Sake Brands
in Shizuoka
Kokko
Kokko is the signature brand of Kokko Shuzo. Under the craftsmanship of master brewer Den-ichiro Matsuo, the first disciple of the legendary Denbe Kawamura, this sake is brewed exclusively with Shizuoka Yeast. It represents the epitome of 'Shizuoka Ginjo,' offering a crystal-clean taste with refreshing fruit aromas and a gentle, silky texture. This artisanal sake is produced in very small quantities, reflecting the family's dedication to quality over volume.
Aoi Tenka
Aoi Tenka is the flagship brand of Yamanaka Shuzo, representing regal pride and historical depth. Named after the Tokugawa crest, it embodies the spirit of Kakegawa, a former post town on the Tokaido. Brewed with traditional 'Wagama' steaming and delicate South Alps water, it offers a refined, high-quality flavor that has achieved global recognition.
Enshu-nada
Enshu-nada is inspired by the vast and powerful Pacific Ocean off the Enshu coast. Brewster with Shizuoka Yeast and Noto-style techniques, it features a focused, clear taste that holds its own against rich seafood. It is a robust yet refined sake that embodies the local spirit and coastal heritage of Kakegawa.
Kaiun
Kaiun (Good Fortune) is the crowning brand of Doi Shuzojo. Named to bring prosperity to its home village, it is a sake of exceptional balance and elegance. Brewed with ancient mountain water and the indigenous 'HD-1' yeast, it offers a serene aroma and a diamond-clear flavor. A frequent winner of the IWC 'Champion Sake' and countless gold medals, it is widely considered one of Japan's most reliable and sophisticated sakes for food pairing.
Takatenjin
Takatenjin is named after the historic Takatenjin Castle, the location of the brewery's water source. This sake captures the purity of the South Alps' spring water, offering a crystalline taste with an undercurrent of refined elegance. It is a tribute to the castle's legacy and the natural bounty of Shizuoka.
Ohimachiya
Ohimachiya is inspired by the traditional custom of gathering with friends and family to watch the sunrise. This sake is designed for long, enjoyable conversations, featuring a smooth clarity and a gentle finish that perfectly accompanies various occasions. It harmonizes high-quality mountain water with the signature Shizuoka aromatic profile.
Asaba Ichimangoku
Asaba Ichimangoku is deeply rooted in the local history and terroir of Kakegawa. Brewed with mastered techniques passed down from Noto Toji, it features a clean transparency and the gentle umami of rice. It is a genuine sake designed for everyday enjoyment, enriching the local dining experience with its honest quality.
Kuma Kujira
Kuma Kujira (Bear and Whale) is a unique brand from Doi Shuzojo. Despite its powerful name, it features the brewery's signature elegant clarity and sharp finish. It combines the fresh aromas of Shizuoka Yeast with the crisp texture of South Alps spring water, offering a playful yet technically superior sake experience.
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is the historic brand of Ishikawa Shuzo since 1882. After a period of silence, it was reborn in 2024 in Gotemba. The original pride of Omaezaki is now enhanced by the crystal-clear waters of Mt. Fuji, evolving into a more refined version of itself. It stands as a symbol of both deep respect for tradition and an innovative spirit.
Senju
Senju is the signature brand of Senju Shuzo. It embodies the nobility and purity of the legendary dancer 'Senju.' Representing the 'Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry) style of Niigata craftsmen in the heart of Shizuoka, it offers a refreshing mouthfeel from Tenryu River water and a delicate, lingering finish.
Imanoura
Imanoura captures the rich terroir of Iwata, blessed by the waters of the Tenryu River. With expertise from Niigata-style brewing, this brand offers a smooth mouthfeel and polished clarity while subtly drawing out the natural umami of the rice. It is a masterpiece where tradition and artisan passion meet.
Sayogoromo
Sayogoromo is the flagship brand of Morimoto Shuzo. The name, meaning 'Night Garment,' reflects the wish for a sake that gently envelops the drinker. Crafted exclusively as Junmai using Mt. Awagatake spring water, it offers a harmonious blend of subtle aromas and rice umami. While not flashy, it is a deeply flavorful sake with great soul, perfect for enhancing the dining experience.
H. Morimoto
H. Morimoto is the modern line reflecting the ultimate craftsmanship of Morimoto Shuzo. Committed to the Junmai standard, it incorporates contemporary sensibilities while honoring the Kikugawa terroir. It is an ambitious brand that offers a clear yet expressive rice profile, designed for the next generation of sake enthusiasts.
Matsuwaka
Matsuwaka is a historic brand formerly produced by Shiramatsu Shuzo in Kikugawa City. Its gentle flavor, in harmony with local nature, was much loved by the community. Production ended with the brewery's closure in 2017, but the name remains a symbolic brand of the region's once-flourishing sake culture.
Amagi Zuido
"Amagi Zuido" is a brand named after the Amagi Mountain Tunnel (Old Amagi Tunnel), a representative historical structure of Izu. Completed in 1905, this tunnel is Japan's first and longest existing stone road tunnel and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is a symbol of Izu's profound stories, famously featured in Yasunari Kawabata's 'The Dancing Girl of Izu' and Sayuri Ishikawa's song 'Amagi-goe.' Brewed with the pristine underground water of the Amagi Mountain system, this sake embodies the weight of history held by the tunnel and the serene atmosphere of Izu. It is a bottle that captures the emotion of Izu, crafted to harmonize perfectly with both local seafood and mountain delicacies.
Shimoda Bijin
"Shimoda Bijin" is a brand named after Shimoda, a city of passion and romance located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. Brewed by Mandai Shuzo, Izu's only brewery, using deep water from the Amagi Mountain system, this sake features a flavor that evokes the bright sea breeze and colorful history of Shimoda. It is expertly crafted to pair perfectly with the rich local seafood culture, especially delicacies like Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino). Like the charming city of Shimoda that captivates travelers, its taste profile is gentle yet possesses a refined beauty. It is widely loved as a drink that colors the memories of a journey through Izu.
Egawazake
"Egawazake" is a brand associated with Egawa Tarozaemon (Tan-an), a figure indispensable to the history of Izu. This historical sake, originally brewed by the Egawa family who served as the Nirayama Daikan (shogunate magistrate) during the Edo period, has been carried forward to the present day by Mandai Shuzo, Izu's only local brewery. Recreated with the pristine water of the Amagi Mountain system and expert craftsmanship, its flavor offers a profound sense of history and tradition. A bottle that can be called 'history in a glass,' it harmonizes with Izu's food culture and brings ancestral tales to life. It is a sake with a deep, complex flavor that complements any exploration of Izu's heritage.
Arabashiri
"Arabashiri" is a brand characterized by its brewery-fresh vibrance and a dry, refreshing finish. Inspired by the first-pressed 'arabashiri' juice of a new sake batch, it features a lively and robust character filled with youthful energy. While affordable, it reflects Mandai Shuzo's careful craftsmanship in every drop, making it a long-beloved daily sake for the people of Izu. The cool, refreshing mouthfeel brought by the pristine water of the Amagi Mountains is perfect for complementing Fresh Izu seafood. Crafted for 'long-lasting enjoyment,' this bottle is an indispensable part of Izu's dining culture.
Banyao
"Banyao" is a flagship brand bearing the brewery's name and serves as a symbol of Mandai Shuzo's tradition and expertise in Izu. The name means 'to shine brilliantly (Yao) forever (Ban),' and true to its name, it offers a superb balance of clarity and deep umami provided by the deep and groundwater of the Amagi system. By expertly utilizing different water sources, the brewery bottles the diverse terroir of Izu. Its flavor is subtle yet robust, designed to gently complement Izu's rich seafood and mountain ingredients, letting the food take center stage. Carrying the weight of local history while looking toward the future, it is an essential masterpiece and the true face of Mandai Shuzo.
Horaku
"Horaku" is a brand used for the finest Junmai Daiginjo brewed by Mandai Shuzo and acts as a jewel of Izu. Meaning 'abundant enjoyment,' this sake is a masterpiece where deep and groundwater from the Amagi Mountains harmonize beautifully. The elegant, sophisticated aroma from highly polished rice and a refined, transparent flavor invite the drinker into a moment of bliss. A prestigious drop suitable for special occasions or entertaining esteemed guests. It is a bottle that fuses Izu's history with the passion of Mandai Shuzo, embodying both tradition and a spirit of innovation.