityscape from the water.

　18:30 Dinner at Shinsui or Old Hondo House

• If you want to enjoy a relaxing “Izakaya time”, try Okayama-style side dishes such as yellow chive dishes and shrimp, and local sake at “Mingei Chaya Shinsui”.

• For an anniversary or a date, pair Italian food and sake while looking out at the garden at Kominka Bar Kyu Hondo House.

Choose your favorite restaurant depending on your mood that day and the people you’re traveling with (both restaurants are popular, so reservations are recommended for the evening).

　20:30 Return to the hotel while enjoying the night breeze

The Bikan Historical Quarter is also special, as the traffic has calmed down and the area has regained its tranquility. Walking back to the hotel, still slightly sober, on the cobblestone pavement is an important moment of the trip.

 

 

 

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 Finally 

The white-walled townscape, the quietly flowing Kurashiki River, and famous sake from Okayama, including Omachi. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is not just a place for sightseeing, but a place where you can relax and relax through the scenery, drinks, and meeting people.

Listen to the stories of the brewers and liquor stores as you drink a little at each brewery. In between, you can take a break with sweets or gelato, and take home your favorite bottle as a souvenir.This is a fun way to enjoy things that is unique to Kurashiki, the town of Japanese sake.

On your next holiday, why not take a leisurely stroll through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in search of a drink to cheer yourself up rather than get drunk? I’m sure you’ll be waiting for an encounter with your new favorite book.