Kobe's Sake Breweries and UNESCO Recognition
Japanese sake and shochu are expected to be registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kobe is home to several sake breweries. The clusters of sake production areas are called "go" (郷). Historically, there were several go between Kobe and Nishinomiya, but now there are five, collectively known as the "Nada Gogō" (灘五郷).
The Nada Gogō consists of Imazu-go, Nishinomiya-go, Uozaki-go, Mikage-go, and Nishi-go. Among these, Uozaki-go, Mikage-go, and Nishi-go are located in Kobe. One reason this region became prominent in sake brewing is its water. The water in these areas, including Kobe, is incredibly pure and ideal for brewing sake.
Another factor is the "Rokko Oroshi," the wind blowing down from the Rokko Mountains. This wind helps maintain the optimal temperatures crucial for sake production.
Even today, sake brewing continues in this area with large-scale factories, and the region is also well-prepared for tourists. There are tours of the Nada Gogō for visitors, making it an excellent destination for sake enthusiasts.