Sake Brands
in Tochigi

"Kitsuregawa Yasuragi no Sato" is a brand by Toraya Honten, brewed with affection for the local region. It was named after the relaxing scenery of the Kitsuregawa area near Utsunomiya. Drawing on the traditional techniques of Toraya Honten, the sake aims for an approachable flavor enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Using Utsunomiya's famous "Nijinoi" water, it is characterized by a soft mouthfeel and a gentle aroma. Presented as a drink that lets you feel the local climate, it colors travel memories and daily dining tables in the region.

"Nijinoi" is a prestigious brand named after the famous water source "Nijinoi," which is the starting point of Toraya Honten's founding. In 1788, the first generation of Omi merchants began brewing sake, impressed by the excellence of this water springing up in Utsunomiya, marking the beginning of the brewery's history. "Nijinoi" is known as one of Utsunomiya's seven famous waters, "Nanamizu." Brewed with gratitude for the blessing of water that is the origin of the brewery, this brand is characterized by a transparent and pure taste. It is an iconic brand that can be called the soul of Toraya Honten, conveying the memory of the famous water preserved in the heart of Utsunomiya and more than 230 years of tradition to the present day.

"Kiku" is an iconic flagship brand of Toraya Honten, a traditional brand that conveys the long history of the brewery to the present. It is highly evaluated internationally, including receiving gold medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). The chrysanthemum (Kiku) is an emblem representing the Japanese Imperial Family and has been loved as a noble and pure flower. This brand embodies the desire to aim for an elegant taste that follows the royal road of sake. Using the historic famous water "Nijinoi" that continues to spring in the heart of Utsunomiya, it achieves a refined and dignified sake quality. It is a drink that symbolizes the quality and pride of Toraya Honten, loved by sake fans not only in Tochigi Prefecture but all over the world.

"Shichisui" is the flagship brand of Toraya Honten and a notable brand that continues to innovate in the contemporary sake scene. The name is derived from "Nanamizu," a collective term for the seven famous waters passed down in Utsunomiya since ancient times. Since its birth in the 2000s as a new line centered on pure rice sake, it quickly gained popularity. It has proven its world-class quality by receiving the Sake of the Year award, the highest honor, at the "Oriental Sake Awards," one of the largest competitions in Asia. With the concept of "exciting sake," the brewery pursues brewing that maximizes the energy, umami, and aroma of sake rice. The drinkable quality that harmonizes bright, fresh flavors with the umami of rice symbolizes Toraya Honten's challenge—to protect tradition while never fearing evolution.

"Nanatsuido" is a brand that was once brewed by Kobayashi Mokusaburo Shoten in Utsunomiya City. Currently out of business, it remains a valuable record conveying the history of sake in Tochigi Prefecture. The name "Nanatsuido" evokes the "Nanamizu" (seven famous waters) of Utsunomiya, symbolizing the brewery's stance of coexisting with the city's rich water culture. Utsunomiya's high-quality groundwater has supported sake brewing for centuries. Even after the brewery's closure, this brand is passed down as a local sake once brewed in the heart of Tochigi, alongside the history of the region.

"Daieiyu" is a brand once brewed by Kobayashi Mokusaburo Shoten in Utsunomiya City, featuring a powerful and heroic name. It is no longer produced due to the brewery's closure. Literally meaning "great heroic courage," the name "Daieiyu" evokes a robust flavor that seems to energize the drinker. This naming reflects the cultural background of sake from the Meiji to Showa eras, conveying an aesthetic of simplicity, fortitude, and good fortune valued at the time. In Utsunomiya, the heart of Tochigi Prefecture, this brand was once loved by locals and remains remembered as a historical fragment telling the story of Tochigi's sake industry even after its closure.

"Uroko" is the synonymous brand for "Cave Aged Sake," which Shimazaki Shuzo has pioneered in Japan. Based on Yamahai-shikomi, a traditional technique since the brewery's founding in 1849, it is completed through long-term aging in a cave that was formerly an underground factory for tank manufacturing. Inside the cave, the temperature remains extremely stable at around 10°C year-round, in an ideal environment completely shielded from sunlight. This "Cave Aging" eliminates the roughness of new sake, creating a deep richness and a silk-like smooth finish that cannot be achieved through conventional storage. The mellow flavor brewed by the magic of time is truly a luxurious cup for adults. From chilling it for freshness to enjoying the full-bodied aroma and umami at a lukewarm temperature, it shows various expressions depending on the temperature, embodying the passion of Shimazaki Shuzo.

"Kiwami Itteki Shizukuzake" is the ultimate Daiginjo, concentrating the essence of Shimazaki Shuzo's technology. As the name suggests, it is made using the "Fukuro-tsuri" (hanging bag) method, where moromi (fermenting mash) is put in bags, and only the drops that drip naturally without any pressure are luxuriously collected drop by drop. Through this time-consuming process, the original umami and gorgeous aroma of the rice are extracted in their purest form, creating a clear taste with no miscellaneous flavors. The quality, blending the nature of Nasukarasuyama, the heart of the brewer, and luxurious techniques, is truly worthy of the name "Kiwami" (Ultimate). Chosen for special occasions and gifts for loved ones, it is a sake that can be called the highest masterpiece of Shimazaki Shuzo.

"Azumarikishi" is the flagship brand symbolizing the history and tradition of Shimazaki Shuzo. Since its founding in 1849, it has been loved in the local Nasukarasuyama. The name originated from the second-generation owner Kumakichi's deep love for sumo wrestling, with "Azuma" representing the Kanto region and "Rikishi" representing the spirit of protecting tradition with strength. Azumarikishi, sent out to the world after "Cave Aging," the synonym of Shimazaki Shuzo, boasts outstanding perfection, harmonizing clear water originating from Mt. Nasu with the mellow umami born through aging. It features a dignified taste and a rich finish that lets you feel the climate of Nasukarasuyama. It is one of the famous sakes representing Tochigi, a fusion of the skills of brewers cultivated through long history and the unique personality of cave aging.

"Hiroshige no Sato Ukiyozake" is an emotionally rich brand that fuses the climate of Nasukarasuyama with the art world of Utagawa Hiroshige, a leading artist of the Edo period. The Nakagawa River basin is known as a place associated with Hiroshige, and that historical background gives depth to this sake. Like the ukiyo-e painted by Utagawa Hiroshige, it has a refined quality that lets you feel the transitions of Japan's four seasons and the spirit of travel. After a quiet maturation period in the Cave Sake Cellar, complex and elegant flavors are brought out, just like the delicate colors in Hiroshige's paintings. With Hiroshige's works also used on labels, it is a culturally significant drink unique to Shimazaki Shuzo, allowing you to enjoy the chic Edo culture and the history of Karasuyama through both sight and taste.

"Shikisakura" is the flagship brand of Utsunomiya Shuzo and one of the famous sakes representing Tochigi, nurtured by more than 150 years of history. The name originated from a poem composed by the first-generation owner, embodying the wish to be a sake that is as beautiful as cherry blossoms throughout the four seasons and stays close to people's hearts. Using groundwater from the Kinugawa River (soft water) containing melted snow from the Nikko Mountains, it achieves a smooth and refined mouthfeel. Focusing on local sake rice and unique yeast from Tochigi Prefecture, it is characterized by an slightly dry yet mellow and full-bodied flavor. Its quality is internationally recognized, having been served in JAL's international First Class. It is a prestigious sake that can be enjoyed both for its crispness when chilled and its full-bodied umami when warmed.

"Tenkin" is the flagship brand representing Tonoike Shogoro Shoten, founded in 1829. It is a supreme sake conveyed to the present day by a venerable brewery with nearly 200 years of history while preserving traditional techniques. The name "Tenkin" literally means "celestial koto (Japanese harp) sound," aiming for a sake quality that is as beautiful and clear as its melody, harmoniously healing the listener's heart. Using high-quality water and rice from Tochigi, the brewery's sincere crafting—rooted in its Omi merchant heritage—creates a refined aroma and a taste free of impurities. Its light and crisp finish acts as a great supporting player that enhances the flavor of any dish. While carrying the weight of history, it gently stays close to daily dining tables, truly a brand that can be called a "heavenly blessing."

"Azuma Nishiki" is a historic brand brewed by Tonoike Shogoro Shoten, founded in 1829. The name "Azuma Nishiki" embodies the brewer's desire for the sake to be as beautiful as the Nishiki (brocade) of the Eastern land (Kanto) and to be a valuable drink loved by the people. As a long-established brewery that follows the lineage of Omi merchants, the traditional taste that has been stubbornly protected in Utsunomiya for nearly 200 years lives on here. Based on the "Sampo Yoshi" spirit, they pursue sincere sake making using high-quality local rice and water without pretension. The most significant feature of Azuma Nishiki is its light flavor that you never tire of and a refreshing aroma that softly spreads. The sake quality created by techniques passed down from the Edo period boasts a good balance that doesn't interfere with the taste of food, but rather enhances each other. It is a famous sake cultivated in Tochigi, possessing both depth of history and crisp freshness.

"Nikko Homare" is the flagship brand representing Watanabe Sahei Shoten, founded in 1842. The history of over 180 years and the natural blessings of the World Heritage site, Nikko, are condensed into this single bottle. Using clear groundwater from the Nikko Mountains and local "Gohyaku-mangoku" rice from Nikko City, it embodies the brewery's true essence: a profound commitment to Junmai sake. Brewed only with rice, water, and rice koji, Nikko Homare is characterized by an exceptionally clear taste without any miscellaneous flavors. The crisp finish derived from Gohyaku-mangoku rice harmonizes with a gentle aroma reflecting the Nikko terroir, making it a perennial favorite as a Nikko souvenir. You can enjoy its refreshing coolness when chilled or discover the swelling umami of rice when served lukewarm. It perfectly complements Nikko's local delicacies, especially Yuba (tofu skin) dishes, making it the definitive sake to fully experience the taste of Nikko.

"Suishin no Nakiryu" is a sake symbolizing the history and culture of Nikko, named after the famous "Nakiryu" (Crying Dragon) ceiling painting in the Honjido (Yakushido) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nakiryu is known for a mysterious reverberation like a dragon's cry when wooden clappers are struck at a specific spot. This brand combines that Nikko legend with the god of sake (Suishin) in an intriguing naming. Using groundwater from the Nikko Mountains and carefully selected rice, it is painstakingly brewed with the Junmai method that Watanabe Sahei Shoten excels in. The sound of pouring and the clear umami that spreads in the mouth aim for a refined quality that resonates pleasantly like the "Crying Dragon." It is a cup filled with storytelling that awakens memories of a journey to Nikko.

"Seikai" is a traditional brand that has carved its history alongside Watanabe Sahei Shoten since its founding. Its name, embodying the pure water of Nikko and the wish to open up a new era, symbolizes the brewery's sincere attitude toward sake making. The true essence of this brand lies in its simple, unadorned umami that makes the most of the ingredients' quality. Backing the brewery's high Junmai ratio (approx. 90%), it is made using traditional methods without any added alcohol, coexisting with the soft swell of the rice itself and the crispness nurtured by the Nikko winter. Many products carry the name "Shizen-jo" (Natural Brewing), and while not flashy, it has long been loved as a versatile food-pairing sake that makes everyday meals delicious and rich. It is the taste of unchanging trust that has continued for over 180 years in Nikko.

"Kashiwazakari" is a historic brand representing Katayama Shuzo, founded in 1880. This sake, born from the fusion of Niigata techniques passed down through generations of brewmasters and Nikko's clear famous water "Senryosui," possesses a flavor that can be called a "treasure of Nikko." The most significant feature of Kashiwazakari is its strong commitment to "Genshu" (undiluted sake). While normal sake is adjusted for alcohol content by adding water, Kashiwazakari's Genshu is bottled exactly as it is pressed from the mash without any dilution. As a result, it has a high alcohol content of 18–20%, allowing you to directly enjoy the powerful umami and rich, supreme body of the rice. By pressing slowly over time using traditional "Fune" (presses), it achieves a smooth throat-feel and a taste free of impurities despite being a Genshu. Praised by sake fans nationwide as "unforgettable once tasted," it is the flagship brand embodying the soul of Katayama Shuzo.

"Nikkoji" is an atmospheric brand named after the historic highways and pilgrimage paths leading to the World Heritage site, Nikko. Using "Senryosui" clear groundwater originating from the snowmelt of the Nikko Mountains, it is brewed with carefully selected ingredients such as Tochigi-grown rice. The Junmai Ginjo and Junmai varieties are characterized by a refined flavor with a gentle, elegant ginjo aroma and a light spread of rice umami. While retaining elements of the "undiluted power (Genshu)" that Katayama Shuzo excels in, it is designed for high affinity with food. The quality is gentle yet firm, as if healing the pleasant fatigue of traveling along historic roads or through Nikko's seasonal landscapes. It is a gem suitable for gifts or for sharing during a toast while reminiscing about a journey.

"ALL BLACKS" is an innovative Junmai Daiginjo by Katayama Shuzo, officially recognized by the world's strongest rugby team, the New Zealand national team. The 6th generation owner, a former rugby player himself, created this brand by fusing his passion for rugby with Nikko's history. This project was supported by a curious bond between Nikko and New Zealand: Nikko Toshogu Shrine has a long tradition of presenting sacred horses (Shume), for which successive white horses from the island of New Zealand have been chosen. Using carefully selected Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo, polished to 35%–50%, and brewed with Nikko's famous "Senryosui" water, it represents the pinnacle of quality. Its flavor is powerful and dynamic, mirroring an All Blacks performance, yet possesses the most sophisticated elegance. Enclosed in a stylish black bottle, it is a one-of-a-kind premium sake that will stir the hearts of long-time rugby fans and newcomers alike.

"Sohomare" is the flagship brand representing Tochigi Prefecture, continuing since the brewery's founding in 1872. The name embodies the brewer's noble wish to be a "proud sake for all people." The most significant feature of Sohomare lies in the traditional "Kimoto brewing" revived in 2001. Under the banner of "Kimoto Renaissance," they pursue a method that spares no effort in cultivating natural lactic acid bacteria. This achieves an elegant, firm taste where multi-layered umami and crisp acidity are in perfect harmony. Using the finest Yamada Nishiki and locally grown Gohyaku-mangoku rice, its quality is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally. While its sophisticated profile can be enjoyed chilled, serving it warm causes the deep umami and acidity derived from Kimoto to bloom further, enhancing the flavor of food to the ultimate degree. It is a brand that follows the true path of sake, fusing historical dignity with modern sensibility.