Hoshino Area A one-day talk event, "Forest CRAFT BAR | Creators Talk," where you can chat with the creators of craft drinks from Shinshu.Event period 2026/08/02

Discover the culture and character of Shinshu through a single cup of sake.

Karuizawa was once a gathering place for many cultural figures, fostering rich cultural exchanges.

In this historic land, craft drink makers who express the nature and climate of Shinshu gather to share their thoughts and philosophies on their craft. Producers from different genres—beer, gin, spirits, and syrups—will engage in dialogue on themes such as "Why make it in this land?" and "How do you express the local climate in a single drink?"

A tasting kit will be provided on the day of the event.

Participants will receive a tasting kit that allows them to sample small amounts of drinks created by the four speakers. By comparing the drinks while listening to the creators themselves, you can more deeply appreciate the differences in flavor, as well as the local culture and passion for craftsmanship behind each drink.

Introduction of speakers

In eastern Shinshu, there are producers who strive to reflect the local climate, forests, and history in every cup of sake or syrup.

Yo-Ho Brewing BrewerHayato Arai

Creating a beer that complements Karuizawa's food culture.

Hayato Arai (nickname: Serubee), the brewer of Karuizawa Kogen Beer's 2026 limited edition, will take the stage. He will talk about the background of developing the herbal golden ale, which aims to harmonize with food, and how he created a beer that expresses the aroma reminiscent of the forests of Nagano.

TŌGE Founder ArchitectArisa Ueno

A new concept: drinking the forest

"Kamoshika Syrup," a collaboration between architect Arisa Ueno and contemporary artist Tomohiro Tateishi, is a non-alcoholic drink that extracts the fragrance of trees growing in the forests of Hanareyama, Karuizawa, reflecting the forest's vegetation in every sip. They share their thoughts on creating something that connects people and forests.

Fuyo Sake Brewery, 6th Generation Brewery OwnerTakayuki Yoda

Capturing the scenery of Nagano in a glass of gin.

The 6th generation brewery owner, Takanori Yoda, will take the stage. He will discuss the development of "YOHAKHU," a craft gin using natural ingredients from Nagano such as Kuromoji, Kumazasa bamboo, and apples. He will talk about the new way of expressing aromas that can only be attempted by a traditional sake brewery.

戸塚酒造Tokuaki Ide

Creating new distilled spirits from the bounty of the region.

Mr. Tokuaki Ide took the stage. He developed "Karuizawa Aquavit Torinosu," Japan's first aquavit made with domestically sourced ingredients, using potatoes grown on reclaimed abandoned farmland in Karuizawa as the main ingredient. He spoke about his passion for manufacturing that utilizes local resources.

FacilitatorShiori Yui

Shiori Yui, who serves as a PR ambassador for sake from Shinshu, promotes the appeal of sake and connects producers with drinkers. On the day of the event, she will act as a facilitator, delving into the passion of each of the four sake brewers for their craft and exploring the local culture and environment of eastern Shinshu.

Date and Time: 2026/8/2 (Sun) 16:00-17:00 (doors open at 15:30)
Place: Karuizawa Hoshino Area, Fir Tree Square (next to Villagers' Cafeteria/Cafe Hungry Spot)
Price: Free admission (tasting kit included) *Drinks and food are available for an additional charge.
Capacity: 50 people (advance registration required)
Remarks: The event will be canceled in case of severe weather. If canceled, we will notify you on the event page at least two days in advance.

Advance application here

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