Chiba: A Gateway to Authentic Japanese Culture and World-Class Events

TOPIC 1: Tradition Meets Hospitality – Sake, Sushi, and Sacred Ceremonies

In 2024, “Traditional Japanese Sake Brewing” was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Chiba is home to nearly 40 breweries, including Mine no Sei “Gin no Mai”, famously served at the 1986 and 1993 G7 Summits.

At receptions, the Chiba Convention Bureau (CCB) offers a curated “Sake from Chiba” corner, inviting guests to discover unique regional brews.

For a cultural highlight, CCB can also arrange the Hocho-shiki, a sacred knife ceremony originating from Takabe Shrine, Japan’s only shrine dedicated to the deity of cooking. Performed by members of a traditional Japanese culinary school, the ceremony features elegant knife techniques where food is prepared without direct hand contact.

Adding artistic flair, Chiba’s decorative Futomaki-zushi(thick sushi rolls) can feature logos or portraits and even be part of hands-on workshops—perfect for unique, memorable dining experiences.