Sake Brands
in Niigata

Ikedaya is the traditional brand bearing the brewery's name. Set against the backdrop of Itoigawa's rich nature—recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark—it holds an identity as a 'locally rooted sake' loved by the community for generations. The subsoil water from the Himegawa River gently draws out the umami of the rice, creating a flavor profile that pairs effortlessly with daily meals and never tires the palate. It is a brand that allows for the enjoyment of the brewery's 200-year history and the terroir of the region itself.

Sechubai is one of Niigata's representative sakes and the symbol of Maruyama Shuzojo's convictions. Its greatest charm lies in a 'tanrei amakuchi' (light and sweet) flavor that brings out the gentle sweetness of rice, paired with an elegant and modest aroma reminiscent of plum blossoms heralding spring in snow country. The texture—created by the soft mountain water and traditional hand-crafted koji—is incredibly smooth, with a comfort that feels as though it melts away in the mouth like snow. Imbued with the soul of Maruyama Shuzojo, which sincerely pursues 'delicious sake' without being swayed by trends, it remains beloved by many enthusiasts.

Yanma is a special brand that represents the culmination of Niigata Daiichi Shuzo's youthful passion and leads the modern craft sake scene. It is characterized by an uncompromising commitment to selecting only the 'nakadori' (middle-press) portion—the part with the highest purity—and bottling it directly to prevent exposure to air. True to its name, which evokes the crisp air of mountain valleys, it features a fresh effervescence and a rich flavor where the robust yet succulent umami of rice bursts forth. It is an exquisite sake that leaves a vivid impression, as if the soul of the brewer is condensed into every drop.

Koshi no Hakucho is the traditional mainstay brand of Niigata Daiichi Shuzo. As the first merged brewery in Niigata, it fuses the wisdom and techniques cultivated by each founding brewery over many years, making the most of the pure water and high-quality rice unique to this heavy snowfall region. Its name is derived from the elegant swans (hakucho) that migrate to the Echigo Plain in winter. Robust yet supple, its beautiful flavor profile unfolds with the honest umami of rice, filled with a warmth and sincerity that evokes the original scenery of snow country.

Echigo Bijin is the historic flagship brand representing Joetsu Shuzo. True to its name, which means 'Echigo Beauty,' it is characterized by a gentle, supple, and clean flavor, much like the beautiful land and people of Niigata. A highly skilled sake that has previously won top honors at appraisal contests, its charm was recently rediscovered via social media, making it a sensational 'sake of the moment.' Now further refined with state-of-the-art equipment, this 'modern beauty,' where tradition and innovation resonate, continues to captivate many sake enthusiasts.

Koshi no Wakatake is a traditional brand that Joetsu Shuzo has strictly maintained for many years. It combines a straight and powerful vitality like a young bamboo (wakatake) with a gentle flavor nurtured by the terroir of Joetsu. This brand symbolizes honest, down-to-earth brewing that naturally colors daily dining tables.

Sukimasa Masamune is a brand born during an era when the word 'Ski' could not be used due to the prohibition of foreign loanwords during World War II. The name, combining 'Suki' (longevity/celebration) and 'Masa' (turtle/purity)—two characters considered auspicious since ancient times—was embraced by many beyond its original necessity. In 2019 (Reiwa 1), it was revived as Musashino Shuzo's new premium line. Focusing on Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo, it is a supreme brand possessing dignified elegance and the weight of tradition, perfect for celebrations or gifts for important recipients.

Ski Masamune is the representative brand of Musashino Shuzo, symbolizing the history of Takada, Joetsu, as the birthplace of skiing in Japan. In the early Showa era, the decision was made to rename it from 'Etsuzan Masamune' with the hope that it would become a spirit representing the local region. Living up to its unique name, its fresh and crisp finish provides a refreshing sensation like gliding through a silver world of snow. In recent years, the brand has expanded into modern sub-lines themed around sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. While preserving tradition, it is an 'entertainment sake' that Joetsu proudly presents to the world, passing on a playful spirit to the next generation.

Buna no Tsuyu (Beech Dew) is a symbol of sustainable sake brewing that Musashino Shuzo practices alongside regional environmental conservation. It uses 'Gohyakumangoku' sake rice, carefully cultivated with local farmers in terraced fields surrounded by virgin beech forests. Its flavor is characterized by a fresh yet deep profile, as if the pure water and clear air nurtured by rich greenery were captured directly in the bottle. The brewer's pure desire to protect the local landscape and pass it on to the next generation shines like 'dew' (tsuyu) in every drop.

Kasugayama Ten to Chi (Heaven and Earth) is a brand overflowing with historical romance, derived from Kasugayama Castle, the base of the Sengoku military commander Uesugi Kenshin. Bearing the name of 'Ten to Chi to' (Heaven and Earth)—famous as a historical novel by Kaionji Chogoro and a NHK Taiga drama—it embodies Kenshin's spirit of 'Gi' (justice) and gratitude for the blessings of heaven and earth. Like Mount Kasuga with its steadfast presence, it features a firm, well-defined flavor and a clean, resolute finish. Deep respect for local history has culminated in this single cup of sake.

Myokosan is the flagship brand of Myoko Shuzo, bearing the name of the sacred peak—the pride of the region. Using pure water from the Myoko mountain range and carefully selected sake rice, it is characterized by a crisp, refreshing quality where the gentle umami of rice lives within. Its flavor perfectly symbolizes the dignified air and rich natural blessings of Myoko. Valuing harmony with food culture, it is widely loved not only locally but also as a representative craft sake of Niigata.

Miyuki no Sato (Village of Deep Snow) is a seasonal aged brand that expresses the terroir of Myoko, the snow country, directly through its flavor. By resting quietly for six months in a 'yukimuro' (snow cellar) utilizing natural snow, it evolves into an incredibly mellow and deep flavor with rounded edges. Brewed with the natural power of snow, it is truly a 'gift from snow country.' It is characterized by an calm and compassionate deliciousness that evokes the winter scenery of Myoko.

Chateau Myoko is an innovative brand by Myoko Shuzo that pursues the approach of sake pairing with Western cuisine. It features a sophisticated design reminiscent of a champagne bottle and a fruity, transparent flavor intended to be enjoyed in wine glasses. Highly acclaimed in international contests, it is a brand that symbolizes the internationalization of sake. While respecting tradition, it embodies the pride of 'modern sake' that adds color to dining tables around the world.

Koshino Setsugetsuka is a premium brand brewed with the pinnacle of Myoko Shuzo's techniques. With the desire to 'put the beauty of the four seasons into a single cup,' the brewery adheres to rigorous quality control, including bottle pasteurization for all products (except unpasteurized sake) and cold storage in bottles. The lineup, centered on Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo, offers a supreme flavor where delicate, floral aromas resonate with a snow-like, pure clarity. It is a masterpiece embodying the aesthetic sense of Echigo, perfect for gifts or coloring special moments.

Echigo Oyaji (Echigo Old Man) is a dry, authentic brand presented by Myoko Shuzo with a playful spirit. Its charm lies in a crispness that doesn't cater to whims—much like a stubborn old man from Echigo—and a flavor that allows one to feel an underlying warmth. The simple yet never-tiring quality makes it a beloved companion for daily evening drinks at local dining tables.

Kiminoi is the flagship brand symbolizing over 180 years of history, bearing the brewery's name. Using pure spring water from Mount Myoko and carefully selected Niigata-grown rice, it is characterized by a deep, rich flavor centered on the traditional 'Yamahai-shikomi' method. The brewing style, where mellow and profound umami resonates with a crisp finish, demonstrates its true worth across a wide temperature range from chilled to warmed. It is a masterpiece that has been loved across generations as a 'daily craft sake' that colors everyday life.

Eshin is a brand symbolizing the brewery's new challenges, named after Eshin-ni, the wife of Shinran Shonin (the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism), who spent her later years in Myoko. While based on traditional techniques, it pursues a vivid balance of sweetness and acidity tailored to modern preferences. Its gentle, embracing softness and dignified, firm flavor seem to reflect the image of Eshin-ni herself. This is a modern craft sake for the current era, highly recommended for women and those new to sake.