Applications are closed.

We are now accepting applications for the 1 week Sake Making program at the Gakkogura 2021 !
We will have people who want to experience the most essential part of making sake for a week with us.
＊Gakkogura was certificated as the first case of Special Zone of Japanese Sake.

【Contents of Sake Making Experience】

The duration of the program is set at one week so that participants can experience all the processes from koji making to three-stage brewing, which is the core of sake production. In addition to the washing the rice, soaking, steaming, koji making, and brewing, there will also be a visit to the rice field to understand local circulation, an orientation to understand the meaning of each work, and a sake tasting session to experience professional sensory testing.

Specifics are as follows.
Day 1	・・・Orientation, steaming rice, koji making
Day 2	・・・koji making, rice washing, soaking, rice field tour
Day 3	・・・Steaming, Koji making , Washing, Soaking
Day 4	・・・Steaming, koji making
Day 5	・・・rice washing, soaking, sake tasting
6th day	・・・Steaming rice, making rice, washing rice, soaking rice.
Day 7	・・・Steaming rice, Soe-shikomi

The basic schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but depending on the day, The last day ends around noon.

 

【The schedule of Sake making program】

	●Class 1：	31th May 〜6th June　Not accepting applications
	●Class 2：	15th June 〜21st June　Not accepting applications
【Closed applications】	●Class 3：	30th June 〜6th July　Number of participants accepted: only few
【Closed applications】	●Class 4：	15th July〜21st July　Number of participants accepted: only few
【Closed applications】	●Class 5：	15th August 〜21st August　Number of participants accepted: only few

**In regards to 2021, there are still possibilities for it to be cancelled according the situation. In case that happens, please confirm the notice★ described later.

【Conditions】

• The purpose of this program is to experience first hand Sake Making with the brewers and to acquire deeper knowledge of sake and its terroire.
• We prioritize experience rather than the common way of learning.
• The Participation fee is 50,000 yen per person ( tax inclusive ). This fee includes uniforms, sake tasting, aroma sample and etc.
• Participants living outside Sado island will need to shoulder the transportation, accommodation, meals and other expenses.
• The 1 week program will start in the morning of the 1st day and finish around noon of the 7th day.
• There are cases in which the schedule is changed without prior notice.
• The schedule may vary from day to day. During free time, you may do as you please.
• Basically, participants are supposed to attend the whole program.
• Participants are strongly recommended to follow brewer’s directions all the time to avoid any problems.
• Perfume, nail polish and smoking are prohibited at Gakkogura.
• If participant have fever not lower than 37.5 and/or severe coughing,participants must refrain from participating.
• Participants must provide and are required to wear masks.
• In case you don’t have a car/ rental car, transportation is provided from Obata Shuzo ( our main brewery) to Gakkogura and vice versa only. We recommend you stay in a hotel/ryokan which is easy aceessible to Obata Shuzo(address: 449, Manoshinmachi, Sado-city).
• Pictures will be taken and videos will be shot during the program for promotion purposes and participants are supposed to be part of the pictures and videos.
• Depending on the social situation, you may be asked to submit a PCR test report at your own expense.
• You will be expected to submit a report after the program.
• There is no interpreter

**You will be notified 2 weeks prior to the starting day of each batch in case of cancellation. But there will be still possibilities we should make sudden cancellations due to the Corona virus situation even just before starting day. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
**Please note that your transportation, accommodation will not be covered if a cancellation occurs.

 

★■ONLINE SCHOOL DAY for the prospective participation

( In case of unfortunate events such as the COVID19 wherein the program is cancelled, we will still provide this alternatives)
 
An online crash lesson will be provided to prospective participants in which we will share information about Gakkogura, our sake making , and provide Q & A session. Free participation for ONLINE SCHOOL DAY if actual 1 week experience program is cancelled.