Explore Japan Through Sake and Beyond
Every bottle, destination, and shared meal tells a story. Through journalism, photography, curated experiences, and industry collaborations, I explore the people, craftsmanship, and traditions shaping Japan’s food, drink, travel, and cultural landscape.
From historic breweries and family-run workshops to luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and regional communities, my work celebrates the places and people that make Japan endlessly fascinating. Whether I’m reporting for international publications, photographing behind the scenes, judging sake competitions, or hosting private experiences, my goal is always the same: to inspire curiosity, create meaningful connections, and bring people closer to the culture, craftsmanship, and communities that inspire me.
Based in Kyoto and working internationally, I collaborate with media, tourism organisations, hospitality brands, and cultural partners to tell stories worth travelling for.
Interested in working together? I’d love to hear from you—get in touch.
Recent Highlights!
Masterclass at Sakerama Singapore's First Craft Sake Festival!
Discover some of the most exciting bottles emerging from Japan's craft sake scene right now. From LINNÉ's boundary-pushing alternative kōji series — including its rare, high-end chestnut expression — to Snow Satoyama, a new luxury craft sake brewery already winning awards, this tasting brings together personal discoveries, new makers and bottles worth watching. Expect 4–5 bottles worth discovering, the stories behind them, and perhaps a surprise — including bottles not yet available in Singapore.
Want to know more? Check it out here.
LINNE X Omunomu Pop Up Singapore
What if kōji wasn't made from rice? Join Cindy Bissig for a pop-up at Omu Nomu - bringing one of the most exciting current Craft Sake Makers to Singapore on July 23rd, 2026!
For one night only, discover the world of alternative kōji through 3 craft sakes from LINNÉ's 800 (Yao) Series. By inoculating kōji on buckwheat (soba), barley, and chestnuts, LINNÉ unlocks an entirely new spectrum of aromas, textures, and flavours, showcasing just how far kōji can be reimagined.
Want to know more? Check it out here.
Pouring Yamamoto Honke's Sakura Biraki’s Otona Yoruichi (Adult Night Market)!
Cindy joined Yamamoto Honke to pour sake as part of their first Sakura Biraki’s Otona Yoruichi (Adult Night Market)!
What better place to hide from the Kyoto summer heat than inside a sake brewery? The evening was filled with great sake, delicious festival food, fun games, and DJs keeping the atmosphere going all evening.
Yamamoto Honke is the maker of Shinsei and based in Fushimi. If you missed this event, they do have a small tasting shop next door as well as their restaurant Torisei that serves a great variety of their sake - well worth checking out 😉
Latest Article for The Japan Times introducing Snow Satoyama Sake Brewery!
Cindy Bissig's latest feature for The Japan Times explores the story of Snow Satoyama Sake, one of Niigata's newest breweries. The article introduces founder Tomomi Duquette and follows her journey to establishing a brewery in a prefecture renowned for its rich sake-making tradition, highlighting both her unique approach to brewing and the changing landscape of Japan's sake industry.
Published in the Japan Times Weekend edition, the feature offers readers an insight into one of the many exciting developments shaping the future of Japanese sake while showcasing the people and stories behind the craft. The article was available both as part of The Japan Times Weekend print issue and online here.
'Craftsmen's Dinner' at Kōsa with Cindy Bissig x Tsukino Katsura sake
The 30th of April marked the final evening - a grand finale that closed Cindy Bissig's photo exhibition ‘Beyond Sake’ at Ace Hotel Kyoto, as part of a month-long exhibition as part of KYOTOGRAPHIE KG+, with an intimate craftsmen’s dinner at KŌSA, together with Junichi Masuda from Tokubee Masuda Shoten, the makers of Tsukino Katsura.
It was a truly special night: a six-course food and sake pairing featuring Tsukino Katsura, including several bottles rarely available to the public. Combined with personal explanations and private anecdotes, it made for an unforgettable evening and the perfect closure to this exhibition.
For anyone who missed it, more like it is coming soon...
Tokyo Sake Challenge 2026
After months of preparation, the Tokyo Sake Challenge 2026 finally took place for the second time in the very heart of Tokyo!
For the first time, international Sake Sommeliers joined the Challenge to evaluate the wonderful sake from all over Japan, and exciting entries from overseas, including doburoku and craft sake.
A truly special day thanks to the support of SSA, the volunteers, the judges, and, of course, the amazing beverages that the breweries entrusted the sommeliers with.
Results were announced on the 28 of April - find out who got a medal here.
T+L Tastemakers!
Cindy Bissig is honoured to have been part of the T+L Tastemakers expert panel this year, among some of the most incredible writers, bartenders, and chefs, where she got to nominate restaurants and bars across Southeast Asia (and for the first time, Japan).
Meet the amazing panel here: https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/sea/tl-tastemakers/tl-tastemakers-2025-26-meet-our-panel-of-judges/
