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!
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.
IWC Higashi Hiroshima Tour 2026
As part of the International Wine Challenge 2026, Cindy Bissig joined the IWSC Higashi Hiroshima Tour, a programme designed to showcase the region while connecting IWC judges with local breweries and businesses. The initiative highlights the role of sake tourism and cultural exchange as tools for regional branding and economic development.
During the tour, participants visited Sakiyamahachiman Shrine, Tsuka Shuzo, Suishin Yamane Honten, Fujii Shuzo, and Nakao Sake Brewery, gaining insight into the area’s rich brewing heritage and the people shaping its future. The experience offered a deeper understanding of Higashi Hiroshima’s unique sake culture and its growing international appeal.
New Article for 'SMILE' Cebu Pacific's Inflight Magazine
If you happen to fly with Cebu Pacific this May, you might spot Cindy's cover photo and latest feature in their in-flight magazine 'Smile' alongside her photographs!
The 8-page feature is called “Journey to the Past”, a feature guide of Nagoya and amazing day trips, including Shirakawa-go and Takayama. Highlighting that when in Takayama, popping into a sake brewery or two while visiting its famous sanmachi district - also known as 'little Kyoto is an absolute must!
'Craftman'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 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 coming soon...
'Beyond Sake' presented by Ace Hotel Kyoto and Kyotographi KG+
The Lobby Gallery at Ace Hotel Kyoto is excited to present "Beyond Sake," — a new exhibition and long-term photographic project by Japan-based sake professional and writer-photographer Cindy Bissig. The project documents craft communities through an intimate focus on sake breweries and the people who sustain them.
By observing daily labor, shared environments and the transmission of knowledge across generations, the Beyond Sake highlights the collective life behind sake production. Through this perspective, it offers insight into a living cultural practice that continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
On view April 1–30. Join us for the opening reception on April 1 from 6–8pm. More info about the exhibition can be found on the official website of Kyotodgraphie KG+ 2026.
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 will be announced on the 28 of April - stay tuned...
New Article for All About Japan
In this article on Shodoshima, Cindy Bissig is focusing on the island’s beauty, its fermentation culture, the revival of traditional kioke (wooden barrels), which includes a visit to Yamaroku Shoyu and, of course, its only sake brewery, Morikuni Shuzo.
If you get the chance to visit Japan - this is one place you should not miss! Unique, a great getaway, with so much to discover!
Read it here in English or check out the Chinese version.
Joining the BKK Sake Challenge
The very first Bangkok Sake Challenge was held in Thailand, and Cindy Bissig was honoured to join as a professional sake sommelier to be a judge at this incredible event.
It was an amazing opportunity to meet not just other professional sake lovers in such a unique setting in the heart of Bangkok, but also to understand the market and dive into the amazing food culture as part of it.
Results will be announced on the 21st of April - stay tuned...
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/
Judging at the 3rd Women's Sake Award 2025
Cindy Bissig had the honor of serving as a judge at the 3rd Japan Women’s SAKE Award 2025 held in Kobe, alongside TwTT founder and Sake Samurai Simone Maynard!
The day was dedicated to evaluating outstanding sake, with particular excitement in being assigned to the Sparkling Sake and Koshu (Aged Sake) categories. In addition to the judging, it was also a wonderful opportunity to join a special tour organized for the judges, visiting renowned sake breweries in Kobe and Osaka..
Latest Article for Travel+Leisure Print Issue: Amami Magic!
Cindy is excited about the release of the latest Travel + Leisure print issue, featuring her article on Amami Ōshima and the island’s iconic Nishihira Distillery!
Discover Japan’s best hidden beaches, vibrant local cuisine, and the spirit that ties it all together—kokuto shochu—offering readers a taste of the island’s unique charm and culture.
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.
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.
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!
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!
