The pride of Ariga Brewery's craftsmanship

Visit Ariga Brewery, a long-established brewery founded in the late Edo period. At this brewery, which creates unique brands such as "Junmaiginjo Kissuihidariuma," "Jinya," and "Tora Makkori," you can experience sake making (within the lab) to commemorate the Fukushima Destination Campaign. Learn about the depth of sake making against the backdrop of the brewery's tradition.

Awakening the senses at the "Sake Making Lab"

At the brewery known as the "Lab," you can actually experience the sake making process (reservation required). From washing the rice and steaming it to making koji and fermentation, this is a rare time where you can participate in the creation of sake using all five senses. This experience, conducted during the Fukushima DC period, is a rare and authentic program within the prefecture.

Bask in the afterglow of your journey at home

The small shop inside the store features their proudly made sakes and goods. Bringing home memories of the tour will let the scenery of Shirakawa City come alive at home.

Lunch of local vegetables x Asian cuisine

Thoroughly enjoy Asian cuisine using fresh local vegetables. The lunch, which comes with an appetizer, soup, and mini dessert, is highly satisfying in both appearance and taste. It is a dining experience that surprises you with how ingredients are utilized and provides inspiration for your own cooking.

The "Delicious Guide" of Shirakawa City with a focus on Fukushima-grown produce

"What do you think today's appetizer is? You can even make it at home," says the owner-chef across the counter. Originally from Saitama, he refined his skills in Tokyo before moving to Shirakawa City, relying on his culinary sensibilities. With a friendly smile and solid technique, he invited me on a "culinary journey."

A "ginger pork revolution" that overturns the usual image. What appeared before me was ginger pork that looked like a piece of art. Green, red, yellow, and purple—the colorful vegetables take center stage and hold their own against the meat. It pairs perfectly with multi-grain rice, providing a sense of satisfaction with zero guilt. "Was ginger pork always this stylish?" you'll want to discuss with someone about it. You'll be spoiled for choice with the diverse menu.

Lakeside strolls and freshly made dango (sweet rice dumplings)

After your meal, head to Nanko Park, built by Sadanobu Matsudaira, the lord of the Shirakawa Domain. The sky reflected on the tranquil lake surface and the sight of duck families swimming leisurely provide a serene experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery throughout the changing seasons. The "Two-Variety Dango Set," where you can choose from bean paste, mitarashi, zunda, and more at the long-established "Kagetsu" founded in the Edo period, is a perfect reward for your stroll.

Founded in the 4th year of Ansei (1857), an unchanging taste and atmosphere remain here

The order slips, with the fun-sounding abbreviations like "mitagoma," "angoma," "anzun," and "gomazun," are colorful round tags. The souvenirs lined up on the wooden shelves are also simple items unrelated to trends. This isn't a manufactured retro vibe, but rather a "genuine" atmosphere built over time.

Enveloped in serenity, a small moment spent with the lake scenery

Nanko Park was built in the Edo period. Gently caressed by the lakeside breeze, I silently say "See you soon" to the lake reflecting the sky and the duck families playing on the water. In this quiet space, a little removed from daily life, I surrender myself to the slow passage of time.

Learn and taste at Senkoma Brewery

Next, visit Senkoma Brewery. Learn about the brewery through a video while savoring amazake, and enjoy sake tasting at the attached shop. The Fukushima DC limited souvenir set features the brewery's finest sake and a masterpiece brimming with the charm of Shirakawa City.

Discovering the story of sake, enveloped in the brewery's aroma

A faint aroma of sake drifts at the brewery entrance. A moment to experience the history and sake making process of Senkoma Brewery with your five senses while watching a video and enjoying amazake with explanations from the shop staff.

The shop attached to the brewery is filled with sake, shochu, liqueurs, ceramic goods, and local specialties. Surprisingly, there are even fresh vegetables in the line up, making it fun just to look around.

Painting experience

The conclusion of the journey is Daruma Land. In addition to observing craftsmen at work painting, there are plenty of photo spots and goods. In the daruma painting experience, you can choose a daruma of your favorite color and create your one-of-a-kind original daruma.

The world of Daruma-kun changing with every season

In the exhibition hall, there is a "Daruma-kun's Room" that is redecorated according to the four seasons, as well as many collaboration darumas with companies and characters. Despite being a traditional craft, they are innovative and colorful. While being in awe of the craftsmen's painting skills, you can also thoroughly learn about the manufacturing process.

One-of-a-kind, your very own daruma

In the painting experience, you can choose a daruma of your favorite color from six colors and experience making your one-of-a-kind original daruma. The time spent moving your pen while wondering "What kind of face should I make?" is a unique moment during your trip. After completion, you can even receive a "Daruma Master Certificate," turning your memory into a certified skill.