Discover The World of Japanese Sake With Me!
As a certified sake sommelier, my passion is to help people discover Japanese sake. I am a sake Podcast host, photographer, and writer creating unique sake-related content and turning vacations into unforgettable travel experiences.
I travel all over Japan to meet brewers, discover outstanding sake and share what I find in multiple publications. I love meeting people, so if you are coming to Japan, whether you are looking for a sake tasting - overlooking the beautiful cherry blossoms or a luxury sake dinner in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Sapporo, join me for an hour, a day, or a week!
Want to join me on my sake travels, collaborate or work with me get in touch now!
Recent News!
Latest Article for Travel+Leisure Magazine:Spanish Food and Sake
In her latest article for Travel + Leisure Asia: “Spanish Food in Kyoto? Madrid Fusion x Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Proves the Future of Food is Multi-lingual”, Cindy Bissig explores how culinary boundaries blur in the most delicious ways with a chance to weave in a touch of sake, thanks to an exceptional pairing by Tamae Imachi, the sommelier at Michelin-starred Dos Palillos in Barcelona.
One highlight? A smoked sheep’s milk cheese, Idiázabal Ahumado, paired with “AFS Ensemble Expo” from Kidoizumi Brewery in Chiba—a pairing that truly captured the spirit of cross-cultural creativity.
You can read the full article here.
Through the Lens of Sake: Cindy Bissig at Singapore Sake Matsuri
Cindy Bissig was excited to showcase her photo series of Tokubee Masuda Shoten — the historic Kyoto brewery behind Tsukinokatsura — at this year’s Singapore Sake Matsuri.
Visitors were invited not only to taste the sake, but also to connect with the people behind it through striking visuals and an interview with 15th-generation brewer Jun Masuda. It was a special chance to go beyond the glass and discover the story behind one of Japan’s most beloved beverages.
A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Sake with Sake On Air!
As sake is slowly becoming increasingly popular, I recently produced a Sake 101 mini‑series on Sake On Air, with the goal of demystifying Japanese sake. The series dives into the essential questions that every sake enthusiast — and curious newcomer — is likely to encounter on their sake journey.
Across six bite‑sized episodes, we explore the history of sake, brewing, sake classifications, sake pairings, serving temperature, and look a little into why you should (or shouldn't) drink premium sake—and yes, it's as fun as it sounds!
Find out more here.
Doburoku Takeover at Omunomu Bar – Special Event on May 15th
Excited to bring the spirit of Japan’s doburoku brewing to Singapore with a special photo showcase of Konohanano Craft Brewery.
With a collaboration with "Omunomu," one of Singapore's trendiest sake bars, we organised an exclusive one-night-only Doburoku Takeover on May 15th featuring behind-the-scenes photography and a special drink menu including limited items brewed by the brewery, as well as a one week long photo exhibition.
Tokyo Sake Challenge Announcment
The BIG news this week (finally!) is that I can officially reveal that Giulia and I have been asked to bring the Sake Challenge to Japan! I’m beyond excited to announce that the very first “Tokyo Sake Challenge” will take place on March 15, 2025!
This is an incredible honor and an amazing opportunity to foster more connections between sake sommeliers both in and outside of Japan. It’s also a fantastic platform for sake breweries to showcase their outstanding craftsmanship and products.
Since Giulia and I are huge fans of Craft Sake and Doburoku, we’re thrilled to introduce them as official judging categories - with medals to be awarded!
We hope this event will highlight the diversity of Japan’s sake industry and its talented makers. Judging by the entries we’ve already received, this is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
If you’re a brewery or know one that should be part of the Tokyo Sake Challenge - you can find all the details at https://tokyosakechallenge.com (or get in touch with us directly) Entry deadline is the 5th of March, 2025 and spots are limited!
New Article!
Excited to have a short piece about one of my favorite Sake Breweries, Miyoshino Jozo (makers of Hanatomoe) appear in Travel+Leisures special “Japan Issue”.
The article is not just about Sake but dives into how Sake connects the communities surrounding it. In this case, it centers around the Yoshino Forest and its Cedar Trees and three people who, little by little, make sure these traditions surrounding it are not lost.
Read the full article here.
Sake Brewery Photo Exhibition
I am very excited to share that I was invited to exhibit some photos under the theme “Light in and Around Sake Breweries” together with Anat Parnass and Anna Petek at the 日本の酒情報館 Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center!
The exhibition is held from the 8th to the 14th of February. Entrance is of course free and you can either come and see the photos in your own time during normal business hours (10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, closed on the weekend) or join us for the opening on the 8th of February for a toast.
Kura One Sake Chocolates
It's great to see the final ad for these beautiful chocolates and sake from Kura One for the Valentine's Campaign for which I took the photo!
They are absolutely delicious and you can again get the set as part of a special Valentine’s Campaign, here is the info:
Period: Monday, January 20, 2025 to Sunday, February 2, 2025
Product: "KURA ONE® Luxury Sake Chocolate for Adults (12 pieces) + Box of 3 Sake Cans 180mL"
Campaign page: https://kuraone.com/products/4595644645732-gift
Every year we are holding a special Doburoku event to celebrate "Doburoku Day" at the FBO Academy in Tokyo!
Lots of different Doburoku to taste, some special guests from overseas, and of course local Doburoku makers to kanpai with! I will be presenting some latest News on Doburoku from Overseas. Chatting to the amazing Alex, owner OMU NOMU sake bar in Singapore!
Check out the full info here!
26.11 is Doburoku Day!
I was delighted to meet with Paul McInnes from Tokyo Weekender for an early 8 am Coffee and talk a little bit about my sake nomad life, other projects, and of course photography.
A real fun chat and I was so excited to not just share a little bit of what I do, but to also give a few shout-outs to people who have changed my life and helped and supported me in one way or another on my sake journey...
Check out the full interview here!
Interview: Tokyo Weekender!
A few months ago the lovely people from Arigato Travel asked me if I was interested in being interviewed about my life here in Japan, including sharing some of my projects and of course talking about sake.
I was very excited to not just chat a little bit about what I do, but also give a few shout-outs to projects and people that I think are doing an amazing job promoting sake both in and outside of Japan...
...and here it is!
Check out the full interview here!
Interview: Arigato Japan!
Doburoku Ambassador!
When I fell in love with Doburoku a few years ago I would not have thought I would become a Doburoku Ambassador, so when I was asked to join the amazing group of people who promote Doburoku at Doburoku Lovers, I was surprised and felt incredibly honored and excited!
Find out more here!
EVENT: #beyondsake x Tsukiji Sake Salon x Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery
Another event of my #beyondsake series, this time in collaboration with Tsukiji Sake Salon in Tokyo and Miyoshikiku Sake Brewery from Shikoku!
I am looking forward to sharing my impressions of the brewery through my photography exhibited on the day of my visit when I helped make sake with them last year and I am uber-excited as Kuramoto-Toji, Mamiya-san, and two of his daughters will be joining the evening bringing plenty of sake as well as some of his hand-made T-shirts!
Check out upcoming sake events for more info.
This Month in Sake!
Being pretty much continuously on the road exploring what is happening in the sake industry, I thought I should create a space to document my sake travels, even if just briefly. So I created "This Month in Sake", which highlights some of the sake breweries I visited, festivals & sake events, and of course the people I have met along the road.
