This year, the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum will once again hold the “Wine & Craft Festa” in collaboration with local craft artists. On a weekend at the end of September, when grapes are at their most delicious, enjoy fine wine, savor the gourmet flavors of Yatsugatake, and discover grape-themed craft works. You can also enjoy a mini live performance by a local jazz band, together with the museum’s special exhibition “Textiles and Culture of Central Asia” and “The Grand A Bride’s Story Exhibition,” held in Exhibition Room 5.
This autumn, as the second part of the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum’s 20th anniversary exhibition, the museum will present textiles from Uzbekistan, a key region along the Silk Road, as well as crafts and accessories from Central Asia, and landscapes and people of the Silk Road painted by Ikuo Hirayama. In addition, from September 14 to October 14, Exhibition Room 5 on the first floor will simultaneously host “The Grand A Bride’s Story Exhibition,” featuring original drawings from Kaoru Mori’s popular manga A Bride’s Story, which is set in Central Asia. Why not experience Central Asia at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains this autumn?
◆ Event Name: Wine & Craft Festa 2024
◆ Date and Time: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
◆ Venue: Rakuda Park, Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum
◆ Exhibitors
・Wineries: 3
・Food, drink, and merchandise: 8
・Crafts: 7
*Special Booth: Jebek Jolu / Kyrgyz Honey Sales
Kyrgyzstan, known as the “heavenly country of the Silk Road,” is blessed with abundant nature and is often described as the Switzerland of Central Asia. It is famous for Lake Issyk-Kul, where Xuanzang is said to have stopped, and for the 4,000-meter-high mountain pass he crossed on his journey to India. Beekeeping in the highlands is also well known, and creamy “white raw honey” is popular around the world.
Through honey, Jebek Jolu works with the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Japan to promote international friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and Kyrgyzstan. At Wine & Craft Festa 2024, Jebek Jolu will bring “raw honeys from Kyrgyzstan” to Rakuda Park, including mountain honey made from the nectar of alpine plants growing at an altitude of 3,000 meters, which pairs perfectly with wine and cheese.
*Jebek Jolu means “Silk Road” in Kyrgyz.
◆ Related Events
① “141 QUARTET JAZZ LIVE”
・Date and Time: Sunday, September 29
① 11:00 a.m. – / ② 3:00 p.m. –
Each performance lasts 45 minutes.
・Venue: Rakuda Park
・Comment from the performers:
Formed in December of last year, the members naturally came together with the shared purpose of performing jazz, each bringing their own musical style. Based mainly in Hokuto City, we plan to perform live at cafés, restaurants, hotels, museums, and other venues.
② Silk Road Wine Tasting Experience — Free
Wine is believed to have originated around 10,000 years ago in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Later, grape cultivation and wine-making techniques spread throughout the world, leading to the creation of many different wines in various regions. At this festa, we will also offer a free tasting experience of Silk Road wines. Drivers may not participate. Enjoy comparing distinctive wines and experiencing cultural differences through taste.
Presented by: Shinobu Suzuki
Born in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture / JSA-certified sommelier
After gaining experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and elsewhere, Suzuki now runs the wine bar and shop “booshino” in front of Kobuchizawa Station, where visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of wines from around the world.
