The Elixir of Life

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

Amazake, the Beverage of Legends

Although often called “sweet sake,” amazake is a fermented beverage made from rice that doesn't contain alcohol and offers numerous health benefits.

Amazake, the Beverage of Legends

Amazake is a Japanese fermented beverage made from rice, invented during the Kofun period (from 250 to 538). The rice, water, and koji (a type of filamentous fungus used in fermentation) are boiled for 8 to 10 hours. This beverage has a sweet taste and is believed to be nutritious, containing beneficial bacteria for the intestines, promoting hair growth, aiding in hangover recovery, inducing sleep, and more.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Japanese consumed amazake in summer to cool off. Sellers of amazake were considered essential during this season. Additionally, it was a vital food item for the populace and was government-regulated with a price of just a few yen.

This beverage also serves as a natural energy booster for mountain climbers. One of the oldest tea houses serving traditional amazake is Amazake Chaya in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Established in 1600, it is one of the few tea houses remaining along the old Tokaido road – once the main route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). With a thatched roof and furnishings reminiscent of the Edo period, the tea house offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for visitors. Each specialty amazake here costs 400 yen (approximately 85,000 Vietnamese dong).

Many tourists visiting Japan find delight in this beverage. Ray Parks, an Australian tourist, commented on TripAdvisor: “We took a break and enjoyed amazake after a long hike. Its natural sugars helped us gain extra energy to continue our journey.” Previously, it was challenging for tourists to find amazake, only available at temples, traditional festivals, and specialty stores. However, with the increasing awareness of the health benefits of amazake, you can now find bottled amazake in many grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores…

Hiroshi Sugihara, a passionate fermenting enthusiast who has tried 420 varieties of amazake across Japan, shared: “This beverage has a warming quality, especially with ginger added to enhance the flavor, making it particularly popular during the winter months. During this time, many significant holidays occur, so many Japanese people see amazake as a cultural link between the past and present.”

The0 Ngan Duong/ Vnexpress

***

Reference: Travel Guide Mytour

MytourApril 8, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of drinking amazake on a regular basis?

Amazake offers numerous health benefits, including promoting digestive health through beneficial bacteria, aiding in hair growth, enhancing sleep quality, and providing natural energy, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

How is amazake traditionally prepared and what ingredients are used?

Amazake is traditionally made by boiling rice, water, and koji for 8 to 10 hours. This fermentation process creates a sweet, nutritious beverage that has been enjoyed since the Kofun period in Japan.

Where can tourists find amazake during their visit to Japan?

Tourists can find amazake in various locations, including traditional tea houses like Amazake Chaya in Hakone, and it is now available in many grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores across Japan.

What historical significance does amazake have in Japanese culture?

Amazake holds historical significance in Japan, as it was a vital food item during the Edo period, consumed for its cooling properties in summer and regulated by the government to maintain affordable prices for the populace.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]