Doburoku Festival Museum
Discover the ancient art of doburoku sake brewing and the vibrant traditions of Shirakawa-go at this unique museum.
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Must-see attractions
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Experience the Doburoku Festival
Doburoku Festival Museum
Best Time
Experience the Doburoku Festival
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient art of doburoku sake brewing and the vibrant traditions of Shirakawa-go at this unique museum.
"A fascinating glimpse into Japan's 'primitive sake' and the cherished Doburoku Festival."
🎯 Museum Currently Closed
The Doburoku Festival Museum is currently closed. Check for updates before your visit.
🍶 Doburoku Festival Experience
If visiting during the festival, enjoy doburoku on-site with respect for local customs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Doburoku Festival Recreations
Exhibition Hall
See lifelike dolls and models depicting the vibrant Doburoku Festival, a cherished local tradition.
The History of Doburoku
Exhibition Hall
Understand the ancient brewing process of doburoku, a 'primitive Japanese sake' made with rice, koji, and water.
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine
Shrine Grounds
Explore the serene grounds of the shrine that hosts the museum and is central to the annual Doburoku Festival.
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Planning Your Visit
Doburoku Festival Museum: A Taste of Tradition
Experiencing Doburoku: Rules and Rituals
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Insider Tips
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🎯 Museum Currently Closed
The Doburoku Festival Museum is currently closed. Check for updates before your visit.
🍶 Doburoku Festival Experience
If visiting during the festival, enjoy doburoku on-site with respect for local customs.
🚶♀️ Shrine Exploration
Wander the grounds of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, a beautiful and historic location.
🚗 Driving Restrictions
Drivers are not permitted to drink doburoku, even during the festival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Museum Currently Closed
The Doburoku Festival Museum is currently closed. Check for updates before your visit.
🍶 Doburoku Festival Experience
If visiting during the festival, enjoy doburoku on-site with respect for local customs.
🚶♀️ Shrine Exploration
Wander the grounds of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, a beautiful and historic location.
🚗 Driving Restrictions
Drivers are not permitted to drink doburoku, even during the festival.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Doburoku Festival Museum's exhibits on traditional sake brewing and the annual festival fascinating. The museum's location within the historic Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine adds to its cultural appeal. However, the museum is currently closed, which is a significant drawback for those planning a visit.
"Nice"
David Benmoha
"nice museum"
Kamil Kostrej
"Sake that is simply fermented using rice, rice malt, and water as raw materials without going through the straining process is called doburoku. It is ``primitive Japanese sake'' before ``sake'' became popular. Doburoku has been brewed in Shirakawa-go since ancient times, and a ritual has been held in the fall to offer it to the gods. Even now, the Doburoku Festival is held at each shrine in the town from the end of September to October. This exhibition hall is located within the grounds of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, and dolls and models recreating the Doburoku Festival were on display.
Since 1899 (Meiji 32), brewing beverages with an alcohol content of 1% or more in Japan has required an application for permission from the National Tax Agency. Brewing without permission can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen (Article 54, Paragraph 1 of the Liquor Tax Law). It's like the world of the movie "The Untouchables" starring Kevin Costner. However, Shirakawa has been granted a special brewing license, so it is still possible to brew doburoku today.
However, in order to enjoy this sacred sake, the following must be observed.
Do not drink outside the precincts
Therefore, please do not take it home (!)
Do not drink from anything other than the sake cup commemorating your visit to the shrine.
People who arrive by car are not allowed to drink.
Last time I visited, I received Doburoku here. It was a sweet drink that went down smoothly. However, this place is currently closed. As mentioned above, it is not allowed to be taken home, so it cannot be purchased online. If you want to drink, please come to the Doburoku Festival.
2024.11.24"
只見荘一郎
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Doburoku Festival Museum is located within the grounds of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine in Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go itself is accessible by bus from major cities like Takayama and Kanazawa. Once in Shirakawa-go, the shrine is a short walk from the main village area. +1
While the museum is within Shirakawa-go, parking is available in designated lots outside the village center. Visitors are encouraged to park and walk into the village.
Yes, Shirakawa-go is a popular day trip destination from cities like Takayama and Kanazawa. Many visitors arrive in the morning and depart in the late afternoon. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Doburoku Festival Museum is currently closed. When open, entry was typically free or a small fee applied, as it's located within the shrine grounds.
The museum is currently closed. Historically, it would likely follow shrine hours or have specific exhibition times. It's best to check for any updates on its reopening.
There is generally no admission fee to enter the grounds of Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine.
The Doburoku Festival is celebrated at various shrines in Shirakawa-go from late September to October each year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The museum displays dolls and models recreating the Doburoku Festival, offering insight into this traditional sake-brewing ritual.
While the museum itself is closed, doburoku sampling is typically part of the Doburoku Festival held at the shrines. Strict rules apply to consumption on-site.
Visitors must not drink outside the shrine precincts, take it home, or drink from anything other than the commemorative sake cup. Drivers are also prohibited from drinking.
Absolutely! Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses and picturesque scenery, often described as a fairy tale village. +2
Doburoku is a type of sake that is simply fermented using rice, rice malt, and water, without undergoing the straining process. It's considered 'primitive Japanese sake'.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire village is incredibly photogenic, especially the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The Shiroyama Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the village. +1
While generally allowed, some private homes may have restrictions. It's always respectful to ask before photographing inside residences.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Doburoku Festival Museum is currently closed, the village itself is engaging. Consider visiting during the Doburoku Festival (late September to October) for a cultural immersion, but be mindful of the strict rules around consuming the sake. The clear water in the drainage canals and the surrounding nature can also be a source of simple joy for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opt for public transportation like buses from Takayama or Kanazawa, which are generally more affordable than private tours. Pack your own snacks or enjoy affordable local treats from food stalls. While some Gassho-zukuri houses have entry fees, many offer free exterior viewing, and the Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine grounds are also free to explore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Doburoku
The Doburoku Festival, held annually from late September to October, is a direct continuation of this ancient practice. Each shrine in Shirakawa-go hosts its own festival, where the newly brewed doburoku is offered to the deities before being shared with the community. This communal sharing reinforces social bonds and celebrates the bounty of the land. The special brewing license granted to Shirakawa-go allows this tradition to continue legally, distinguishing it from home brewing in other parts of Japan, which is strictly regulated.
While the Doburoku Festival Museum provides an educational glimpse into this tradition, the true experience of doburoku is best understood by participating in the festival itself. The rules surrounding its consumption during the festival—such as drinking only within the shrine precincts and using a commemorative cup—underscore its sacred status. It's a reminder that this is not just a drink, but a cultural offering and a taste of history.
Exploring Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO Gem
Visitors often describe Shirakawa-go as a fairy tale village, especially during different seasons. Summer brings vibrant greens and clear skies, while autumn offers stunning foliage. The village is well-preserved, and while it's a popular tourist destination, many visitors find ways to experience its charm without feeling overwhelmed by crowds, especially if they arrive early or explore less-trodden paths.
Beyond the iconic farmhouses, Shirakawa-go offers a tranquil escape into rural Japan. The clear waters of the drainage canals, the local eateries serving regional specialties like Hida beef, and the scenic viewpoints all contribute to a memorable experience. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Japanese countryside and its enduring traditions.
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