You may already know about the mountains, coasts, natural hot springs and magnificent Himeji Castle that define Hyogo Prefecture in Japan’s Kansai region, but it’s sake — the delicious Japanese alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented rice — that’s regarded as one of Hyogo’s most prized treasures.

© Don Kennedy

This region is the home of Yamada Nishiki, where more than half of the country’s production of a cherished rice varietal called the “king of sake rice” originates. It makes sense Hyogo offers multiple venues where it’s possible to experience the best of sake culture. These include Miyake Sake Brewery, revered for a blend of quality and craftsmanship dating back to 1819.

The QA variety is particularly beloved, made through a unique process of “bag pressing” and the addition of clear water from the Manabe River. Visitors can learn all about the sake-making techniques used by Miyake while enjoying a tasting and guided tour of the brewery.

Miyake © Don Kennedy

Guided tours are also available at Nishiyama Brewery, within Hyogo’s mountainous slopes. Here, traditions date back centuries, executed with pure spring waters from the peaks.

Visitors can also take part in sake-brewing workshops and even spend the night in the brewery itself. The on-site restaurant offers a menu that pairs a complementary sake with each dish.

Izumi © Don Kennedy

Sake pairings are also part of the experience at MICHELIN-starred Izumi restaurant in Kasai. Guests can enjoy a traditional, multicourse Japanese dining experience called kaiseki. Sake pairings feature selections from Miyake Sake Brewery, while menu items showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Izumi is also noteworthy for being the only restaurant to exclusively offer sakes from Miyake.