Iinuma Honke Co., Ltd. (飯沼本家), a sake brewery based in Shisui-machi, Inba-gun, Chiba, with over 300 years of history dating back to the Edo period, will hold a special summer event called "Tanabata and Fireflies Evening 2026" (七夕と蛍の夕べ2026) for three days from July 18 to 20, 2026.
The event takes place at Kinoene Omoya (きのえねomoya), a Japanese restaurant housed in a renovated farmhouse approximately 300 years old that is registered as a tangible cultural property. Guests can enjoy seasonal cuisine and the brewery's Japanese sake while surrounded by the fragrance of bamboo and the soft glow of fireflies in the garden.
Highlights of Tanabata and Fireflies Evening 2026
1. Special Course Menu Inspired by the 24 Solar Terms
Kinoene Omoya, which counts acclaimed Japanese cuisine chef Koichi Tomizawa of "Nihon Ryori Yoshimura" as an advisor, will present a special menu exclusive to this event. The course features 7 dishes (膳菜, 前八寸, 椀盛, 向付, 焼肴, 煮肴, 進肴) plus a meal and dessert, all crafted from prime seasonal summer ingredients with a presentation inspired by Tanabata and fireflies.
2. Sake Pairing with 甲子夏詣酒 星合 (Kinoene Natsumōde Sake Hoshiai)
The food is paired with carefully selected sake from Iinuma Honke. The centerpiece is the 甲子夏詣酒 星合 (Kinoene Natsumōde Sake Hoshiai), a prayer sake brewed to cleanse the impurities of the first half of the year and pray for the fulfillment of wishes — evoking the reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi from the Tanabata legend. This auspicious sake is served alongside other selections including junmai daiginjo, in pairings curated by the brewery itself.
3. A Magical Summer Evening in a Registered Cultural Property
The venue, Kinoene Omoya, blends historic beams and pillars with contemporary design to create an exceptional setting. With the gentle light of fireflies dancing in the garden outside, guests can leave behind the bustle of everyday life and enjoy an evening of serene culinary pleasure.
Event Details
Event Name: Tanabata and Fireflies Evening 2026 (七夕と蛍の夕べ2026)
Dates: July 18, 2026 (Saturday), July 19, 2026 (Sunday), July 20, 2026 (Monday / Public Holiday)
Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM each day
Venue: Kinoene Omoya (きのえねomoya)
106 Mabashi, Shisui-machi, Inba-gun, Chiba
Capacity: 26 guests per day (first-come, first-served; reservation required)
Price: ¥16,500 per person (tax included, service charge included)
Includes a special course meal and sake pairing (soft drinks included)
Shuttle Service: Free shuttle from JR Shisui Station and Keisei Shisui Station (advance reservation required)
Eligibility: Ages 20 and above only
