13/11/2025
Stepping into Terada Honke Sake Brewery in Narita felt like a pilgrimage. Everyone talks about their traditional methods and dedication to natural fermentation, and after today, I completely understand why this place is an icon in "fermentation town"!
Standing with Terada-san, diving deep into his philosophy, was absolutely transformative. Forget the textbooks for a moment! We saw them washing brown rice (genmai)—a totally different approach from what I usually teach, and a powerful statement on their commitment to natural ingredients. 🌾
The brewery itself is a beautiful, rustic world of wood. Seeing their incredibly rare wooden Koshiki steam rice machine in action was a highlight. Terada-san explained how it perfectly controls moisture, making the rice firm outside and soft inside – critical for that flawless kōji growth.
But the real magic? The Kōji room. When I educate students, I always share textbook knowledge, but being inside that $34^{\circ}\text{C}$, humid, chestnut-scented space, witnessing Terada-san expertly judge the Sō-haze kōji by sight and touch... it truly shifted my perspective. This is where theory meets reality. 🤯
Their dedication to organic sake and the evolution towards using natural, wild yeast truly embodies "the vision of natural fermentation" championed by the 23rd Tōji generation.
And to top it all off, we tasted 3-day-old moromi (sweet, vibrant, creamy!) and witnessed the incredible "sake opera" during the Kimoto shubo mashing. Brewers singing to synchronize their work? Pure tradition and pure joy! 🎶
If you're looking for profound, in-depth insights into sake fermentation, Terada Honke is an absolute must-visit. What an unforgettable experience!