The "Osumi Premium Shochu Exploration Tour" Planning Committee (comprising: Osumi Tourism Future Council, Taiyo Shuzo, Oishika Shuzo, Kamikawa Shuzo, Tenboshi Shuzo, Wakashio Shuzo, Sakura Kanko Soyokaze) will hold the "Kagoshima Prefecture Osumi Peninsula Premium Experience Shochu Exploration Tour" for two days and one night from Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to Thursday, October 1, 2026, targeting individuals with a keen interest in shochu and those in the liquor retail and food service industries. Applications for this tour will open on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Creating "Cultural Experience Tourism" that Connects with the Stories of the Producers

In recent years, consumer needs have shifted from "product consumption" to "experience consumption," and consumers with high literacy in food and alcohol tend to value the stories and backgrounds of the producers. This tour has been planned to meet such needs by allowing participants to experience firsthand the climate, water, weather, and manual processes of the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, the home of shochu, using all five senses. Through direct interaction with the breweries, we aim to strengthen the brand power of "Authentic Kagoshima" and foster local fans and related populations.

Six "Premium" Highlights and Experiences of the Tour

This tour offers special experiences in the Osumi Peninsula, home to renowned breweries, that are not usually available.

1. Visit to 5 Representative Osumi Breweries

Visit five representative breweries of Osumi all at once: Oishika Shuzo, Taiyo Shuzo, Kamikawa Shuzo, Tenboshi Shuzo, and Wakashio Shuzo.

2. "Sweet Potato" Harvesting and Tasting Experience to Connect with Ingredients

Visit contract farmers' fields to experience harvesting sweet potatoes, the lifeblood of shochu, and taste the raw ingredients, experiencing the blessings of the land and soil.

3. Experience the Production Process and Craftsmanship

Not only observe the traditional shochu-making process but also challenge yourself with an "imo-kiri" (sweet potato cutting) experience and a traditional "moromi agitation" experience from the perspective of the artisans.

4. The Mystery of Vibrant Fermentation

Witness up close the fermentation of koji and moromi, which pulsate with sound in the quiet of the night. A surprising experience that stimulates the senses.

5. Shochu Breweries' Challenge: "Japanese Whisky Experience"

Enjoy the production site and tasting of authentic whisky made by shochu breweries, a cutting-edge endeavor utilizing traditional techniques.

6. Create Your Own Unique "My Blend Shochu" Experience

At the end of the tour, blend your own original shochu with professional guidance, including bottle design, to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Supreme Marriage of Osumi's "Food" and Brewery Staff

We have also meticulously focused on the gourmet experiences that will color your journey. For lunch, we will serve Kanpachi, which boasts the highest production volume in Japan, and eel. Furthermore, in the evening, at a local izakaya, brewery staff will join you. We will host a special banquet to enjoy the finest "mariage (pairing)" of Osumi's rich seasonal ingredients and the renowned sake each brewery is proud of, along with the passionate stories of the producers.

Tour Outline

Tour Name: Kagoshima Prefecture Osumi Peninsula Premium Experience Shochu Exploration Tour

Tour Dates: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - Thursday, October 1, 2026 (2 days, 1 night)

Tour Price: 39,800 yen (tax included) Includes: Chartered bus fare, accommodation (1 night), meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), experience fees. *Transportation to and from Kagoshima Airport or Kagoshima Chuo Station (meeting/dissolution point) is not included. Please arrange your own transportation.

Capacity: 20 people (minimum 10 people to operate)

Application Period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026

Organizer: "Osumi Premium Shochu Exploration Tour" Planning Committee (comprising: Osumi Tourism Future Council, Taiyo Shuzo, Oishika Shuzo, Kamikawa Shuzo, Tenboshi Shuzo, Wakashio Shuzo, Sakura Kanko Soyokaze)

Sponsors: Kagoshima Prefecture Brewers Association, Osumi Regional Tourism Development Promotion Council

Breweries to Visit (Souvenirs included at each brewery)

- Taiyo Shuzo (Kanoiya City) - Oishika Shuzo (Kanoiya City) - Kamikawa Shuzo (Kanoiya City) - Tenboshi Shuzo (Osaki Town) - Wakashio Shuzo (Shibushi City)

Application for this Tour

Sakura Kanko Soyokaze Co., Ltd.

Apply here

Contact Information

[Inquiries regarding tour planning and content]

Tourism Regional Development Corporation (DMO) Osumi Tourism Future Council

Contact: Kaneko

TEL: 0994-35-1266

Mail: info@oosumi-kankou.com

[Inquiries regarding tour reception and applications]

Sakura Kanko Soyokaze Co., Ltd.

Contact: Higashi

TEL: 0994-43-1111

Mail: sakurakanko-kanoya@sakurabb.ne.jp

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event