Sake Brands
in Kanagawa
Tanzawasan
Tanzawasan is the legendary flagship brand of Kawanishiya Shuzoten and a monument to aged Junmai sake. Primarily using pristine meltwater from the Tanzawa Mountain range and local 'Wakamizu' rice nurtured through 30 years of partnership with local farmers, it purely expresses the philosophy: 'Sake enhances the food, and food enhances the sake.' Characterized by a mellow umami achieved through over a year of low-temperature aging and a supple acidity, its potential as 'kan-sake' (warmed sake) is overwhelming. Having won consecutive awards at major tasting competitions, it enjoys absolute trust from professional sommeliers and gourmets as the ultimate food-pairing sake.
Hotoku Musume
Hotoku Musume is a sincere and warm brand that conveys the 'Hotoku' philosophy of Sontoku Ninomiya, the great sage born in the Ashigara region. Projecting the spirit of 'Diligence, Economy, and Sharing' taught by Ninomiya into the brewing process, it is finished as an unadorned yet resilient Junmai sake. Brewed with care using the rich waters of Tanzawa and the bounties of the land, its flavor is an offering that stays close to local history and culture. While it lacks flashy character, it possesses a profound sapor that seeps into the heart with every sip, making it an endearing cup that quietly speaks of regional pride and tradition.
Afuri
Afuri, named after the alias of Mt. Oyama, 'Afuriyama,' is a global brand that opens a new chapter for Kikkawa Jozo. Its label features calligraphy by the high priest of the Oyama Afuri Shrine, symbolizing the blessings of the sacred mountain. Its defining feature is the unique 'minerality' derived from natural hard water with a hardness of 150. Recognized globally, it has won consecutive top awards, including Platinum at 'Kura Master' in France. Pursuing a refined aroma, beautiful texture, and perfect harmony with cuisine, Afuri aims for the pinnacle of modern Japanese sake.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is the traditional brand that has supported the foundation of Kikkawa Jozo, cherished by the people of Isehara since its inception. Specifically crafted using mineral-rich hard water from the sacred Mt. Oyama and meticulously handmade by artisans, it features a sturdy, resilient flavor profile unique to hard water, with a crisp finish. Its appeal lies in an enduring deliciousness perfect for daily evening drinks. Preserving the pride of being Isehara's sole brewery and walking alongside regional history, Kikuyu is a community-rooted sake that offers a sense of comfort and security akin to home.
Shirasasatsuzumi
Shirasasatsuzumi is the iconic brand of Kanei Shuzoten, named after the Shirasasa Inari Shrine, the guardian deity of Hadano City. The elegant name likens the sound of white bamboo leaves rustling in the wind to the beat of a 'tsuzumi' (hand drum), reflecting deep reverence for nature. Using the celebrated Hadano Basin spring water (one of Japan's 100 Best Waters) as its source, it is characterized by an incredibly mellow mouthfeel and a refreshing finish reminiscent of a cool breeze from the Tanzawa foothills. This flavor, a perfect harmony of local culture and famous water, is the pride of Hadano and has been healing the hearts of many for years.
MOZART
MOZART is a brand by Kanei Shuzoten that evokes a mystical resonance between music and brewing. Based on the concept of 'local sake raised by Mozart's Lullaby,' it employs a unique 'musical brewing' method, playing Mozart's melodies to the fermentation tanks 24 hours a day. This is founded on research suggesting that musical rhythms and vibrations activate yeast, lending exceptional mellowness and harmony to the sake. The resulting flavor, a fusion of Hadano's famous spring water and the movements of the genius composer, is exceptionally elegant and well-balanced, attracting attention from enthusiasts worldwide as a cup that stimulates the senses.
Otoriizumi
Otoriizumi is an auspicious brand combining the 'Phoenix' (Otori), a mythical bird symbolizing a good omen, and 'Spring' (Izumi), the source of life. It carries the wish to be a spring as noble and pure as a phoenix emerging from the Tanzawa foothills. Utilizing the mineral-balanced spring water of the Hadano Basin, it simple and luxuriously draws out the best of its ingredients, resulting in a dignified and elegant character. Filled with refreshing and powerful vitality, it is a cup perfect for special occasions and celebratory gatherings.
Sasa no Tsuyu
Sasa no Tsuyu is a brand that expresses the purity of a single drop of dew resting on a bamboo leaf in the morning mist, linked to the legends of the Shirasasa Inari Shrine. Specialized in maximizing the translucent beauty of Hadano's famous water, it offers a light and vibrant mouthfeel. It provides an unblemished freshness, as if carrying a crystal of nature directly to your palate. Combining a modesty that does not interfere with food and a gentleness that seamlessly seeps into the body, it allows you to enjoy the pure beauty of Tanzawa's nature with all five senses.
Kamakura Shiori
Kamakura Shiori is a storytelling brand dedicated to all who love the ancient capital of Kamakura. The name 'Shiori' (Bookmark) embodies the wish for this sake to serve as a guide or a keepsake tucked into the pages of one's travel memories. To capture the serene atmosphere of Kamakura's temples and its historical depth, the sake is brewed with a focus on a gentle, soft mouthfeel and an elegant aroma. Highly popular as a souvenir, it offers an emotional flavor that revives the spirit of Kamakura the moment it is poured into a glass. It is a lyrical sake that vividly colors the memories of a journey.
SWEET HEART
SWEET HEART is a modern and cute dessert-style sake brand designed to open new doors in the world of Japanese sake. True to its name, it offers a perfect harmony of melting sweetness and fruity acidity that warms the heart from the very first sip. With a freshness reminiscent of fruit wine that challenges traditional sake conventions, it has garnered overwhelming support from those new to sake and female consumers alike. Beyond enjoying it chilled, it can be served over ice or even drizzled over desserts, offering a versatile range of styles. This is a cup full of love, designed to add glamour to a night in Hakone and accompany those special moments of connection with loved ones.