Souan Nabeshima Kashima

This restaurant is closely associated with the famous Japanese sake "Nabeshima." The beautifully renovated traditional house features two bedrooms and a separate building, providing ample space for three families to enjoy a comfortable stay.Dinner starts at 5 PM, and we opted for the "Nabeshima" pairing course for an additional fee of JPY 9,000 per person. We were able to enjoy a generous amount of Japanese sake, which left us thoroughly satisfied.The dishes showcased high-quality ingredients, including sea urchin from Amakusa, Saga beef, and fresh seafood. The young chef has trained at renowned establishments across Japan, demonstrating exceptional skill. Each dish was meticulously prepared to highlight the quality of the ingredients, with a perfect balance of flavors. It was truly delicious.The service was outstanding, creating a comfortable atmosphere not only for adults but also for families. Less

The streets here are incredibly charming, making it enjoyable just to walk around.It has a different atmosphere compared to Kyoto.Soan Nabeshima, a sake brewery auberge, exudes an elegant vibe with its traditional architecture. Both the exterior and interior are filled with character.The hospitality from the staff is exceptional, and the dining area is wonderfully comfortable.Every dish is undeniably delicious, showcasing a consistent quality. While this can be seen as a positive, it might also come across as somewhat safe, lacking standout flavors that truly wow you. Nonetheless, everything was very tasty.Some might find certain dishes a bit on the salty side.The pairing of various sake from Nabeshima was fantastic, allowing us to sample a full lineup.Honestly, the charm of this town and the ambiance here is irresistible. I definitely want to stay at the auberge next time.It was delicious.Thank you for the wonderful meal.-----------------------------Thank you so much for reading until the end.I truly appreciate all the "follows," "likes," and "saving the restaurant" from everyone.I look forward to your continued support.--------------------------- Less

Course: JPY 35,000 (tax included)Japanese Sake PairingTotal: JPY 48,400Located a 6-minute walk from Hizenhama Station, this Japanese restaurant is operated by Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery, known for producing the renowned Nabeshima sake.The dishes, primarily made with ingredients from Kyushu, are simple yet highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, making them perfectly paired with Japanese sake. The unique experience of pairing the world-famous Nabeshima sake with Japanese cuisine can only be found here.The nearest station is an unmanned station about 40 minutes by train from Saga Station, with only one train running per hour. It’s easy to understand why people from all over the country continue to visit this location, despite its less-than-ideal accessibility.It was a great meal.Course Menu:◯ Hairy Crab (Funka Bay) with Purple Sea Urchin and Tosa Vinegar Jelly◯ Tempura of Young Sweetfish (Oita) and Sweet Corn◯ Steamed Abalone and Junsai Soup◯ Sashimi of Arare (Goto Islands), Swordtip Squid, and Turban Shell◯ Isaki (Nagasaki) with New Onion (Saga) Sauce◯ Sake-Steamed White Amadai (Oita) Rice Porridge◯ Charcoal-Grilled Ribbonfish with Green Asparagus◯ Saga Beef Strip Loin with Manganji Pepper and Tuna Flakes Sauce◯ Sakura Shrimp and Yellow Chives Noodle Soup◯ Usui Mame Rice◯ Nameko Mushroom Miso Soup◯ Jade Eggplant◯ Pickles◯ Eel◯ Sweet Sake and Salt Ice Cream, Sun Mango, Passion Fruit Less

I had the pleasure of visiting Soan Nabeshima, a sake brewery auberge in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, that captivates food enthusiasts and sake lovers nationwide!This time, I participated in a rare private reservation and enjoyed a special moment. The unique style of Japan's first sake brewery auberge, crafted by Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery, which produces the renowned sake "Nabeshima," is a major attraction. Within a space that retains the charm of the historic Hizen Hamajuku, a luxurious time flows as we savor sake, cuisine, and culture itself.Inside the restaurant, I enjoyed a pairing of authentic Japanese cuisine with sake, prepared by the young second-generation owner and the head chef. The meticulous craftsmanship displayed over the counter was impressive, and with each dish, the passion for the producers and ingredients was palpable. The dishes, made with seasonal ingredients carefully selected from Saga and other regions across the country, maximized the appeal of the ingredients, pairing beautifully with the sake. The harmonious relationship between the food and drink created an experience unique to Nabeshima Auberge.I sampled the sake gradually, and each had its own character while being surprisingly easy to drink, harmonizing wonderfully with the dishes. Even those who don’t usually drink sake can appreciate its depth. I was reminded of why the Nabeshima brand, which has received global acclaim, attracts so many people, and I became a fan.Additionally, on this day, I was touched by a surprise birthday celebration! I am sincerely grateful for the warm hospitality. Beyond the food and drink, the connections with people and the power of the space are also part of its charm. Sharing a meal with wonderful people was an irreplaceable and special experience.With its beautiful space utilizing a historic building, world-class sake, exceptional Japanese cuisine by a talented chef, and heartfelt hospitality, this is a one-of-a-kind auberge where everything merges at a high level. I highly recommend it not only to sake lovers but also to those who wish to experience the culture and climate of Saga through food.Thank you for another wonderful time. I look forward to visiting again in a different season.It was a great meal! ✨ Less

Soan Nabeshima is an auberge run by Fukuchiyo Sake Brewery, known for serving the finest Nabeshima sake in Kashima, Saga. I made a reservation about a month in advance. Given its location, it may not be the easiest place to visit, but it seems reservations are not impossible to secure.The sake brewery street has a charming atmosphere, and visiting it for a sake brewery tour would surely enhance the experience.Upon arrival at the reserved time, I chose from the sake menu and decided to go for the Nabeshima sake pairing. I could choose the amount, and although there were options for 1-2 or 3-4 go, I opted for the generous 4-5 go.The course included the following:- Aperitif: a blend of umeshu and Nabeshima sake- Sake-steamed abalone from Karatsu with sea urchin jelly- Tempura of young sweetfish and koshiabura- Shinjo of sea bream and scallops with flat shell and spring okra- Sashimi: kiji-hata, aori-ika, and turban shell- Charcoal-grilled kinmedai skin with new onions- Sake-steamed shiro-amadai with glutinous rice- Nodoguro and Kyoto bamboo shoots- Saga beef strip loin with white asparagus- Noodle soup with sakura shrimp and flower pepper- Corn rice with miso soup and pickles- Homemade ice cream with mango and passion fruitThe dishes were impeccable in both ingredients and preparation, truly a testament to culinary excellence. The pairing with Nabeshima sake was delightful, and I found myself enjoying the sake so much that I struggled to keep up with the food. I realized I needed to pace myself with the drinks to fully appreciate the meal.However, the head chef here is not only perfect in his cooking but also a genius in various aspects. At just 32 years old, I am truly impressed. At first, I thought he was just a perceptive part-timer, but he turned out to be the head chef. I look forward to seeing whether he will continue to thrive here or open his own restaurant; he is one of the few chefs I want to keep an eye on. Less