As Japan slowly reopens to foreign tourists, a trip that includes the bright lights and excitement of Tokyo, the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto, and the somber Hiroshima Peace Park will likely be the choices for many first-time visitors.
But for those who have already been to the country at least once and are seeking something and someplace new, local gastro-tourism in places such as Hokkaido — already well known for its high quality seafood and agricultural products — could be a tempting travel experience. One Hokkaido business looking ahead to the day when international tourists, especially those from the United States and Europe, come in greater numbers is Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery.
Its Sapporo tasting room introduces several different kinds of sake, made with different varieties of Hokkaido rice, with flavors ranging from sweet and full-bodied to mild. Visitors can learn about the general history of Hokkaido and sake brewing in the prefecture, and can receive advice on which types of sake go best with which foods.