Hoshino Resort Bandaisan Onsen Hotel Announces the “Aizu Yoppara Japanese Sake Festival”

A New Event Celebrating Award-Winning Breweries with a Guest-Judged Sake Tasting and a Toast to the Winners of the New Sake Competition

Nestled at the foot of Mount Bandai, the Hoshino Resort Bandaisan Onsen Hotel will host the “Aizu Yoppara Japanese Sake Festival” from April 10 to June 2, 2024. This unique event offers a delightful and interactive experience with Aizu’s Japanese sake.

“Yoppara” in the Aizu dialect means “a lot.” At this event, guests can indulge in a curated selection of award-winning sakes from the National New Sake Tasting Competition. The “Aizu Nomurie Tasting,” named after sake enthusiasts who love to compare drinks, lets guests play the role of connoisseurs. Additionally, the “Sake Night Market” allows attendees to meet brewers from not only Aizu but also across Fukushima Prefecture and purchase their sake. There’s also the “Sake Vessel Gacha,” where guests can win traditional Japanese sake vessels, ensuring a fun-filled, festive atmosphere to explore the wonders of Aizu’s sake.

Following the announcement of the National New Sake Tasting Competition results, the hotel celebrates the gold medal-winning breweries in style. This includes the construction of a “Masu Tower,” whose height varies based on the number of awards, and a grand sake offering to toast the winners.

Aizu, where the Bandaisan Onsen Hotel is located, is a renowned sake region, home to about half of Fukushima’s 30 breweries. Each year, from April to mid-May, the National New Sake Tasting Competition is held to celebrate the craft of new sake. Fukushima Prefecture has made history by being the first to win the most gold awards in the competition for nine consecutive years.

The “Aizu Yoppara Japanese Sake Festival” was conceived to allow guests to fully enjoy the nationally acclaimed sake of Aizu. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Japan’s finest brews!

“Aizu Yoppara Japanese Sake Festival” Overview

• Duration: April 10 to June 2, 2024
• Participants: Guests staying at Bandaisan Onsen Hotel

Feature 1: Tasting Competition Experience with Award-Winning Sakes

The main event of the Aizu Yoppara Japanese Sake Festival is the “Aizu Nomurie Tasting.” Guests become judges and compare sakes from five carefully selected breweries.

The sakes presented are chosen by our expert sommeliers who are Aizu natives. They select one exceptional sake from breweries with a history of winning gold at the National New Sake Tasting Competition, especially those anticipated to win gold this year.

Guests can analyze and appreciate the flavors using a unique, easy-to-understand tasting sheet. After sampling, they vote for their favorite, and the most popular sake of the day is announced and shared with everyone.

• Time: 16:00 – 18:00 (Sake serving from 20:30)
• Fee: Free

Feature 2: “Sake Night Market” Bringing Together Award-Winning Sakes from Across Fukushima

This special sales event offers a chance to purchase sakes from award-winning breweries across Fukushima. The prefecture is divided into three regions: Aizu, Nakadori, and Hamadori, each with its unique climate and environmental conditions.

The sakes, crafted in these diverse climates, embody different qualities and distinct craftsmanship. Every Friday, an online sale event is held with participating breweries, allowing guests to learn about the breweries’ dedication to sake-making without leaving Aizu.

• Time: 19:00 – 21:00

Feature 3: Raising the Sake Spirit with the “Sake Vessel Gacha” and “Sake Brewery Strolling Map”

During the festival, the “Sake Vessel Gacha” offers a chance to win original sake vessels. The type of vessel used can significantly alter the taste of sake.

The highlight of this gacha is the ochoko (sake cup) adorned with the design of an Akabeko (a traditional red cow figurine). There’s also a secret selection of vessels made from various materials and shapes—what you’ll get is part of the fun.

Each capsule includes a guide on how to best enjoy sake with the specific vessel, allowing guests to deepen their appreciation of Japanese sake. We also recommend using the “Sake Brewery Strolling Map,” which includes 30 Aizu breweries and shops for sake vessels and snacks, to make your next day’s tour a total sake experience.

Sake Vessel Gacha

• Time: 9:00-11:00 / 15:00-21:00
• Fee: ¥600
• Location: Aizu SAKE Bar

Feature 4: Celebrate Gold Award Winners with the Height-Adjustable “Masu Tower”

Following the announcement of the New Sake Competition results, we hold a grand event to celebrate the gold medal-winning breweries. The centerpiece is the “Masu Tower,” constructed by stacking masu (traditional wooden sake cups) equal to the number of gold awards won.

Sake poured from the top of the tower is served to guests in a toast to the winners. Moreover, at the Aizu SAKE Bar, we offer discounts on sakes from the gold award-winning breweries, providing an opportunity to enjoy Aizu’s sake at a great value.

• Duration: 1 week starting from the day of the New Sake Competition results announcement
• Time: Sake service from the Masu Tower at 20:30
• Fee: Free for sake service from the Masu Tower

About Hoshino Resort Bandaisan Onsen Hotel

This mountain resort boasts a prime location at the foot of Mount Bandai, overlooking Lake Inawashiro. It offers ever-changing scenic beauty through the seasons and a chance to immerse in Aizu’s culinary and cultural charms.

• Address: 6838-68 Shimizuhira, Katarashina, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture 969-3396
• Phone: 050-3134-8094 (Hoshino Resorts Reservation Center)
• Number of Rooms: 149
• Check-in: From 15:00 / Check-out: Until 11:00
• Price: From ¥14,900 per night (per person in a double room, including tax and service charge, with dinner and breakfast)
• Access: 20 minutes by car from Banetsu Expressway “Bandai Kawatou IC” via Tohoku Expressway Koriyama JCT