At a traditional sake brewery, a sphere made of green cryptomeria needles (called in Japanese sugi 杉, hence the name sugidama) was hung above the entrance whenever a batch of sake was made.

In the course of time, the sugidama was withering and turning brown, and it was used as an indicator that the batch of sake has aged enough to be consumed. Sugidama is still used today at a few traditional sake breweries, as in this photo taken in Fushimi, Kyoto, and in front of some restaurants and pubs, indicating that sake is available inside.

Kizakura Sake Brewery, Fushimi, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kyoto To-ji, the Heiankyo East Temple