The brewery has revitalized a branch family estate. A private, single-booking villa accommodating only one group per day, infused with brewing philosophy and local blessings.

YAMANASHI MEIJO (SHICHIKEN) was featured in Richesse

By Mina Kono | Published: June 1, 2026

Yamanashi Meijo, a venerable sake brewery renowned for its “Shichiken” brand, has opened a private, single-booking villa called “Shukuba esoto.” Located in Hakushu, an area with a deep-rooted brewing culture nurtured by high-quality natural water, the facility offers a stay designed to experience the region’s charms through all five senses. This new initiative aims to make the most of local resources while globally promoting Japanese sake culture.

What is “Shukuba esoto,” the Revitalized Branch Family Estate?

The history of Yamanashi Meijo began when its founder, Ihei Kitahara, stopped by the current Hakushu area in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture during his travels. Enchanted by Hakushu’s famed natural water, he established the brewery there. Since its founding in 1750 (Kanyan 3), the brewery has dedicated itself to sake crafting using snowmelt water from Mount Kaikomagatake and locally grown rice. In 1880 (Meiji 13), it was famously designated as a temporary lodging (Anzaisho) for the Meiji Emperor during his imperial procession.

Now, Yamanashi Meijo has produced its very first lodging facility. Operating as a private villa limited to one group per day, “Shukuba esoto” allows guests to feel the rich history of their sake brewing journey and their vision for the future.

The name “esoto” is derived from the first syllables of three Japanese words that represent the core values of their sake making: erabinuku (to carefully select), sogiotosu (to pare away the unnecessary), and togisumasu (to sharpen/refine). At the same time, it reflects the brewery’s desire to add new “creativity” (sozo) to the brand’s vital “essence” (essence), and to step “outside” (soto) to open a new door to the world.

The facility plans to showcase the area’s unique, rich terroir shaped by its famous water through various experiences. These will include a detached storehouse bath (Kura-buro) filled with high-quality water, guided tours to the water source, the tranquility of the tea ceremony, and a gastronomic experience where local ingredients meet brewing culture.

A Historic Architecture Where Tradition and Modernity Quietly Intersect

Located in Daigahara-shuku, a town that once flourished as a post station along the Koshu Kaido highway during the Edo period, the facility modernizes a historic building that holds memories of the old highway. Preserving the flavor of a cultural mansion built around 1907 (Meiji 40) that originally belonged to a branch of the brewer’s family, the interior has been upgraded with premium furnishings to ensure a high-quality, contemporary stay.

The interior design blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, featuring a living room overlooking a beautiful garden, meticulously designed guest rooms, and common spaces that induce deep relaxation.

The bathroom, a converted historical storehouse (Kura) on the premises, functions as the “Kura-buro.” In this space filled with soft natural light, guests can surrender themselves to the flow of water and time, enjoying the contrast between the stone design and the pure, clear water.

Every detail has been curated to connect guests with the local region. Guest room amenities feature products from COJIE, a skincare brand born from fermentation technology in collaboration with local companies. Additionally, the loungewear is provided by evam eva, a fashion brand originating from Yamanashi.

A Fulfilling Marriage of “Shichiken” Sake and Local Gastronomy

Dinner is served in a dining room exclusive to overnight guests. The menu features dishes crafted from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients provided by regional producers. One of the highlights of the stay is the pairing dinner, showcasing Yamanashi Meijo’s sake collection, including their signature sparkling sake.

This dining experience sits at the heart of the stay, where rich local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques intersect, allowing guests to experience the Yamanashi terroir on a deeper level.

Experiencing Hakushu’s Famed Water and Local Charm Through the Five Senses

As a lodging created by a sake brewery, “Shukuba esoto” offers exclusive programs that go beyond simply tasting sake, allowing guests to experience the history and background of brewing firsthand.

For instance, guests can visit the water source in Hakushu that shapes the profile of “Shichiken” sake, experiencing the pristine landscape where the water is born. Guests can also visit the rice paddies—where the brewery started cultivating its own sake rice, such as “Yumesansui,” this year—to see agriculture rooted deeply in the local climate.

Furthermore, during the brewery tour, guests can witness the daily life of sake making, breathe in the atmosphere of the cellar, and enjoy exclusive tastings of aged sakes (Koshu) and limited-edition brews that can only be sampled on-site, all while listening to the passion and stories of the artisans.

Accommodation Details

“Shukuba esoto” was created to serve as a hub that connects the memories and future of this land through the lens of sake brewing culture.

Inquiries: Yamanashi Meijo Co., Ltd. (Tel: 0551-35-2236 / URL: www.sake-shichiken.co.jp)

Type of Lodging: Private Villa / Single-booking per day (Maximum 4 guests)

Rates: From ¥78,000~ per night (Includes 1 night, 2 meals, and experiences; taxes and service charges extra)

Rooms: 6 rooms total (3 bedrooms, 1 lounge, 1 living room, 1 dining room) + Detached Kura-buro (Storehouse Bath)

Location: 2291 Daigahara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture

Reservations: Available via the official website

Reservation Hotline: 055-244-3895