Fresh cryptomeria ball @ Fukubijin

Saijo’s sake making starts in October, soon after the Sake Festival is over at the beginning of the month. When their first batch of sake is ready, breweries hang a large green ball made of cryptomeria branches and leaves. It’s a sign to tell the public that their sake of the year has been brewed and pressed, almost ready to be enjoyed.  They will continue their brewing and more sake will come and the sake in the tank will settle before being shipped. The green ball will gradually turn brown, which will tell you the sake is maturing.  

posted by jasmine