Hibiya Shimane-kan is an antenna shop for Shimane Prefecture that promotes the deep charm of Shimane, including sake, food, and crafts. This event was hosted by 2023 Miss SAKE Shimane, Tsuchikura Maon, and the creator of the event introduced Shimane-kan, as well as merchandise, sake, and new menu items, in a space that promotes the deep charm of Shimane, including sake, food, and crafts.
In April 2025, the event will be renovated to a space where you can enjoy Shimane Prefecture's sake and new menu items together. Not only can you experience the appeal of each item, but you can also experience new flavors through pairing. It was a special time to discover the new charms of Shimane. Tsuda from 4 MISS SAKE Kyoto reports on the day!

The newly renovated Hibiya Shimanekan: Discover the appeal of Shimane Prefecture's sake

The highlights of the renovation are the food and drink menu, and the fact that all the charms of Shimane have been crammed into one floor, allowing customers to experience the charms of Shimane for themselves.
Mr. Reiichiro Murakawa, Director of Hibiya Shimane-kan, spoke about the appeal of Shimane sake, noting its long history and the unique characteristics of the sake breweries that are influenced by its topography. In addition, Miss SAKE Shimane 2023, Maan Tsuchikura, spoke about how Shimane sake enhances food and has a timeless flavor.
This conveys the depth of Shimane's unique sake, which can be enjoyed in a variety of styles.

A lineup of local sakes with a diverse range of flavors

All three types of sake prepared this time are "Junmai Ginjo". Junmai Ginjo, which has an excellent balance of aroma and flavor, is said to be a perfect match for snacks that make the most of the flavor of the ingredients.

・Ichinomiya Sake Brewery "Iwami Ginzan Kairyu Hattanryu Junmai Ginjo" (photo on the left)
It has the aroma of melon and pear, the delicious flavor of soft rice, and a refined sweetness. It goes well with the dried squid rolls.

・Hikami Sake "Shichikanuma No. 1 Popular Junmai Ginjo" (center photo)
The gorgeous ginjo aroma and delicious flavor of Yamadanishiki rice. Pairing it with agonoyaki rice brings out the fragrant and mellow flavor.

・Oki Shuzo "Oki Homare Junmai Ginjo" (photo on the right)
With its crisp acidity, light umami, and clear taste, it is recommended for sake beginners. It goes perfectly with wakame seaweed.

Enjoy the charm of Shimane cuisine with sake

The food at this event was also a highlight. A renewed menu was introduced that brought out the appeal of ingredients from Shimane Prefecture, such as Shimane Prefecture's marinated blackthroat seaperch rice bowl and Shimane beef shigurini rice bowl. In addition, snacks were prepared to go with each sake, offering a new pairing experience with the local sake. Chef Akigawa's menu made use of the simple and heartwarming flavors of Shimane Prefecture's ingredients, which was further enhanced by the Shimane Prefecture's sake.

The museum also had an exhibition of Shimane crafts and a tasting counter, where visitors enjoyed going back and forth between food, alcohol, and crafts, sake cup in hand. Combined with the attentive guidance of the customer service staff and the exhibits that conveyed the feelings of the producers, the entire space became a showroom that conveyed the real "now" of Shimane.

Spreading the charm of Shimane to more people from Tokyo

What was felt through the event was that Shimane sake is not just a drink, but plays the role of a "media" to convey the local climate, people, and culture. Sake combined with Shimane Prefecture's crafts and ingredients creates an appeal that makes you want to eat when you drink, and eat when you want to drink, further enhancing the charm of Shimane.

Text: 2024 Miss SAKE Kyoto Tomoka Tsuda
2024 Miss SAKE Kyoto representative. Born in Kyoto.
Having studied Japanese dance from an early age and grown up familiar with Japanese culture, she felt that sake was a "gift filled with culture and history," and so she took on the challenge of becoming Miss SAKE. She is currently making the most of her natural communication skills as the representative of Kyoto.