Sake Brands
in Niigata

Uonuma is a brand where Shirataki Shuzo directly expresses the terroir of Uonuma, which is its own root. Precisely because it is one of the best rice-producing areas in Japan and blessed with pure soft water, it pursues the original individuality of the region. Sticking to sake brewing rice produced in local Uonuma, the quality with transparency nurtured by the nature of the snow country features the gentle sweetness of rice and a light finish. Its taste, as if the climate of Uonuma was packed into the bottle as it is, resonates deeply with local food culture, reminding us of the rich rural landscape of Uonuma every time we drink it. A simple yet refined product where attachment and pride for the region are condensed.

Reisen Kumedo Tsukizu is a brand with a very poetic name, containing endless gratitude and respect for 'water,' which is the core of Shirataki Shuzo's sake brewing. Meaning 'a mysterious spring that does not run out even if you draw and draw,' it overlaps the pure water of Yuzawa that wells up incessantly with the never-ending passion for brewing. Its taste, as the name suggests, coexists with transparency that sharpened the purity of water to the limit and deep umami that soaks in. With every sip, it features a nobility as if a scene where snowmelt water passes through strata and is polished over a long time comes to mind. A sacred glass that crystals the aesthetic sense of Shirataki Shuzo, purifying even the heart.

Ryokutankei is a brand that Shirataki Shuzo brews by imagining the deep and fresh nature of Yuzawa, especially the beauty of canyons full of vitality. Its name was given from the mysterious scene woven by deep forests where green seems to drip and pure mountain streams flowing through them. Polishing high-quality material rice luxuriously and brewed in the clear air of the snow country, its taste is as refreshing as the wind of the fresh green season, featuring a smooth mouthfeel. The balance between the delicate aroma and the soft umami lurking in the coolness like water is exquisite, bringing quiet peace to the heart of the drinker. The sensibility of Shirataki Shuzo, which advocates coexistence with nature, is expressed as an elegant drop.

Minatoya Tosuke is a brand symbolizing the pride and tradition of the brewery, bearing the name of the first founder who is the root of Shirataki Shuzo. The passion of the founder who tried to open a new era of sake and the skilled techniques inherited for many years are condensed into this single bottle. Brewing carefully selected material rice and nurtured by the rich nature of the snow country, its taste combines a deep aroma with rich yet refreshing crispness. While protecting the spirit of traditional sake brewing, its appearance with sophistication suitable for modern dining tables is trusted by many people as the face of the brewery. A high-grade yet warm authentic sake loved beyond time.

Bokushi is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, derived from the name of Suzuki Bokushi, the author of 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' It is a high-quality Junmai Daiginjo using Yamada Nishiki rice from the Special A district, demonstrating Aoki Shuzo's high technical skill. Suzuki Bokushi was a man of letters from Shiozawa, known for 'Hokuetsu Seppu,' which recorded the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing his name, it expresses the cultural background of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. Characterized by a delicate aroma and elegant flavor, it is a dignified sake suitable for special occasions.

Makihataya is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Mt. Makihata, a sacred peak in Minami Uonuma City. Mt. Makihata is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and is also the source of Aoki Shuzo's brewing water. Characterized by a delicate flavor produced by this pure meltwater, it embodies gratitude for the blessings of the mountain. This brand expresses the majestic nature of Minami Uonuma and the mystique of Mt. Makihata. It is a sake that reflects Aoki Shuzo's dedication to its water source and attachment to the region.

Seppu is a brand of Aoki Shuzo, named after Suzuki Bokushi's masterpiece 'Hokuetsu Seppu.' Written in the Edo period, 'Hokuetsu Seppu' is a valuable document recording the life and culture of the snow country in detail. As a brand bearing its name, it expresses the history and culture of Minami Uonuma and the tradition of Aoki Shuzo. It is positioned as a dignified brand where one can feel the terroir and literary background of the snow country. It is a sake rich in regional character, fusing the cultural heritage of Shiozawa and the brewing techniques of Aoki Shuzo.

Takachiyo (Romaji) is an innovative brand conscious of modern dining tables and global sensibilities, as symbolized by the Romaji notation. By flat polishing the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime' and controlling each process in brewing precisely to the limit, it realizes a refined and clear quality. While letting one feel the umami of rice firmly, the taste with brilliance and transparency like a crystal presents how sake should be for the next generation. The stylish appearance and reliable quality that does not betray it demonstrate its true value even when tasted in a wine glass. It is a modern collection leading to the future where Takachiyo Shuzo's insatiable spirit of inquiry and the latest technology are fused.

Takachiyo (Hiragana) is a series full of surprises that pursues fruity brilliant aroma and sweetness, just like the soft image of the Hiragana notation. The label design reminiscent of different fruits for each season and the quality expressing those individualities propose a new way to enjoy sake. The pure taste polished by flat polishing possesses mellow umami like ripe fruit, yet the aftertaste is very refreshing with pleasant acidity. This series, which attracts from beginners to discerning enthusiasts, is indeed 'sake to enjoy with five senses.' The colorful variations of tastes color daily scenes more pleasantly and brilliantly.

Makihata is a brand bearing the name of the sacred peak Mt. Makihata, a symbol of Minami Uonuma and one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. Within this single bottle, gratitude for the pure snowmelt water that supports the brewing of Takachiyo Shuzo and respect for the nature of this land that nurtures rich blessings of mountains and seas are condensed. Its taste is refreshing and full of transparency, just like the view from the summit. While drawing out the umami of the in-house cultivated rice 'Ipponjime,' the softness brought by the underflow water of Mt. Makihata harmonizes, and a dignified aftertaste resonates comfortably. This sake, which embodies the history and terroir of Uonuma, is carefully brewed as a regional treasure, and it is a deep drink that invites the drinker into the grand nature of Minami Uonuma.

Tenchijin is a brand that pursues the ultimate harmony where heaven's blessing (Ten/Heaven), rich soil (Chi/Earth), and the passion of the brewer (Jin/Man) become a trinity. This name, also known as the words of Naoe Kanetsugu, symbolizes the pride and philosophy of the brewery that brews sake in the special land of Minami Uonuma. Its taste is as grand as a dialogue between grand nature and human skill. Raising the pure beauty of rice high like 'Heaven,' the clear power of brewing water deep like 'Earth,' and the detailed skills of the master brewer warm like 'Man.' The highly complete balance born by them melting into one brings a deep sense of satisfaction to the drinker. It is a crystallization of sincere sake brewing that pays respect to the history of Minami Uonuma and spins deliciousness toward the future.

Kinjosan is a community-based brand bearing the name of Mt. Kinjo, one of the symbols of Minami Uonuma City. Among the diverse lineup handled by Hakkai Jozo, it is carefully brewed as a sake that stays close to the local people and blends into the daily life of Minami Uonuma. Its taste is characterized by a simple yet consistent good balance, as if the blessings of the local mountains are condensed. The gentle umami that never tires, produced by pure water and carefully selected rice, complements a wide range of seasonal dishes regardless of whether it is before or during a meal. This sake, filled with respect and affection for the region, possesses an honest deliciousness that allows you to feel the rich terroir of Minami Uonuma with all five senses.

Sakadoyama is a brand filled with thoughts for the hometown, bearing the name of Mt. Sakado (elevation 634m) which is deeply loved by the citizens of Minami Uonuma. Just like the mountain trails that citizens are familiar with daily or the katakuri (dogtooth violet) flowers that herald spring, it is brewed as an existence that stays close to local daily life and calms the heart. Its taste is the pinnacle of 'friendliness.' A clear mouthfeel where the technology of Hakkai Jozo shines and a straightforward umami of rice that makes you feel a sense of nostalgia are co-starring. The finish, which allows you to feel the breath of the familiar nature of Minami Uonuma in an unadorned expression, blends naturally into any dining table. Like the refreshing feeling after mountain walking, it is an affectionate deliciousness that soaks into the mind and body the more you drink.

Fuji Masamune is a prestigious brand housing the soul of the traditions that Naeba Shuzo is proud of. Originating from 'Fuji (Unique/Second to None),' an alias for Mt. Fuji, and bearing 'Masamune,' a synonym for orthodox and excellent sake, the name symbolizes the strong determination of brewers aiming for the best quality in Japan. Born from pure snowmelt water in the extremely cold winter of Tsunan Town, this sake excels in the 'light and dry' style of Niigata sake, while possessing a soft and smooth mouthfeel unique to soft water brewing. The refined umami at the core of the rice and the refreshing sharpness are harmonized in an exquisite balance, bringing a dignified sense of satisfaction to the drinker. The authentic taste that is not swept away by the times is a dignified drink that colors important conversation scenes.

Koshi no Ryujin is a brand full of vitality, symbolizing the belief in the water god that has been handed down from ancient times in Tsunan Town, a city of water. The inexhaustible rich blessings of water represented by 'Ryugakubo no lke,' one of the selected 100 best waters. The brewery's prayer to sublimate that pure vitality into sake is contained in this name. The extremely pure mouthfeel brought by the snowmelt water of Mt. Naeba is as if it were polished by the hand of a dragon. While having the 'light' sharpness unique to Niigata, strength that makes you feel the power of nature and clear transparency coexist in the depths. The sacred deliciousness that moistens the throat and washes the heart with every sip embodies the spirit of the snow country that gives thanks for the benefits of water and coexists with nature.

Kamosu Mori is an innovative brand born from the traditional Naeba Shuzo, opening a new door for Japanese sake. 'The aim was to redefine Japanese sake.' The mysterious atmosphere nurtured by the deep forests of Tsunan and modern sensibilities are fused to deliver surprises and emotions that exceed the conventional framework of Japanese sake. The greatest feature is the fruity and succulent fruitiness drawn out by unique brewing methods and the pleasant stimulation produced by fine effervescence. The freshness as if you stuffed your cheeks with freshly picked fruit and the original sweetness of rice are beautifully harmonized, matching surprisingly well with modern dining tables and multinational cuisines such as French and Italian. This brand, which regards the act of 'brewing sake' as a cycle like a forest ecosystem, is a creative drink that makes people all over the world feel the future of Japanese sake.

Ryugakubo is a brand born from respect and gratitude for the mysterious spring 'Ryugakubo no lke,' one of the selected 100 best waters that Tsunan Town is proud of. An overwhelming 43,000 tons of spring water a day that continues to moisten the region. That pure water, where dragon god legends have been said to sleep since ancient times, is the life of this sake itself. The taste has supreme transparency and coolness, as if it captured the spring gushing deep in the forest as it is. When you take it into your mouth, clear umami without impurities spreads quietly, and it disappears smoothly while leaving a pleasant aftertaste. This sake, which aimed to be 'like water, but echoing in the heart more than water,' is a drink like an incarnation of water that conveys the splendor of the rich water resources of Tsunan to the world.

Ryokan is a flavorful brand that entrusts the clean poverty and free spirit of Ryokan-san, a great poet monk born in Niigata, to a sip of sake. Ryokan-san, who called himself 'Daigu' (Great Fool), played with children, and loved nature. It aimed to express that warm humanity and unadorned simple beauty with Japanese sake. The taste brewed by the terroir of Tsunan is an honest finish without eccentricity. The calm aroma of rice and the gentle umami that slowly penetrates the heart untangle the heart of the drinker. A sake that brings deep peace, making one feel the silence and compassion held by Ryokan-san's poems through a glass of sake. It is a compassionate drink to forget the busy modern era and enjoy the leisurely flow of time.

Tsunango is a brand that carries the name of the brewery and the region, and can be called the essence of Tsunan Jozo. Pure water brought by heavy snow and high-quality rice nurtured by the temperature difference between day and night. It aims to express the terroir of Tsunan most faithfully and honestly. The taste is characterized by clear umami with impurities removed and an aftertaste as calm as snow. Nestled in the dining tables of local Tsunan, its noble presence that enhances any dish is truly the pride of the hometown 'Tsunango.' You can feel the warmth that has long been loved by the local people through a glass of sake.

Yukiguni Monogatari (Snow Country Story) is a brand that expresses the drama spun by the harsh winters of Tsunan with modern sensibilities. The quiet and transparent taste, reminiscent of the scenery of 'Snow Country' also known for Yasunari Kawabata's novel, invites the drinker to a world of silver white. The concept is 'Tasting Snow Crystals.' The radiance like a life that endures the weight of heavy snow and sprouts strongly in spring is condensed in delicate aroma and fresh umami. While leaving the goodness of traditional Japanese sake, the refined label and liquor quality that somehow makes one feel freshness are also suitable for gifts and dining tables on special days. It is a drink that you can enjoy the story told by the winter of Tsunan with all five senses.

Tsumarigo is a brand that puts the identity of 'Tsumari,' a vast snow country region spanning from Tokamachi to Tsunan. It was born from the desire to cherish the culture and regional ties once nurtured in this land. It is a region-exclusive local sake woven by the rich land and water of Tsumari, overflowing with warmth. Its taste is designed precisely to best enhance the food culture of Tsumari. While the plump umami of rice can be firmly felt, the aftertaste is surprisingly light. By enjoying it with local seasonal ingredients, wild plants, river fish, and delicious rice, the essential richness held by the place called Tsumarigo spreads in your mouth.

Meisui no Megumi is a brand that maximizes the benefits of 'Ryugakubo,' the famous spring water of Tsunan, which was also selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan. With gratitude for the clear natural water nurtured by one of the areas with the heaviest snowfall in Japan, its pure transparency is sealed into the sake as it is. The protagonist of the taste is, by all means, the beauty of the water. The round, surprisingly smooth and silky mouthfeel unique to soft water gently wraps the elegant sweetness of rice. It is a fresh and pure drinking comfort, like listening to the murmuring of a forest stream. With each sip, you can realize the wonderfulness of 'Blessings of Water' nurtured by the land of Tsunan; it is the ultimate healing sake.

Yukibijin (Snow Beauty) is an elegant and refined brand inspired by the beauty of women who live with dignity in the winter of the snow country. Its appearance, where a single plum blossom blooms in a world of silver white, and where purity and strength coexist, is expressed with delicate techniques. The taste is smooth like snow, yet the neat balance with a core is its charm. After the sweetness of rice spreads gently, beautiful acidity summarizes the whole and disappears quickly with a clean aftertaste. As the name suggests, the liquor quality that combines beauty and elegance brings a luxury time suitable for banquets to entertain important guests or as a reward for yourself.

Asahimatsu is an extremely auspicious traditional brand motivated by the morning sun illuminating the dawn of Tsunan and the pine trees that stand with dignity even in the snow country. It is brewed with the aim of being a sake that is indispensable for regional celebrations and departure occasions, nestling in people's moments of joy. Its liquor quality is characterized by a strong and fresh dignified skeleton like a pine tree bathed in the morning sun. The original taste of rice firmly supports the foundation, and the goodness of sharpness that does not make one tire of drinking invites the next glass. Toasting with pride in the hometown and hope for tomorrow. It is a bottle that reflects the tradition of Tsunan Jozo, coloring such important occasions gorgeously and strongly.

Koshitensho was named after the image of a bird powerfully flying up the vast sky of Echigo. It is a brand that symbolizes the brewery's aspiration to constantly challenge and aim for the heights of the highest quality sake brewing without being satisfied with the current situation. As the name suggests, the taste is characterized by a dignified momentum and a relaxed spread. While based on the 'Tanrei' (light) quality typical of Niigata sake, it combines a steady and reliable umami with a refreshing aftertaste. It is a proud bottle suitable for a celebratory toast when overcoming difficulties and taking a new step, or for a quiet night when renewing one's own determination.