Sake Brands
in Kyoto

"Kagura" is a premium brand of Matsui Shuzo, literally bearing the name of the "brewery where God dwells," into which they pour their highest skill and passion. Eliminating all compromise, it focuses mainly on unfiltered raw sake (muroka nama genshu) to directly convey the original strength and delicacy of the ingredients. The overwhelming richness that spreads the moment it enters the mouth and the multi-layered umami are truly in the realm of art. It is a quality that pursues the potential of Kyoto's local sake to the limit. It is a supreme masterpiece where the soul of Matsui Shuzo lives, coloring any special moment.

"Kinpyo" is a brand named after the gourd (hyotan), which has been cherished as a lucky charm since ancient times, making it perfect for auspicious occasions. Reflecting the Kyoto custom of wishing for good health (mubyo) with six gourds (mu-hyotan), it carries prayers for the health and happiness of those who drink it. It features a mellow, deep umami and a depth of character that gently complements any cuisine. It is a traditionally flavored sake that has been long loved, adding a brilliant touch to places where joy is shared.

"Fushimi Homare" is a brand that inherits the skills and pride of traditional Fushimi sake brewing. Gathering the essence of Joyo Shuzo's technology, it pursues a mellow and deep flavor. The clear groundwater pumped from 100 meters underground gently draws out the rice umami, creating a well-balanced quality. It is a highly reputable cup backed by trust and achievements, having been long loved by locals.

"Joyo" is the flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. It expresses the philosophy of "Bikan Yuso" in its purest form and symbolizes creative sake brewing that appeals to the senses. All premium sake is managed as non-filtered, bottle-pasteurized, and bottle-aged, carefully preserving the life force of the rice and the fresh flavor of being newly pressed. Blending the warm climate of Joyo with the blessings of the Kizugawa River, its powerful yet elegant taste captivates modern drinkers.

"Tokujiro" is a brand bearing the name of Joyo Shuzo's founder, where passion and tradition live on. Conveying the first generation's aspirations to the present day, it is brewed by generously pouring in the best materials and technology. Characterized by a deep, enveloping umami and a peaceful, rich aroma produced by careful small-batch brewing. A supreme cup packed with craftsman's pride, pursuing "authentic sake" that is loved across eras.

"Haru" is a heart-stirring new-era brand inspired by the bright light and life force of the sun. Overlapping the "Yo" (sun/positive) of Joyo with the warm rays of spring, it aims to be a sake that brightly illuminates the drinker's heart. It features a quality where fresh, vivid acidity and a brilliant, fruit-like aroma are harmonized. Valuing new sensibilities, it is Kyoto's new "light" (hikari) that can be enjoyed across generations.

"Rosanjin" is a brand bearing the name of the legendary gourmet Rosanjin Kitaoji, aiming to be the ultimate food-pairing sake. Using 100% of the rare Kyoto-grown sake rice "Iwai," it is polished to a 60% ratio. Based on Rosanjin's "philosophy of gastronomy," it features a sophisticated umami full of transparency that never interferes with the delicate flavors of cuisine but rather enhances them. It is a cup that results from Kyoto's proud "craftsmanship," continuing to fascinate gourmets.

"Konteki" is an authentic local sake named with the meaning of "the last drop where the earth's blessings are concentrated." It luxuriously uses "Yamada Nishiki" special-grade rice grown by contract farmers in Tottori Prefecture, brewed with traditional skills using Fushimi's famous "Fushimizu" water. To value the original powerful umami of the rice, excessive filtration is avoided. It features a deep, calm aroma and a beautiful golden color. It is a sincere cup dedicated to enthusiasts who value tradition and pursue the authentic taste of sake.

"Matsu no Midori" is a high-class brand named by the 14th head of the Omotesenke tea school, Jimyosai. Reflecting the spirit of tea ceremony, "Wakei Seijaku," it is designed to perfectly complement delicate Kaiseki cuisine. The Junmai Daiginjo maintains an exquisite balance between a sophisticated, not overly brilliant aroma and deep, mellow rice umami. It is a sake that condenses Kyoto's aesthetic sense, served at first-class Ryotei like Arashiyama's "Kitcho" and in tea ceremonies.

"Tessai" is a brand created with respect and affection for the literati painter Tessai Tomioka. Inspired by Tessai's powerful yet free painting style, it values expressing the taste of the ingredients straightforwardly. While having a solid drinking experience, the softness of Shirakikusui makes the pleasant aftertaste stand out. It is a sake with a sturdy and consistent flavor that makes one feel the long history and cultural depth.

"Mizu no Shirabe" is a brand born to enjoy the beauty of Fushimi's famous Shirakikusui water with all five senses. Its charm lies in the delicate balance of being as pure as water yet letting one feel the definite umami of rice. The fruity and gentle aroma creates a light drinking experience that feels like flowing smoothly in the mouth. It is a brand full of transparency like a clear stream, approachable even for those unfamiliar with sake or for women.

"Shinsei" is the flagship brand of Yamamoto Honke and one of the representative sakes of Fushimi, Kyoto. Its name, derived from a poem by Bai Juyi, symbolizes sake as an existence that dispels all worries and purifies the mind and body. With an extremely clean throatfeel, it has an authentic flavor where the rice's fullness and umami become even more prominent when warmed. Once a nationally familiar brand through TV commercials, it is loved across generations. It is a brand of trust and reassurance, with Fushimi's history and passion packed into a bottle.

"Hana Shimizu" is an elegant brand inspired by the beautiful flowers that color Kyoto's four seasons and the pure clear water. A brilliant brewing aroma like the fragrance of flowers rises, characterized by a refreshing quality that gently envelops the mind and body. The delicate and light taste pairs well not only with Japanese food but also with modern cuisine, brilliantly coloring the dining table on special days. It is a lovely and sophisticated sake that makes one feel the atmosphere of Kyoto.

"Akegokoro" is a refreshing brand designed to brightly illuminate the drinker's heart. Maximizing Fushimi's soft water quality, it pursues a straightforward taste without any impurities. The mouthfeel is extremely smooth, and the gentle sweetness of the rice spreads the more you drink. It is a heart-warming sake that calmly colors the daily dining table.

"Kaguya Hime" is a brand that radiates elegant and lovely charm, like the mysterious heroine of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Inspired by a bamboo grove shining in the moonlight, it is finished with a refreshing and light taste. Characterized by a fruity aroma and a clean throatfeel, it enjoys immense support from sake beginners and women. It is a brilliant sake to enjoy on a special night while feeling the romance of the story.

"Saranari" is a brand that conveys the atmosphere of Kyoto's four seasons, named after a passage in Sei Shonagon's The Pillow Book. Meaning "beyond description" or "it goes without saying," it is imbued with Kyoto's tradition and pride. While having the rich umami of rice, the aftertaste is surprisingly light. It complements a wide range of dishes, both Japanese and Western. It is a high-class sake to be savored slowly while visualizing the scenery of the ancient capital.

"Kamata Kiko" is a brand born to cherish encounters during travels and the atmosphere of the land. It is characterized by a somewhat nostalgic and peaceful, gentle taste. The mellow texture of Shirakikusui envelops the rice umami, giving a depth that feels like reviving travel memories with every sip. It is the perfect sake to accompany a relaxing time away from everyday life.

"Kyo Maiko" is a brand that expresses Kyoto's brilliant flower town (Hanamachi) culture through sake. Inspired by the lovely appearance and graceful movements of a Maiko, it is finished with a brilliant and classy taste. Characterized by a light and fruity aroma, its charm lies in an enchanting quality that makes the drinker feel spellbound. It is a sake that elegantly sets the stage for a banquet, along with a yearning for Kyoto's traditional performing arts.

"Meiyokan" is a brand that, as its name suggests, symbolizes the highest honor and quality. With Yamamoto Honke's pride at stake, it is brewed using carefully selected ingredients and skilled techniques. Characterized by a dignified umami and a refined, graceful aroma, it has a high-class feel suitable for celebratory occasions of special achievements. A result of proud craftsman's soul, it is a sake with unmatched value even as a gift.

"Soku" is a Junmai-specialized brand named with the aim of being a sake that makes one feel relieved and gentle, like looking up at the blue sky. With the family motto "Good sake will surely communicate with heaven and people" in heart, they put their soul into every drop through completely handmade, extremely small production of only one tank per week. To value the fresh taste of freshly pressed sake, they use delicate transparent bottles. The lime green glow is proof of its freshness. A taste full of transparency that gently permeates the body, it is a brand that makes one feel a new breeze in Fushimi, Kyoto.