Daimon Brewery, one of Japan’s oldest craft sake producers, has announced a new partnership with chef Gaggan Anand and designer Bill Bensley to develop a 15-suite hospitality concept at its brewery site in Kansai.

Set at the foot of the Ikoma Mountain Range in Osaka Prefecture, between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, the project will transform the brewery’s historic grounds into a sensory destination that blends sake craftsmanship, cuisine and design with a strong sense of place. Conceived as an immersive experience within the brewery, it will offer luxurious accommodation, three distinct dining concepts and wellness programmes, all deeply rooted in the brewery’s 200-year legacy.

“We’re not building another minimalist retreat or a traditional ryokan,” says Fergus Fung, Chairman of Daimon International. “To bring Daimon’s bold, expressive spirit to a new chapter, we’ve partnered with two of the most creative forces in hospitality to extend our legacy into a vibrant future.”

Daimon Brewery has been crafting sake for seven generations using small-batch, handcrafted production centred on the traditional Ginjo brewing method. Today, it is the only sake brewery in the region producing sake with pure flowing mountain water and one of just two that use locally grown rice.

Anand, co-founder of Gaggan Hotels, will lead the culinary vision. Renowned for his progressive cuisine that blends Indian influences with Japanese, French and Thai traditions, he will bring a dynamic approach and an ever-evolving dining experience to the project.

“Escape the tyranny of choice. Indulge. Immerse yourself in sake, smoke and sounds. Rejuvenate in our gardens and onsen. Forget time exists,” says Anand. “We’ve done all the thinking – you just show up and let go.”

Designed by Bill Bensley, a master of immersive hospitality design known for his richly layered, narrative-driven approach, the project is shaped by storytelling at every turn. With more than 200 projects worldwide, his portfolio spans iconic resorts and destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.

“This project is maximalist in every sense,” he comments. “We’re building on a historic brewery site to create a destination that bursts with imagination and design. It celebrates contrast and craftsmanship while keeping the spirit of heritage alive.”

The property is currently in the design phase, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion targeted between 2028 and 2029.