Sake Brands
in Nagano
Miyasaka
"Miyasaka" is a series that re-examines the roots of Miyasaka Brewing and fuses return to the origin with new challenges. As the birthplace of "Association No. 7 Yeast," they pursue its potential and design with emphasis on the balance between rice umami and acidity. The fresh and juicy taste adds color to the modern dining table and proposes a new way to enjoy sake.
Mikotsuru
"Mikotsuru" is a brand symbolizing revival and leap, named after the crane said to be a messenger of god that flew to Lake Suwa. Along with the reconstruction of the brewery in 2020, the quality was renewed by the fusion of the latest technology and handmade. Shining as Champion Sake at the world's highest peak contest "IWC," it is a taste recognized by the world where juicy umami and acidity harmonize.
Koten
"Koten" is a brand where the umami of rice and a mellow aftertaste spread within a refreshing dryness. Expressing the individuality of local "Miyama Nishiki" to the fullest with traditional techniques that laid the foundation for Shinshu as a famous brewing region. The light and smooth mouthfeel and the faintly fragrant fruity lingering finish are tastes that are approachable even for women and sake beginners.
Hoka
"Hoka" is a limited distribution series launched by Toshimaya as a second brand of "Miwatari." As the name implies, it was born with the concept of bringing out glorious aroma and the original umami of rice. Sticking to sake rice from Nagano Prefecture, the modern and sophisticated taste is supported by a wide range of people from sake beginners to enthusiasts.
Miwatari
"Miwatari" is the unshakable main brand of Toshimaya, named after the Omiwatari of Lake Suwa. With the motto "Sake loved by locals," they continue sake brewing expressing the climate and culture of Suwa. The gentle aroma and the gentle taste where the umami of rice spreads accompany every scene, from daily evening drinks to special occasions.
Kikusui
"Kikusui" is the representative brand of Kikusui Shuzo, featuring a refreshing taste. Using underground water from the Central Alps and sake rice "Takane Nishiki" from the local Southern Shinshu, it is carefully brewed in the severe cold. The sharp mouthfeel and the good balance that enhances the taste of meals can be enjoyed widely from cold sake to hot sake.
Hijiridake
"Hijiridake" is the highest grade brand of Kikusui Shuzo, named after Mt. Hijiri, a famous peak in the Southern Alps. By highly polishing carefully selected Yamada Nishiki and slowly fermenting it at low temperature for a long time, gorgeous ginjo aroma and plump taste are realized. Its quality is highly evaluated, winning numerous gold medals in domestic and international contests.
Inokashira
"Inokashira" is the representative brand of Urushido Brewing (Kasuga Shuzo), and its name means "the best spring water." Brewed with clear underground water from the Central Alps, it features a soft and rich umami taste unique to soft water. The balance of sweetness and acidity is exquisite, and it is a taste filled with the brothers' thoughts, perfect as a sake to accompany meals.
Shinano Nishiki
"Shinano Nishiki" is a pure rice sake brand representing Miyajima Saketen. With the concept of "sake reflecting the climate of the local Ina Valley," they use 100% contract-grown Miyama Nishiki. The powerful yet gentle taste, where the original umami and acidity of rice harmonize, increases in depth even more when warmed.
Zankuro
"Zankuro" is a dry series of Miyajima Saketen with the theme of "Cutting cleanly." pursuing the vivid sharpness and the cleanliness of the aftertaste, like the Engetsusappo (Full Moon Killing Technique) appearing in the novel "Nemuri Kyoshiro." The aftertaste that cuts sharply while making you feel the umami of rice goes well with fatty meat dishes and dishes with strong seasoning.
Suigakuso
"Suigakuso" is a new pure rice sake line blending tradition and innovation of Miyajima Saketen. Using low-polished rice, it features a rustic taste utilizing the powerful original umami and acidity of rice. It is a bottle with depth and responsiveness that can be enjoyed both cold and hot.
Kuromatsu Senjo
"Kuromatsu Senjo" is the representative brand of Senjo, inheriting the tradition since its foundation. Using rice from Nagano Prefecture and underground water from the Southern Alps, it features a plump and deep taste that makes you feel the climate of Shinshu. It is a standard sake of Shinshu that has been loved for a long time as a sake for local festivals and evening drinks.
Chiquito
"Chiquito" is a new type of sake that is low alcohol and sweet and sour. As the name meaning "small" in Spanish implies, the size and taste that can be enjoyed casually are attractive. It is easy to drink for sake beginners and women, and is also recommended as a dessert sake or aperitif.
Kanane
"Kanane" is a Junmai Ginjo sake of Senjo aimed at a taste that resonates with the heart like music. Using Miyama Nishiki from Nagano Prefecture, gorgeous aroma, transparent sweetness, and refreshing acidity harmonize. It contains the wish that you enjoy the harmony played together with the meal.
Konna Yoru ni...
"Konna Yoru ni..." (On Such a Night...) is a popular series of Senjo, filled with attachment to the nature and animals of Shinshu. Animals of Ina Valley such as deer and salamanders looking up at the moon are drawn on the label. The balance of juicy umami and acidity is exquisite, and together with the bottle design with a story, it directs a special night.
Senningura
"Senningura" is a brand sticking to traditional handmade brewing, which is the spiritual pillar of Senjo. Named after the old storehouse "Senningura" on the premises of the brewery. Protecting the old-fashioned manufacturing method, it features a deep taste filled with the skills and soul of the brewers.
Senjo
"Senjo" is the main brand bearing the name of the brewery, where tradition since its foundation and innovation coexist. With the philosophy of "making the most of what we have now," they practice sake brewing sticking to local rice, water, and people. It is filled with pride as local sake of Shinshu Ina Valley, loved across generations.
Nanatsu no Warai Sake
"Nanatsu no Warai Sake" is a brand symbolizing the founding spirit of Nanawarai Shuzo. It contains the positive message of "Nanawarai Yaoki" (Seven laughs, eight risings), meaning to laugh off difficulties and move forward. It features a pure and deep taste created by the underground water of Kiso.
Bi ROKU
"Bi ROKU" is a new attempt of Nanawarai Shuzo that harmonizes with the beautiful nature of Kiso. A sophisticated "beautiful" taste woven by traditional skills and clean water. It is a bottle where you can enjoy a pleasant aftertaste and pairing with meals.
Nanawarai
"Nanawarai" is the representative brand of Nanawarai Shuzo, loved as local sake of Kiso. Using underground water from Mt. Kisokoma, one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, it is an "Umakuchi" style that brings out the flavor of rice. The taste that you can enjoy widely from cold to hot and never get tired of drinking is perfect for daily evening drinks.