Sake Brands
in Tochigi

"Idurusan" is a brand with a traditional flavor brewed by Sugita Shuzo, which maintains high-quality production despite its small scale. Using pure groundwater from the Nikko mountain range and the labord-intensive "Sase-shiki Fune-shibori" (fune pressing method) for all its products, this sake truly embodies the concept of "sake that is truly like sake." With a rare production scale of only about 300 koku (approx. 54,000 liters), it features a rich and well-balanced flavor that maximizes the umami of the rice. Each sip offers the deep body unique to traditional methods, followed by a refreshing clarity brought by the pure water, leaving a pleasant finish. The brand name is derived from the "Izuru" (Iduru) region in Tochigi, known for its spring water selected as one of Japan's 100 best water sources. It is a gem deeply loved by local sake fans, concentrating the blessings of nature and the sincere passion of the brewers into every bottle.

"Hokkoji Goriki" is a brand with a unique story, representing the passion and inquisitive spirit of Sugita Shuzo. The name is derived from the "Goriki-meshi-shiki," a traditional Shinto ritual in the Hokkoji area of Kanuma City. The sake rice used, "Goriki," is a rare revived variety that was once on the brink of extinction but was tenaciously brought back to life from just five grains of seed rice—an identity-defining achievement for the brewery. Taking advantage of its large grain characteristics comparable to Yamada Nishiki, the rice is meticulously polished to 40%. This sake boasts a blissful balance of a gorgeous ginjo aroma reminiscent of peaches and the powerful, natural sweetness of the rice. Through the traditional "Sase-shiki Fune-shibori" method, it achieves a clean acidity and deep umami without impurities. Exquisitely brewed in small batches, this bottle features a flavor full of vitality worthy of its name from the traditional ritual. It is a one-of-a-kind local sake that beautifully fuses the strength of the revived "Goriki" rice with the delicate techniques of Sugita Shuzo.

"Oju" is a bold, innovative, and experimental label created by the next generation of brewers at Sugita Shuzo. The name combines one character from Hakuoh University, the alma mater of the manufacturing manager, with "ju" (tree), representing the hope that the brand will take root in the local community and grow significantly. It is a presence that breathes new sensibility into this tradition-honoring brewery. The true essence of this brand lies in its commitment to the traditional "Kimoto" brewing method, which has continued since the Edo period. No artificial lactic acid or water processing is used; it is made solely from pure groundwater from the Nikko mountain range, rice, rice koji, and yeast. It pursues a unique flavor that is both wild and refined, utilizing the power of nature to its fullest. With a different theme set each year, it explores the further possibilities of sake. While maintaining the craftsmanship of finishing everything with the "Sase-shiki Fune-shibori" method, its unique and expressive quality fascinates connoisseurs. It is a bottle concentrated with the new passion of Sugita Shuzo, raising expectations for the future.

"Sanpuku" is a historical brand that represents the roots of Sanpuku Shuzo, bearing the name of the brewery itself. The name originates from the wish for three types of fortune (Puku) to be granted: to the drinker (Donpuku), the brewer (Zopuku), and the seller (Baipuku), or alternatively, reflecting a combination of individual happiness and contribution to society. After more than 120 years, this spirit still lives on in every drop. Using pure water from the Nikko mountain range pumped from deep beneath the solid grounds of Oyama City, Tochigi. It is characterized by a modest yet core umami and a pleasant sharpness as it glides down the throat. While preserving traditional methods, it pursues a calm quality that enhances the food on the table. Without flashy presentation, it accompanies daily life and adds a small joy to special occasions. As a "local sake" that has walked alongside its community, Sanpuku combines a sense of security that never grows tiresome with a universal appeal loved across generations.

"Bidentsuru" is a community-rooted brand that Kobayashi Shuzo has carefully preserved. While "Houou Biden," with its nationwide popularity, symbolizes brilliant innovation, Bidentsuru serves as the "local sake" deeply rooted in the culture of Oyama City, Tochigi. Its name originates from the landscape of the formerly bountiful "Mita-mura" and the elegant figure of the crane, a symbol of celebration. It is characterized by a calm aroma and a solid flavor centered on the rustic umami of the rice itself. As a sake to be enjoyed with meals that never grows tiresome, it has long accompanied the daily lives and food culture of local people. Its distribution is limited even within Tochigi, making it a hidden gem loved by true local sake enthusiasts. The tradition of this long-established brewery and its deep passion for the region have culminated in a straightforward, warm, and comforting flavor.

"Shisso Kenjitsu" (Simplicity and Fortitude) is a brand that bears the very conviction of Ikejima Shuzo's sake brewing. This four-character idiom, meaning "unadorned, sincere, and firmly grounded," embodies the honest stance of the family creed: "The master must personally enter the brewery." Brewed carefully one by one using traditional methods without over-relying on machinery, this sake is characterized by a calm, settled aroma and a straightforward flavor that never grows tiresome. It is not flamboyant, but it pursues a warm quality that gently accompanies daily dining tables and blends naturally into the body. Valuing essential quality over extravagance, it has long been supported in Ohtawara City as a sake for connoisseurs. It is a bottle that can truly be called "honesty itself," where the spirit of the brewery is concentrated.

"Ikejima" is the flagship brand of Ikejima Shuzo, bearing the brewery's own name and brewed with family pride and responsibility. Utilizing the harsh winter cold of Ohtawara City, Tochigi, and the blessed environment of pure groundwater from the Nasu mountains, this gem is finished with meticulous hand-brewing by skilled artisans. The greatest characteristic is the powerful yet delicate umami that draws out the life force of the rice—something that can never be achieved by robotic production. Methods that spare no effort, such as traditional brewing, create a unique personality with richness and depth. As the face of the brewery, it has been prized primarily within Tochigi as a sake for gifts on special occasions and for important banquets. Conveying the founder's spirit to the present day, "Ikejima" is a brand that symbolizes the history and journey of Ikejima Shuzo and serves as a testament to their reliability.

"Ikenishiki" is the crowning brand of Ikejima Shuzo and a sake that has captivated many local fans as the "Beautiful Sake of Nasu." Its name combines the character "Ike" (pond), symbolizing the brewery, with "Nishiki" (brocade), the finest woven fabric, reflecting the brewers' passion for pursuing a beautiful and brilliant flavor. Pure groundwater from the Nasu mountains is used for brewing. By adhering to traditional hand-brewing methods and maximizing the potential of local Tochigi sake rice, it achieves a fine and elegant mouthfeel. A calm aroma, mellow umami, and a sharp finish harmonize in an exquisite balance. Cherished for many years in Ohtawara City, this brand continues to evolve as the "New Ikenishiki" following a recent business succession, inheriting tradition while incorporating fresh sensibilities. It is a brand that truly speaks of the Tochigi climate, a crystallization of historical techniques and regional pride.

"Horan" was the flagship brand of the now-closed Horan Shuzo, a soulful sake that bore the brewery's own name. The name "Horan" is an elegant combination of "Ho-oh" (phoenix) and "Ran-cho" (simurgh), legendary birds from Chinese mythology, expressing celebration and nobility. Characterized by a calm flavor born from the blessed water and soil of Ohtawara City, it was cherished for many years as a "local sake" that complemented the regional food culture. Though production has sadly ceased, like the auspicious birds depicted on its labels, the flavor once loved under the skies of Ohtawara continues to be passed down as a part of history.

"Kyu-bi" is a modern, small-batch series by Tentaka Shuzo, representing their challenge towards the next generation of sake. Named after the local legend of the "Nine-Tailed Fox" in Ohtawara, this brand stands apart from the traditional "Tentaka," symbolizing free and creative brewing unconstrained by existing concepts. Each season, they combine different yeasts, brewing methods, and rice varieties to express the multi-layered charm of sake, ranging from sweet to ultra-dry, and even syrupy sweet styles like noble rot wine. With labels and concepts changing each time, it is a brand that provides surprise and discovery, serving as a crystallization of the brewer's intellectual curiosity. This creative range, emerging from a venerable brewery and transcending the boundaries of traditional sake, is supported by the passion of young brewers seeking new forms of local sake. It is a mysterious and attractive brand where a new story unfolds with every sip.

"Kikunori" is a traditional brand bearing the brewery's name, deeply loved by the local community since its founding in 1866. It has long been brewed as a sake that accompanies the rural landscape of Nasuno-ga-hara, its pure water, and local festivals. Characterized by a calm, gentle aroma and a soft flavor that never grows tiring, it embodies the origins of a "local sake" rooted in the community. Once the face of the brewery, this brand served as the technical foundation for the current mainstream "Daina" and remains an important brand that conveys the brewery's history and tradition today.

"Kanuma Musume" is a region-exclusive private brand brewed by Kikunori Shuzo for a famous sake retailer in Kanuma City, Tochigi. It is a unique brand where the Ohtawara-based brewery crafts a sake tailored specifically to the food culture and preferences of the Kanuma region. As the name suggests—with "Musume" meaning daughter—it is characterized by a gentle and mellow mouthfeel. Combining a modest yet lovely aroma with a clean finish, it offers an "everyday luxury" that can be easily enjoyed at the daily dining table. It is a hidden gem that is popular in the region, only to be found in limited locations within Tochigi.

"Goyoutei" is a noble premium brand of Shirasou Shuzo, named after the Imperial Villas (Goyoutei) of Nasu and Nikko that symbolize Tochigi. Leveraging the advantages of the local land, skilled artisans craft this sake using carefully selected Tochigi sake rice and the pure waters of Nasu. The most prominent characteristic of this brand is its elegant, clear aroma and a silky smooth, refreshing finish. Fitting for the name "Goyoutei," its dignified and transparent quality makes it a favorite for gifts to important guests or for grand celebrations. Particularly, their Daiginjo class is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as the perfect partner to enhance the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. It is the pinnacle of elegant sake, embodying the dignity of Tochigi and the blessings of nature.

"Tochiakane" is a core brand that symbolizes the innovation and playfulness of Shirasou Shuzo. The defining feature of this brand lies in the use of "Flower Yeasts" leveraging their advanced biotechnological expertise. Notably, their sake brewed with "Strawberry Yeast" isolated from Tochigi's famous strawberries has gained enthusiastic support, especially among women and the younger generation, for its sweet-and-sour, fruity aroma. Furthermore, Tochiakane extends beyond sake to include an extensive lineup of authentic Shochu (sweet potato, barley, buckwheat, etc.), providing a multi-faceted range of flavors that support Tochigi's rich culinary scene. The brand's design, which thoroughly pursues compatibility with local ingredients, can truly be called "the beverage for fully enjoying the blessings of Tochigi." It is a brand filled with Shirasou Shuzo's energetic challenge, pushing the boundaries of tradition to open new possibilities for sake and shochu.

"Fukuju Matsunoi" is the most beloved standard brand that Shirasou Shuzo has protected since its founding. The name, combining the auspicious characters for "Fortune" (Fuku), "Longevity" (Ju), and "Pine" (Matsu), carries the warm wish of the brewer for the happiness of those who drink it. Brewed carefully with pure water from the Nasu mountains and high-quality Tochigi rice using traditional methods, it is characterized by a calm, settled aroma and a mellow flavor that one never tires of. It has long accompanied the lives of local people, from daily evening drinks to regional celebrations. The sincere and reassuring taste, reflecting the depth of Shirasou Shuzo's history, is a brand that truly embodies what a "local sake" should be—a regional treasure that continues to this day.

"Eikan" is one of the flagship brands that Kaneko Shuzo continues to brew with pride. The name carries the glorious wish of the "Crown of Glory" (Eikan) to honor victory and merit, and it has long been cherished as a sake that colors regional celebrations and special occasions. Crafted meticulously using high-quality sake rice nurtured in the natural environment of Nasu and the pure waters of the Naka River, it is made with traditional techniques backed by over 200 years of history. It is characterized by a solid rice umami while maintaining a crisp and clean finish, offering a dignified flavor. Stay close to the hearts of those who drink it and providing a certain sense of satisfaction, this brand is truly a drop of glory, concentrating the craftsman spirit of Kaneko Shuzo.

"Kotobuki Ichiban" is a very auspicious brand, named with the wish to deliver the "Number One Joy" (Ichiban no Yorokobi), as the name suggests. It is a fusion of Kaneko Shuzo's over 200 years of brewing history and the techniques nurtured by the clear waters of the Naka River, coloring people's new beginnings and celebratory occasions. While carefully bringing out the rich umami of the rice, it gives a surprisingly light and bright impression on the palate. One sip of its harmonious flavor brings a sense of happiness, and it has gained immense local trust as a food-pairing sake that goes exceptionally well with various dishes. Embodying the brewer's sentiment that "for the best celebration, the best Number One," it is a cup that hints at a bright future.

"Nakiryu" is a brand with a powerful resonance that vibrates the soul of the drinker, just like the famous "Crying Dragon" (Nakiryu) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was created by Kaneko Shuzo to express the strength and purity of the dragon, overlapping its image with the clear flow of the Naka River. Brewed meticulously using traditional methods and strict temperature control, this sake hides a dynamic rice umami like a dragon within its crisp, dry profile. One sip spreads a rich aroma throughout the mouth, followed by a pleasant, long-lasting finish. It is a powerful yet refined draught, crafted by a venerable brewery that fuses modern sensibility with traditional skills.

"Takauji" is a brand that symbolizes the history and pride of Ashikaga City, named after Ashikaga Takauji, the founder of the Muromachi Shogunate. It is brewed with the aim of creating a flavor that possesses both dignified elegance and strength, worthy of the regional hero's name. Using the pure water of Ashikaga and carefully selected sake rice, it is meticulously crafted with traditional skills, achieving both a rich fullness of rice and a clean, sharp finish. With one sip, you can sense the long history and culture of Ashikaga through its refined and distinguished flavor. As a symbol of the historic city of Ashikaga and a cup that embodies regional pride, it is a supreme sake highly regarded for gifts and celebratory occasions.

"Hatsu-ebisu" is a brand with an auspicious name brewed by Yoshii Shuzo, named after Ebisu, the god of business prosperity. "Hatsu" denotes a new beginning, and "Ebisu" refers to the god who brings fortune, making it a beloved celebratory sake that graces new starts and special occasions. Brewed meticulously using traditional methods with pure groundwater from Sano and sake rice from Tochigi Prefecture, it is distinguished by its remarkably mellow and gentle mouthfeel. The soothing flavor, which harmonizes a calm aroma with the natural umami of rice, pairs beautifully with Sano's local cuisine and has long been cherished by the community as Yoshii Shuzo's signature brand.

"Kaika Natsu" is a summer-limited brand from Daiichi Shuzo. Designed as a "refreshing cup" for the hot summer months, it focuses on delivering a crisp and exhilarating experience. While retaining the brilliance of the standard Kaika, it is finished with a light mouthfeel to pair perfectly with summer vegetables and light dishes. Best enjoyed well-chilled or on the rocks, it is a sake with clear transparency, reminiscent of a cloudless summer sky.

"Kaika Bloom" is a brand developed as a separate line from Daiichi Shuzo's Kaika series. As the name suggests, it is a sake that expresses the beauty of the moment when a flower opens and its fragrance rises. With a particular focus on yeast and brewing methods, it is characterized by an even more brilliant aroma and a texture that highlights the soft sweetness of the rice compared to the standard Kaika. It is cherished as a sake that elevates joyous moments and adds elegance to gifts or special gatherings.