#Japan #Hayama #Kikkawa Jozo #Hikage Chaya #Rainfall Sake

Embracing Early Summer in Hayama

As early summer unfolds, the iconic restaurant Hikage Chaya in Hayama invites you to an exclusive collaboration event, "Ayu Fish and Sake Summer Evening", on June 13, 2023. This unique gathering will celebrate the delicate flavors of ayu fish, grilled to perfection with salt, paired with premium sake crafted by Kikkawa Jozo.

Background: A Harmonious Evening of Tradition

Nestled in the serene environment of Hayama, Hikage Chaya has maintained its time-honored traditions since its establishment over 360 years ago. Perfectly blending history with culinary excellence, this event offers a one-night-only chance to indulge in specially curated kaiseki with five varieties of Kikkawa Jozo sake. As the evening unfolds, Toshi Ishiwata, a board member of Yokohama Kimijima, will provide insights into the profound appeal of sake and the masterpiece of its pairing with gourmet dishes.

Event Highlights

Held at the lavish banquet hall of Hikage Chaya, guests will enjoy a refined atmosphere while savoring the seasonal delicacy of grilled ayu fish alongside carefully selected sake, created using traditional methods. The summers in Japan call for a refreshing experience, and our kaiseki is designed with this in mind, featuring the theme of summer throughout.

The Art of Sake Brewing

What sets Kikkawa Jozo apart is its unique brewing methodology. Using water sourced from the Tanazawa Oyam mountains, renowned for its hardness, they emphasize a lower polishing technique to create flavorful and environmentally conscious sake. It’s a celebration of both nature and craftsmanship.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Ayu Fish and Sake Summer Evening
• - Date: June 13, 2023
• - Time: Reception starts at 5:15 PM, Dinner at 5:45 PM
• - Location: Banquet Hall, Hikage Chaya (16 Horiuchi, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa)
• - Fee: 15,730 yen per person (includes special kaiseki, sake, lecture fee, tax, and service fee)
• - Capacity: Due to venue constraints, guests may have to share tables.
• - Transportation: Please refrain from arriving by car.

Meet Our Expert

Toshi Ishiwata, from Yokohama Kimijima, has vast experience, having honed his skills in both French cuisine and beverage distribution. He has led several initiatives including the launch of new outlets and the sourcing of both wines and sake. As a holder of the SAKE DIPLOMA and WSET Level 3, Toshi brings an expert perspective on the nuances of sake pairing.

Contact and Reservations

Reservations are available via phone at Hikage Chaya: 046-875-0014.

• - Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (if a holiday, the following weekday)
• - More Information: Hikage Chaya Website

About Hikage Chaya

Designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, Hikage Chaya has its roots in the Edo period when it served as a teahouse for travelers. It later became a beloved dining inn frequented by literary figures during the Meiji era, including the esteemed Natsume Soseki. Surrounded by a magnificent Japanese garden showcasing seasonal beauty, Hikage Chaya is dedicated to delivering exquisite kaiseki dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients from Sagami Bay, preserving its prestigious legacy in Hayama.

About Kikkawa Jozo

Founded in 1912, Kikkawa Jozo is nestled at the foot of Tanazawa, formerly known as Afuriyama. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship based on the philosophy of Dr. Shinsho Sugiyama, it has garnered recognition through its signature sake brand, Kikuyu. In 2020, the brewery became part of the Shimada Group, revitalizing its operations and introducing new sake styles, notably Rainfall (Afurin) in 2021, merging tradition with innovation in sake making.

About Shimada Group

Shimada Group started in 1952 as a single rice-milling shop in Setagaya. Today, it has grown to encompass various businesses, including food service, real estate, nursing care, hospitality, childcare, travel, and sake production. Our aim is to enhance life experiences at every moment, balancing craftsmanship with personal connections.

Shimada Group Official Site
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