Visit Nara

This temple could be considered the birthplace of modern sake. Just as monks in Europe pioneered brewing techniques for beer, temples in the Muromachi era made sake, known as Soboshu.

Shoryakuji Temple was one of the most famous producers, pioneering filtering techniques that are still in use today. Every November a sake tasting festival is held at the temple.

The temple houses several treasures, including a Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) from the Asuka period and scrolls, paintings and statues from the Kamakura period. The best time to visit is autumn, with vivid foliage, dried persimmon sweets, sake tastings and vegetarian temple meals.