The Resurrection of a Historic Sake Brewery in Akita
Thanks to the work of the Japanese architectural firm Sugawaradaisuke, the sake brewery Hikobé has found a new lease of life.
© Hikobé brewery
The space, entirely renovated, has become a place of discovery and meeting for tourists and locals in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The Hikobé brewery had previously only undergone minor changes since its construction in 1688 and had fallen into disrepair. However, it is located in one of the most distinguished regions in the country for sake production: Akita is known for having alcohol with a more pronounced flavour than in the rest of the country, which is due to the heavy snowfall on the rice fields throughout the winter.
A meeting place
The architects at Sugawaradaisuke retained the original façade of the establishment, but gave the interior a complete overhaul to connect the different spaces. The Hikobé brewery, open since May 2018, has become a venue suitable for hosting events. As well as its historic brewery, it also houses a small café-bar, a shop, and a tasting room. The establishment encourages conversation between visitors before they head out to visit one of the other dozen breweries in the area.
More information on the Hikobé brewery can be found on its website (only in Japanese).
© Hikobé brewery
© Hikobé brewery
© Hikobé brewery
© Hikobé brewery
TRENDING
-
Colour Photos of Yakuza Tattoos from the Meiji Period
19th-century photographs have captured the usually hidden tattoos that covered the bodies of the members of Japanese organised crime gangs.
-
Kohei Yoshiyuki, the Voyeur of Tokyo's Voyeurs
The reedition of the publication ‘The Park’ takes us on a night walk through the parks of Tokyo, out in full sight.
-
Grieving in the Time of Fukushima
In his short film 'Homesick', Koya Kamura presents the story of a father who wanders through the no-go zone to find his son.
-
Sushi from Nara, Wrapped in a Delicate Persimmon Leaf
Used originally to preserve the freshness of raw fish, this technique has become a staple food from the former imperial capital.
-
Hyper-Rhythmic Road Trips with Foodman
Concocting hot springs and food into dance music, the experimental producer tickles us into a world of sensations in ‘Yasuragi Land’.