The natural surroundings of the Mino mountain range and the Chikugo river basin are home to Kurume city's 15 sake breweries. These breweries are considered some of the best in the country along with breweries in Nada in Kobe, and Fushimi in Kyoto.
Kurume has a long history of producing sake. The oldest brewery in the Chikugo basin, 'Wakatake Sake Brewery' is at the top of the list a with proud history of more than 300 years. Then there is Yamaguchi-Shuzo Brewery, known for its signature brand sake, 'Niwa-no-Uguisu'. These and the many other breweries have solidified the area's reputation with their respective creations.
Every year in February a special 'Kurabiraki' event is held, in which breweries open their doors to the public for tastings, in honor of the new year. Many people gather at the event to enjoy a range of sake, including new and limited edition blends.
Kurume produces not only sake, but also wine and shochu (a popular hard Japanese liquor). In Tanushimaru-machi, where outdoor cultivation of grapes first took off in the area, 'Budou Winery' produces everything from 100% fermented grape wine, to blueberry and strawberry original fruit varieties. At many of the wineries and breweries in the area, tours and tastings are available for public enjoyment.
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