Sake sommelier course
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What kind of qualifications?
This course is aimed at obtaining the Certified Sake Sommelier (CSS), a globally recognized professional qualification at sommelier level .
It is a professional qualification that is highly recognised both domestically and internationally and can be used for careers in the food and beverage industry and overseas markets.Provide the optimal study plan through pre-interviews <br/> Pre-interviews are conducted online depending on the student's level and goals.
Based on the results, we will adjust the curriculum to suit your needs and provide you with an efficient and practical learning environment . -
What will you learn in this course?
You can acquire professional knowledge about sake in a short period of time.
🔹 Basic knowledge of sake
✔The role of koji, yeast, and water ✔The classification and differences of designated name sake ✔How to read the label (BY, date of manufacture, aging method and its effects, etc.)
🔹 Understanding the manufacturing process
✔The process of making koji✔Differences in yeast starter and fermentation mechanisms✔Various squeezing methods and alcohol addition techniques
🔹 Tasting Techniques
✔Aroma and flavor analysis ✔Expression using a tasting wheel
🔹 Food pairing
✔Scientific explanation of the compatibility of sake and food ✔Theories of umami balance and pairing
🔹 Service etiquette
✔The proper way to serve sake ✔Different temperatures and their effects on flavor ✔Techniques for proposing the best pairings
🔹 History and culture of sake
✔The origin and development of Kimoto and Bodaimoto ✔The evolution of sake in history books ✔The history of sake up to the present day
Acquire professional level knowledge from the basics to advanced applications in a short period of time!
Other necessary knowledge acquisition is provided individually
Your instructor
Kaori Koumatsu
Specialist in the export and teaching of sake, shochu and Japanese tea
For over ten years she has worked in the export of sake, shochu and Japanese tea, building a deep network across the food and drink trade in Japan and abroad.
She now teaches sake to international audiences and promotes Japanese drinking culture through the Sip of Japan YouTube channel.
Areas of expertise
International market strategy and presentation for sake and shochu
Teaching and course delivery for sommeliers and hospitality professionals
Practical learning built on direct relationships with breweries
What she brings
An international perspective that makes sake easy to understand
Flexible teaching, from complete beginners through to professionals
A curriculum grounded in real trade experience
Come and learn what Japanese sake really is, and help us take it to the world.
Duration and fees
Course Duration & Fees
Course Fee
Standard Course: ¥115,000
Course with Brewery Field Study: ¥140,000
Book your place
→ Book the Standard Course
→ Book the Course with Brewery Field Study
A very small group
Maximum 3 participants. Most of our courses run with one or two students, so the teaching is close to private tuition.
Dates arranged around you
We run sessions roughly twice a month and schedule them to suit the people attending. Tell us the dates that work for you and we will do our best to match them.
Duration
Choose either a 3-day course (10:00–16:00, final day ends in the morning) or a 2-day intensive course (09:00–17:00) covering the same content
Location
Fukuoka / Kyoto / Oita, Japan
What You Will Learn
Build a solid foundation of sake, including history, production, key ingredients (rice, water, yeast), professional tasting techniques, service skills, and how temperature changes flavor, and more
Tasting Experience
Compare over 30 different types of sake, including rare styles such as aged and sparkling sake
What’s Included
All study materials, certification exam (written and practical tasting), official certification badge, and digital certificate
Language
Available in both English and Japanese