Sake Brands
in Oita

Hojun is the flagship brand of Komatsu Shuzo Jo, crafted with the aim of being "a supporting-role sake that pairs well with oily dishes and richly seasoned cuisine." Approximately 70% of the brewing rice is locally sourced, primarily using Oita Prefecture's unique sake rice varieties Oita Mitsui and Gin no Sato. The brewery practices sake-making with restrained aromas, emphasizing a balance of moderate acidity and umami. Centered on the rich dry type with a crisp finish, it delivers a transparent flavor that lets the umami of rice come through, achieving optimal balance as a food-pairing sake. The Tokubetsu Junmai rich dry version uses Yamada Nishiki at 60% polishing ratio. The Ori-garami Nama-zake using Gin no Sato offers melon and muscat-like aromas. The Junmai Ginjo Omachi is available in both unpasteurized and pasteurized versions.

Yatsushika is the flagship brand of Yatsushika Shuzo, a representative sake bearing the brewery's name. Brewed with subterranean water from the Kuju mountains and carefully selected rice, it features a well-balanced umakuchi (rich) flavor. With the versatility to be enjoyed chilled or warmed, it boasts the finest pairing with local regional cuisine.

Waka Botan is a gorgeous and elegant sake brand brewed by Sanwa Shurui. Characterized by refined, splendid aromas reminiscent of peony blossoms, with a mellow and gentle mouthfeel. With an approachable flavor enjoyable by all, it is finished with a balanced quality that works beautifully as both an aperitif and a food sake.

Ryubai is the flagship brand of Fujii Shuzo, the crystallization of 140 years of brewing expertise. It is brewed in the spirit of "wajo ryoshu" (harmonious brewing makes good sake). The daiginjo boasts the highest gold medal win rate in Oita Prefecture and is a premium sake highly acclaimed at the National New Sake Competition. The junmai ginjo is offered as a premium sake with a solid body. The nigorizake (cloudy sake) is extremely popular locally in Oita, and a wide lineup caters to various needs. The brewing features meticulous techniques including traditional fukurozuri (bag-hanging) drip extraction.

Chiebijin is a brand developed by Nakano Shuzo as a Japanese sake that embraces modern food culture. Characterized by a smooth mouthfeel and soft, fruity flavor, it is designed to emphasize "palate aroma over nose aroma" - while the rising aroma is restrained, a soft and fruity ginjo fragrance unfolds upon sipping. It pursues a balance of acidity and umami that pairs not only with Japanese cuisine but also Western and Chinese dishes, serving as a food-pairing sake that enhances the flavor of cuisine. Even within its mellow and fruity profile, lightness on the finish is carefully crafted. Using the sacred water of Rokugo Mangan from 200 meters underground and primarily local rice, it embodies the philosophy of local production for local consumption. The brand has won multiple Platinum Awards at France's Kura Master sake competition and scored 90 Parker Points, earning high international acclaim.

Senbazuru is the brand of Sato Shuzo, an auspicious sake imbued with wishes for peace and happiness. Brewed with the crisp water and cool climate of the Kuju Highlands, this sake features a fine-grained, delicate flavor. Each batch is crafted with care, like folding paper cranes one by one. With a mellow, refined mouthfeel harmonizing with a crisp, clean finish, it is frequently chosen as a toast sake for celebrations and special occasions.

Nishi no Seki is the flagship brand of Kayashima Shuzo, a distinguished sake named in the 1890s with the aspiration to become the representative sake of western Japan. Inheriting the tradition of winning first prize at the inaugural National Sake Competition in 1907, it pursues 'delicious sake' with harmoniously balanced five tastes (sweet, sour, dry, bitter, astringent) under the philosophy of 'A Century of Consistent Quality.' Brewed meticulously using traditional handcrafting techniques with soft water from the Futago mountain range, Hinohikari from Oita, Hattannishiki from Hiroshima, and Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo. Beloved as a quintessential Kyushu-style food sake that enhances the flavor of cuisine, the brewery also pioneered innovative initiatives such as releasing ginjo sake 'Hizo-shu' in 1963.

Sansui is a brand by Oimatsu Shuzo, evoking the clear spring water that flows from the mountains of Hita. Characterized by a pure, transparent flavor and a light, refreshing drinking experience. Beloved as a crisp sake that evokes the clear air and water of the mountain region.

Kurokui is one of the brands brewed by Kuge Honten, a sake that expresses the history and traditions of Usuki. Using Usuki's delicious water filtered through limestone layers and carefully selected rice from Oita Prefecture, it embodies regionally circular sake brewing. Pairing well with seafood from the Bungo Channel, it is characterized by flavors that complement the local food culture.

Fukino is a sake brand by Sanwa Shurui that expresses the rich nature of Usa. Brewed to capture the local terroir, it features the inherent umami of rice with a refreshing, clean finish. With an approachable flavor that accompanies the daily dining table, it is a classic brand that continues to be beloved by local residents.

Ichi no Ide is the flagship brand of Kuge Honten, a Tokubetsu Junmai sake using 100% Wakamizu sake rice grown in Usuki City. Certified as an 'Usuki Brand' local specialty, it is characterized by well-developed rice umami and a pleasant acidity. Pairing excellently with local white-fleshed and blue-backed fish dishes, it embodies the philosophy of sake brewing rooted in the regional food culture. The mellow and deep flavor created by Usuki's delicious water filtered through limestone layers continues to be beloved by local residents.

Kuncho is the traditional brand of Kuncho Shuzo, a sake that embodies the brewery's history and expertise. Named for its rich fragrance and long finish, it is characterized by an elegant flavor brewed with the pure water of the Chikugo River system. It maintains a dignified sake quality befitting the historic townscape of Hita.

Takakiya is the flagship brand symbolizing the revival of Hamashima Shuzo, bearing the prestigious house name of the brewery. Brewed with the concept of "a sake combining crispness and umami," it aims to be the ultimate food-pairing sake for modern dining. Characterized by well-balanced rice-derived umami and a clean, crisp finish, its gentle yet elegant fruity aroma enhances any dish. The smooth, mellow mouthfeel and elegant acidity create an exquisite balance. Using diverse self-cultivated sake rice varieties including Yamada Nishiki and Gin no Sato, and employing multiple yeasts such as Association No. 7, No. 9, Kumamoto yeast, and No. 1801, the individual character of each rice is maximized. Offering a wide lineup from Junmai Daiginjo to Tokubetsu Junmai, with seasonal releases including Hiyaoroshi, summer sake, and new sake. The Tokubetsu Junmai is particularly beloved as the brewery's signature product. Exceptionally paired with sashimi, grilled fish, and Japanese cuisine in general, it stands as an ideal food sake with remarkable versatility.

Soukou is the flagship brand of Soukou Shuzo, a traditional sake bearing the brewery's name. Brewed in the urban heart of Oita City, it stays true to time-honored methods, resulting in a mellow and easy-drinking character. As a beloved everyday sake among locals, it maintains an approachable quality that complements the daily dining table.

Tatsu no I is the flagship brand of Kubo Shuzo, inheriting the history of a brewery founded in 1789 (Kansei 1). The brewery is located within the grounds of Kifune Shrine, which enshrines the water deity Ryujin (Dragon God), and the brand name 'Tatsu no I' (Dragon's Well) was born from this Ryujin faith. Using subterranean water from the Yakkan River, the sake is brewed in a water-blessed environment, carrying on over 200 years of traditional techniques on the sacred grounds of Kifune Shrine. Characterized by a mildly sweet flavor, it embodies the light and gently sweet style distinctive to Oita Prefecture. Its mellow mouthfeel and beautifully sweet finish are pleasant and easy to drink without tiring. It pairs well with Oita's seafood, and is particularly recommended with sashimi and sushi. This brand expresses the terroir of Usa, harmonizing with the local food culture.

Hanae is an elegant brand produced by Kubo Shuzo. As its name suggests ('Hana' meaning flower or splendor), it is a sake that pursues a gorgeous yet gentle flavor. The brewing draws on Kubo Shuzo's expertise in both sake and shochu production, fusing traditional methods with a modern sensibility in its flavor design. With a light and mildly sweet profile that reflects the terroir of Usa, it is cherished as a special bottle that graces the table on memorable occasions.

Monju is a brand named after Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri Bodhisattva), the Buddhist deity of wisdom and learning, and is cherished locally as a symbol of knowledge. Crafted with Kubo Shuzo's traditional techniques and careful brewing, it features a mellow and gentle flavor. Favored at celebrations and gatherings wishing for academic success, it is beloved as a brand rooted in the region's culture and faith.

Toyomusume is a brand of Usa Shurui, bearing a name that expresses the abundant harvest of the Usa Plain. Using locally grown Usa rice, the brewery practices sake-making suited to the climate and terroir of Usa. Characterized by a mellow, easy-to-drink flavor that harnesses the blessings of the fertile Usa Plain, it features a light and refined sake quality that harmonizes with local food culture, and is beloved as an approachable Japanese sake that complements the everyday dining table.

Isao no Matsu is positioned as a brand representing the tradition of Komatsu Shuzo Jo. Inheriting the history of a brewery founded in 1868, it is an orthodox Japanese sake brewed with traditional methods. Characterized by a well-balanced flavor that complements the food culture of local Usa, it maintains an approachable sake quality suited for everyday evening drinks.

Oita Fuku, marketed as "Oita Mitsui Oita Fuku," is a special brand using the revived Oita Prefecture heritage rice variety Oita Mitsui. It is the culmination of a historic project that restored the phantom sake rice Oita Mitsui from a handful of seed grains after it had disappeared. By brewing with this precious sake rice, the brewery revives a lost flavor of Oita for the modern era. Characterized by a refreshing mouthfeel and a clean, crisp finish that expresses the terroir of Oita, the brand attracts attention as an embodiment of Oita's sake culture history, combining the narrative of a revived phantom sake rice with excellent flavor.

Yoizakura is a brand of Emoto Shoten, cherished as a sake to enjoy while admiring cherry blossoms. Characterized by a gorgeous yet gentle flavor suited for spring banquets, it is beloved locally as a cherry blossom viewing sake. Like cherry blossoms themselves, beautiful and ephemeral, it is a Japanese sake expressing a delicate flavor that evokes the passage of seasons.

Mincho is a brand of Mincho Shuho, a Japanese sake particularly acclaimed for its daiginjo. The luxurious daiginjo, made with Yamada Nishiki polished to a 35% rice polishing ratio, is characterized by gorgeous aromas and delicate flavors. With an alcohol content of 16-17%, it achieves an elegant mouthfeel. Beloved by local people, it is treasured as a sake for celebrations and special occasions.

Usa Nishiki is a brand of Oita Meijo, expressing local pride as a representative Japanese sake of the Usa region. Through sake-making that leverages Usa's rich natural environment and historical heritage, it pursues a flavor that harmonizes with local food culture. Characterized by a mellow and easy-to-drink sake quality, it is beloved across a wide range of occasions from everyday evening drinks to celebrations.

Banzai Matsu is a brand of Oita Meijo, cherished for its auspicious name. Often used for celebrations and festive occasions, it is treasured as a Japanese sake that adorns joyous gatherings. Characterized by a gorgeous yet composed flavor, it is a brand beloved across generations.

Futabayama is a proud brand of Oita Meijo, bearing the name of the great sumo yokozuna Futabayama. It is presented as a Japanese sake expressing strength and dignity. The honjozo "Shiho Futabayama" has a 70% rice polishing ratio and 15-16% alcohol, characterized by sweet rice aromas along with notes of candy, syrup, and caramel. While having a light-bodied medium palate with a mellow mouthfeel, it harmonizes soft umami with lively acidity. The finish reveals a dry impression with pronounced bitterness, delivering a flavor that combines power and delicacy. It is a Japanese sake with a stately presence befitting the achievements of Yokozuna Futabayama.