Doburoku in Takayama
The Hida area, which also includes Takayama city, is famous for its high-quality sake. The Hida area is surrounded by mountains more than 3000 m in height, so it has an abundance of natural water and produces very flavorful rice. Sake brewers have been making sake earnestly since the Edo period (1603-1867). At present there are 12 sake breweries. Outside of these breweries, there is a homemade sake called doburoku. Doburoku can only be found in specific areas and seasons. Doburoku is muddy white in colour as the rice is fermented using a traditional method. It is easy to drink as its refreshing taste (similar to sparkling wine) combines well with the unique acidity inherent in sake. However, during the Meiji era (1868-1912), production of home-brewed sake was prohibited by law, doburoku is currently brewed by only a small number of shrines in the World Heritage site, Shirakawa Village, and can only be drunk during the local autumn festival.
In Takayama city, there is an unusual habit, which began in the Edo period, regarding sake where people cannot leave their seats during the first 30 to 45 minutes of a banquet. After this, all guests sing a celebratory song called medeta together. Only after this can people leave their seats.
As the taste of sake differs depending on the region and brewery, you can enjoy looking for that perfect bottle of sake while travelling in Japan. Please find your favorite local brew in the Hida area and in Takayama city.
