The Japanese Zodiac

Introduction: Japan is known for its sake. To experience the centuries-old traditions and meticulous craftsmanship that characterize sake, visiting a Japanese sake brewery is one of the best things you can do while in Japan. Every sip of sake is woven with a rich tapestry of culture that you can experience and appreciate. When visiting a sake brewery, keep the following in mind to make your visit more worthwhile.　 The Art of Sake Brewing: Historical Roots: Uncover the historical origins of sake, a beverage steeped in ritual and tradition for over a millennium, and learn how it has evolved into a symbol of Japanese cultural identity. Ingredients and Brewing Process: Explore the key ingredients meticulously chosen for sake production. From pristine water sources to special rice varieties, yeast, and the revered koji mold, witness the alchemy that transforms simple elements into this revered elixir. The Soul of Sake: Terroir and Regionality: Are you a fan of sake? Did you know that each brewery creates a unique flavor profile that is shaped by the geographical nuances of its location? Discover the secrets behind this special drink and explore the fascinating world of sake! Sake Grades and Types: Decode the intricacies of sake grades, from the robust Junmai to the ethereal Daiginjo. Understand how rice polishing ratios influence the quality and characteristics of different sake types. Meeting the Masters: Visiting Sake Breweries: Some breweries offer visitors the chance to experience the scenic landscape surrounding the brewery while inhaling the aroma of fermenting rice, allowing them to discover the charm of this sacred place of craftsmanship. The Pleasure of Tasting: Sake Tasting Tips: Elevate your tasting experience with practical tips on glassware, serving temperatures, and delectable food pairings. Unlock the secrets to savoring every nuance of this ancient elixir. Personal Discovery: Join us on a personal journey of discovery and appreciation for Japanese Sake. Find the inspiration to embark on your own exploration of this fascinating world. Call to Action: Embark on your own sake adventure! Explore the world of Japanese Sake by attending renowned sake festivals, planning visits to recommended breweries, and diving into additional resources to deepen your understanding. "Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery: A Sake Odyssey Since 1751" We highly recommend visiting Kobe-Shu-Shin-Kan (酒心館）. Nestled in the heart of Kobe City, Japan, Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery, established in 1751, stands as a revered maker of the famed "FUKUJU" sake. We extend a hearty recommendation to explore this historic brewery, where tradition and innovation converge. Brewery Tour and Tasting Experience: Embark on a journey through time with their immersive brewery tour, offering a delightful tasting experience ranging from Junmai to Daiginjo. Cap off the experience by acquiring handcrafted sake straight from the barrel after indulging in their expertly guided tasting session. FUKUJU's Unique Charm: Situated in the enchanting Nada region near Rokko Mountain, FUKUJU benefits from the region's unique climatic conditions. The extreme temperature swings on the north side and the gentle, cold winds on the south side create an ideal environment for growing sake rice and slowing the fermentation process. The local mountain streams contribute Miyamizu, naturally pure water with the perfect mineral content. For over 265 years, FUKUJU has harnessed these elements to craft its signature sake. Innovative Heritage and Dedication: FUKUJU's innovative approach pioneered sake-making in the Nada region. Their locations, blessed by nature, foster exceptional sake. Generations of dedication ensure consistent standards of quality. Pure dedication to their craft and unadulterated natural ingredients culminate in a taste that is both fresh and clear. Plan Your Visit: For those intrigued by the rich heritage of FUKUJU and eager to explore the brewery, detailed information about tours and other offerings is available on their official website: FUKUJU Brewery. Our Sake Drinking Glass Line-ups: Japanese Drinkware  Conclusion: As we unveil the art and tradition of Japanese Sake, we invite you to immerse yourself in a world where every sip tells a story. Embrace the allure of this ancient elixir, and let the journey inspire you to explore the craftsmanship and culture that define Japanese Sake.

HARUHINO is a specialized leather craft shop established in 2014 in the ancient capital of Nara. The shop specializing in leather goods started in "Yume CUBE", a popular spot in the "Mochiidono Shopping Street" in downtown Nara. In 2017, they relocated to a larger floor space and reopened in a new location. The shop has been known not only by local Nara residents but also by many tourists from all over Japan and abroad. Why Omotenashi-Square recommend HARUHINO?  1. Handcrafting each item and having visible trust through their craftsmanship. At HARUHINO shop, they stick to handcrafting and deliver products carefully handmade one by one by skilled craftspeople. At their shop, they don’t separate the sales floor from the workshop. So you can see the production process in person at any time. This is because they consider the connection with customers and the relationship of trust with them to be of the utmost importance. They have a large entrance and a spacious floor, so we highly recommend stopping by and taking a look if you are in Nara. 2. High-quality leather goods at a reasonable price. Due to the high cost of the materials and the time and skill required for production, leather products tend to be expensive. However, at HARUHINO, they use high-quality materials and skilled techniques, yet they set their prices reasonably so that many customers can afford to purchase their products. They can make it happen because of their small store with an elite staff. They make their products and advertise them by themselves. We believe that leather goods will be used for many years and for a long time. HARUHINO doesn’t compromise on quality to make good products, but they offer them at reasonable prices by utilizing their strength. 3. Passion and Philosophy I passed by HARUHINO's store by chance when I was looking for a new manufacturing supplier using traditional techniques in Nara City. I could see the workshop from outside the store and was fascinated to see the craftsmen working on wallets and bags. I was impressed by the variety of leather products shown in the store. I was so impressed that I bought a wallet for myself. When I talked to the owner, “We want to offer leather products that can be used for many years while enjoying the natural properties of leather and aging and that they want to provide leather products that will grow with their customers. We want to be a brand that lives up to the name of Nara.” Upon hearing the story, we immediately decided to enter into a partnership. We wanted to spread their great leather products and passion to as many people as possible in the world. Omotenashi-Square's commitment is to provide only products made in Japan by Japanese craftsmen, where the spirit of monozukuri (craftsmanship) resides, and wants to share Japanese products with as many people as possible. We want to contribute to leading world peace by introducing the goodness of Japan through traditional Japanese products. These are reasons why Omotenashi-Square put much effort into introducing its products online. Especially for those who cannot visit their tremendous craft shop in Nara, don’t worry you have us to purchase their products.We hope you enjoy the authentic Japanese craftsmanship leather products, and we are waiting for your happy feedback! You can check our Haruhino Wallet and Bags line-ups: https://omotenashi-square.com/collections/japanese-bags-wallets

Our motto is that we want people to smile and feel small happiness when using our recommended Japanese products.  We would be happy if the products we recommend are convenient, easy to use, high quality, and long-lasting as tools for daily life. Some are things that CEO Yoshi notices in daily life. Some are things that Yoshi's family, friends, and co-workers notice. Recently, we have received hints from repeat customers who ask us if we deal with the product they are looking for. What is the product that people use every day that makes them smile? That is all we think about. Furthermore, we want to provide a place where people can easily find such products or discover new ones. Therefore we have a large selection of products for daily use and hobbies. And we try to provide opportunities to showcase our products through social networking sites such as  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/omotenashisquare_official/,  Twitter https://twitter.com/JapanOmoSqu  Linkpop https://linkpop.com/omotenashi-square In addition, Yoshi's commitment is to provide only products made in Japan by Japanese craftsmen, where the spirit of monozukuri (craftsmanship) resides.There are many great products in other countries, but we, as Japanese, want to share Japanese products with as many people as possible.We want as many people as possible to feel small happiness by using our products. We look forward to your visit and hope you find your favorite daily-use products!