Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sake! #japaneseculture #sake #meiji

Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sake! #japaneseculture #sake #meiji

🍶✨ I had the chance to visit Hananomai Brewery in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka—founded back in 1864.
Not only did I taste their sake, but I also got the chance to pour fresh namazake (unpasteurized sake) directly into the bottle myself. Such a unique hands-on experience!

They served me three glasses, each with its own subtle character—light, fruity, smooth, and refreshing. 🌸 It truly lives up to its name, Hananomai, which means “Dance of Flowers.”

But sake is more than just a drink. Experiencing it here reminded me of its deeper meaning in Japan—it’s tied to Shinto traditions and offered at shrines like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo. ⛩️ The barrels you see there symbolize sake’s role in honoring the gods, nature, and celebration of life.

So every sip of Hananomai isn’t only about flavor—it’s history, spirituality, and culture in a cup. ✨

Would you try sake like this on your trip to Japan?