Sake Brands
in Nara

Manyo Asuka is a brand brewed by Ueda Sake Brewery, a sake themed around Nara's Manyo culture and the historical romance of Asuka. Made from rice, rice koji, and brewing alcohol, it has an alcohol content of 15% and features a soft mouthfeel and light throat feel. With a refreshing and sharp taste, it is popular as a souvenir of Nara sightseeing or as a gift. It is also available as cup sake, and although it is a size that can be easily enjoyed, it is filled with the heart of Ueda Sake Brewery's sake brewing. As a product where you can easily taste the atmosphere of Yamato, the land associated with the Manyoshu, it is a brand that conveys the history and culture of Asuka and Nara through sake.

Kuragarigoe is Kikutsukasa Brewing's representative brand, a pure rice sake named after Kuragari-toge, a pass mentioned in Matsuo Basho's haiku. It features a sharp dryness, and the umami derived from rice can be firmly felt. Unfiltered with a rice polishing ratio of 60%, it has a slightly light and slightly dry taste with a pleasant acidity and aftertaste of umami. Brewed with the natural water of the Mt. Ikoma range, carefully selected sake brewing rice, and clear air coming together, it goes well with food and is recommended to be drunk warm. It is a brand filled with Kikutsukasa Brewing's particularity, cherishing old-fashioned methods such as the brewery owner and master brewer pressing all sake in a traditional wooden press.

Sakaya Tobe is the original trade name of Kikutsukasa Brewing, and is a brand crowned with a tradition that has been passed down for over 300 years since its founding in 1705. Since the first Tobe started the sake brewing business in the Oze district, which prospered as a post station connecting Osaka and Nara, Kikutsukasa Brewing has continued to protect traditional methods. Developed as Junmai Daiginjo, brewery owner and master brewer Masaru Komai personally leads the brewing, sparing no effort in high polishing, hand-making, small batch preparation, bottle warming, and refrigerator storage. Pressing all sake in traditional wooden "Fune" presses, it is a high-class brand that conveys 300 years of tradition to the present.

Ikoma is a unique sake using "Ornithine Yeast" developed by Kikutsukasa Brewing in joint research with the Nara Institute of Science and Technology and the Nara Prefecture Industrial Promotion Center. Containing ornithine equivalent to 400 clams per liter, it is rich in amino acid components expected to improve liver function. Sold as a limited distribution specially designated sake since 1998, it has a reputation for its unique taste becoming addictive. Furthermore, they also develop products using "Yamanokami Yeast" isolated from Sasayuri lilies blooming in the sacred precincts of Omiwa Shrine, and it is a brand symbolizing the innovation of Kikutsukasa Brewing, where Nara's science and technology and tradition fuse.

Kikutsukasa is the flagship brand of Kikutsukasa Brewing, embodying the tradition of the brewery with a history of over 300 years since its founding in 1705. The brewery owner himself becomes the master brewer, brewing with particularity and sparing no effort such as high polishing, hand-making, small batch preparation, bottle warming, refrigerator storage, etc., and everything is pressed in old-fashioned presses. Carefully selected sake brewing rice, natural water from the Mt. Ikoma range, and clear air that nurtures yeast come together to create a natural and mellow taste. Finished with a "dry and satisfying taste," they also develop traditional method products such as Bodaimoto Junmai. Dry with good sharpness, the straightforward taste is the characteristic of Kikutsukasa.

Haru no Sakamichi is a Junmai Daiginjo that was brewed by Kinseijozo, a brand name expressing the arrival of spring and the hope of climbing a slope. Located in Nara City, Kinseijozo was engaged in sake brewing rooted in the community with brands such as Yagyu Nishiki until it closed down in March 2008. Haru no Sakamichi, as a Junmai Daiginjo collecting the best of Kinseijozo's technology, featured a gorgeous aroma and an elegant taste. As a brand brewed in the historic land of Nara, it was loved by locals and sake lovers until the brewery closed.

Yagyu Nishiki is Kinseijozo's representative brand, named after Yagyu Village, known for its swordsmen. Kinseijozo operated traditional sake brewing in Nara City, but closed down in March 2008. As a brand embodying the pride of the region, Yagyu Nishiki reflected the history and culture of Yagyu in its sake. It was a local sake loved mainly by locals for its sake brewing utilizing the rich nature and water of Nara, but it is no longer produced now. Before closing, it played a part in the sake culture of Nara as a brand bearing the name of Yagyu.

Yamato no Seishu is a Junmai Ginjo brewed by Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery, a brand expressing the pride and tradition of the region, crowned with the ancient name "Yamato" referring to Nara. It inherits the tradition of a sake brewery that has been operated as "Yokotaya" since before the Edo period in Shimizucho, a place with famous water at the foot of the Kasuga Primeval Forest. Using the pure water welling up in the sacred precincts of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and carefully selected sake rice, it reflects the climate of Nara in the sake. Made as a Junmai Ginjo cherishing the original umami of rice, it features a plump taste and an elegant aroma. As a local sake of Nara, it is a brand that conveys the history and culture of the ancient capital to the present.

Shohei is the representative brand of Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery, a sake inheriting tradition since its founding in 1877. Brewed with famous water at the foot of the Kasuga Primeval Forest, it has developed as a brand representing Nara since rice merchant Zennosuke Yagi of Dojima, Osaka, inherited the business of "Yokotaya" which had continued since before the Edo period. In the Meiji era, it boasted one of the top production volumes in Nara Prefecture along with Mantsuru and Yagi Masamune. They also develop sake made with a traditional method called Bodaimoto, and continue to protect the history of sake brewing in Nara. Manufacturing a wide range of products from sake to shochu and liqueurs, unique products such as the Hanafuda Series are also popular.

Yokotaya is the original trade name of Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery, and is a brand bearing the name of the sake brewery that had been operated in Shimizucho, a place with famous water at the foot of the Kasuga Primeval Forest, since before the Edo period. Since rice merchant Zennosuke Yagi of Dojima, Osaka, inherited the business, it was founded as Yagi Sake Brewery in 1877, and changed its name to Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery in December 2022. The brand name Yokotaya is developed to convey the history and tradition of the brewery to the present, embodying the origin of sake brewing in the ancient capital of Nara. Sake brewed with Kasuga's famous water and traditional methods features a taste that makes you feel the historical romance of Nara.

Hakuteki is a Junmai Ginjo brewed by Imanishi Seibei Shoten, a pure brand name meaning "white drop". It features a soft aroma and a smooth taste that you never get tired of, and is finished with a polishing ratio of 60%, an alcohol content of 15%, and a sake meter value of -3, which is slightly sweet. It has received high praise, such as winning the Grand Gold Medal at the Fine Sake Awards Japan. Imanishi Seibei Shoten, founded in 1884, inherits the tradition of the Imanishi family who brewed sake to offer to the gods as priests of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, continuing to make high-quality sake in all aspects of taste, body, and aroma, and Hakuteki is also the crystallization of that technology.

Rokumei is a Junmai Ginjo brewed by Imanishi Seibei Shoten, a brand name inspired by the cry of a deer echoing in the sacred precincts of Kasuga. Deployed as a raw, undiluted sake with a polishing ratio of 55% and an alcohol content of 17%, it features a slightly gorgeous aroma, a soft mouthfeel, and a moderately sweet and fruity taste. Like the representative brand Harushika, it embodies the spirit of sake brewing of Imanishi Seibei Shoten, which originates from the legend of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the deer. Located in "Naramachi" of Nara, it is a brand that conveys to the present the techniques of Morohaku-zukuri and Dan-jikomi established in Nara in the Muromachi period, such as fermentation using traditional wooden barrels.

Shisozake is a liqueur using perilla (shiso) brewed by Imanishi Seibei Shoten, a rare brand that adds the flavor of perilla to sake. Developed as one of the Harushika brands, it features a refreshing aroma and unique flavor of perilla. Imanishi Seibei Shoten, located in "Naramachi" of Nara, manufactures not only sake but also various liqueurs, and Shisozake is one of its representative products. It is a brand that combines tradition and innovation, which can be enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine, and can also be expected to have the health benefits of perilla.

Yamatohime is a brand brewed by Imanishi Seibei Shoten, named after Yamatohime-no-mikoto who appears in Japanese mythology. Yamatohime-no-mikoto is an imperial princess said to have founded Ise Jingu Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, embodying the history and mythology of Nara. The Imanishi family has a history of brewing sake to offer to gods as priests of Kasuga Taisha Shrine for generations, and the brand name Yamatohime conveys that sacred sake brewing tradition to the present. Featuring a dignified taste and elegant aroma, it is developed as a brand that makes you feel the historical romance of Nara.

Jimyoshu is a brand brewed by Imanishi Seibei Shoten, and "Jimyo" comes from a Buddhist term meaning "subtle goodness that cannot be expressed in words". Developed as Hakuteki Jimyoshu Junmai Ginjo, it has received high praise, such as winning the Grand Gold Medal at the Fine Sake Awards Japan in 2014. Featuring a balance of gentle aroma and delicate taste, it is a brand that pursues a subtle deliciousness that cannot be expressed in words. As a Junmai Ginjo collecting the best of Imanishi Seibei Shoten's technology, its profound taste is supported by enthusiasts.

Mujohai is the representative brand of Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery, named in 1995 by Professor Emeritus Takeo Koizumi of Tokyo University of Agriculture as "I was thinking of naming it if I could meet an unsurpassed sake". It has a refreshing mouthfeel and goes well with any dish, and is also recommended for Chinese and French cuisine. The raw rice is Yamada Nishiki, the polishing ratio is 60%, the alcohol content is 15%, the sake meter value is +3 dry, the acidity is 1.4, and the association No. 1801 yeast is used. Since its founding in 1868, it has been dedicated to handmade sake brewing with almost no mechanization, and it is a brand that is the fruit of the technology of the brewery where 80% of the sake produced is occupied by specially designated sake of Junmai sake or higher.

Gisuke is a limited distribution brand of Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery derived from the founder's name "Toyosawa Gisuke", producing unfiltered, undiluted raw sake fermented at low temperature in small batches. Developed as a brand distinct from Hoshuku, it features a smart taste with a core that accompanies meals. It is a brand containing the technology of Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery, which is dedicated to handmade sake brewing, and respect for the founder, and the rarity that can only be obtained at special agents is also attractive. While cherishing traditional handmade techniques, the sake carefully brewed by small batches is designed with an emphasis on compatibility with meals.

Kisenju Kitcho is a Junmai Ginjo released by Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery in 1984, born in response to the customers' request for "more polished sake" following the success of the Junmai sake "Kisenju". Brewed under the concept of "sticking to each grain and drop, elegant sophistication and umami", it constitutes the main brand of Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery together with Daiginjo "Hoshuku" and Junmai Ginjo "Mujohai". It is a brand created by the technology of the brewery dedicated to handmade sake brewing and the attitude of responding to the voice of customers, characterized by the balance of sophisticated taste and umami of rice.

Miyakohime is a traditional brand of Masuda Sake Brewery, derived from "Miyakohime", the mother of Emperor Shomu who built the Great Buddha, and features an elegant and pure taste inspired by the noble princess of the ancient capital. Masuda Sake Brewery, founded in the 2nd year of Kan'ei (1625) and having a history of about 350 years, draws underground water from the Kongo mountain range for about 1km and uses it as brewing water, brewing with water suitable for slightly soft water brewing. Honjozo alkaline sake is alkaline and contains high calcium, featuring a mellow taste. Located at the intersection of the old Ise Kaido and the Yamanobe no Michi mentioned in the Man'yōshū, it is a brand that embodies the history and tradition of Nara.

Shin'in is a limited distribution brand of Masuda Sake Brewery, and has a name meaning "indescribable, excellent charm". It is a brand carefully brewed in small quantities, developed entirely as Junmai sake, pursuing the powerful umami typical of Nara sake. Designed as a sake to be enjoyed with meals, it features a gentle and subdued aroma with a scent of koji, a soft mouthfeel, and a light and sharp drinking quality. Despite the high sake meter value, the plumpness and sweetness derived from rice remain, and the smooth aftertaste is attractive. Using underground water from the Kongo mountain range and sake rice such as Yamada Nishiki, it is a brand created by the technology of the brewery with a history of about 350 years.

Inenohana is a new limited distribution series that revived the brand name dating back to the founding of Inada Sake Brewery, and has been developed since 2020. The label drawn by ink wash painter Takako Imatani expresses the flavor of the sake, and its rarity, available only at special agents, is attractive. It is a brand that embodies the origin of Inada Sake Brewery, which has been aiming for local sake as the ultimate sake to enjoy with food, focusing on local water, local rice, and local people in the rich natural environment of Tenri City since its founding in 1877. Located in the middle of the Tenri Hondori Shopping Street leading from JR/Kintetsu Tenri Station, it reflects the attitude of aiming to be an open sake brewery that is easy for passersby to drop by.

Himuro no Sato is a Junmai sake made from 100% sake rice "Gin no Sato" from Tenri City, and is a brand brewed in cooperation with farmers under the theme of sake brewing rooted more in the community. It features a dry taste that does not interfere with the taste of food and goes perfectly with it. The brand name is connected to the place name Himuro in Tenri City and the ancient Himuro belief, reflecting the history and culture of the region in the sake. It is one of the brands that most embodies the philosophy of Inada Sake Brewery, which focuses on local water, local rice, and local people, and promotes local production for local consumption, practicing sake brewing that contributes to regional promotion.

Hakutei is a brand that was brewed by Miyazaki Sake Brewery, and the brand name is derived from Hakutei Shrine in Nagara-cho, Tenri City, where the brewery was formerly located. Miyazaki Sake Brewery was founded in the early Meiji period and was located in Tambaichi-cho, Tenri City, but ceased operations around 2013. The store and main building were registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property on April 28, 2010, and are preserved as a valuable heritage of sake brewing architecture of the Meiji period. Hakutei was loved locally as a brand with a deep connection to the local shrine, but it is not currently produced. It is a brand that conveys the memory of sake brewing in the historic land of Tenri to the present day.

Chohei is a brand that was brewed by Tayama Sake Brewery Limited Partnership in Murou-ku, Uda City. Tayama Sake Brewery has currently suspended its own sake brewing and operates as a retail store selling sake from other breweries in Nara that it has long partnered with, under the name "Yamato no Irodori". The brand name Chohei is thought to be derived from a person's name, and it was loved as local sake in the historic area of Murou. Although it is not currently produced, it is one of the brands that conveys the history of sake brewing in Murou, Uda City to the present day.

Murou Roman is a brand that was brewed by Tayama Sake Brewery Limited Partnership in Murou-ku, Uda City, and is a brand name that expresses the historical romance of the land of Murou, blessed with beautiful nature and Murou-ji Temple, which has continued since the Muromachi period. Tayama Sake Brewery has currently suspended its own sake brewing and operates as a retail store selling sake from other breweries in Nara under the name "Yamato no Irodori". Murou Roman was loved by locals and tourists as a brand that reflected the charm of the land of Murou in sake. Although it is not currently produced, it is remembered as a brand that conveys the history and culture of Murou.