Sake Brands
in Tochigi

"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" is the flagship brand of Daiichi Shuzo, named in 1875 after the "Bunmei Kaika" (Civilization and Enlightenment) of the Meiji era, with the wish to "bloom flowers of joy in people's lives." It is a premier sake representing Tochigi, brewed with master craftsmanship using high-quality rice grown by the brewery's own staff and the pure groundwater of Sano, a region famous for its pristine waters. The defining characteristics are a fruity, brilliant aroma and a refined flavor that maximizes the natural umami of the rice. Having won major awards like the "Grand Gold Medal" at numerous domestic and international competitions, it is a masterpiece that combines the balance of a traditional food-pairing sake with modern elegance—truly embodying the "blooming" (Kaika) of Japanese sake.

"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.

"Kaika Fragrance" (Kaikou) is a supreme sake developed as a premium line by Daiichi Shuzo, pursuing overwhelming aromatic beauty. The name reflects a scene of being "surrounded by flowers and enveloped in fragrance"; with each sip, rich Ginjo aromas layer upon each other, leading to an elegant, lingering finish. Primarily featuring top-tier specifications like Daiginjo and Junmai Daiginjo, it is a luxurious masterpiece that culminates over 350 years of Daiichi Shuzo's history and technical expertise.

"Ainosawa" is the signature brand of Aizawa Shuzo, named by infusing the family name "Aizawa" with deep "Affection" (Ai). It is crafted by Akiko Aizawa, Tochigi's first female Toji, who cherishes the natural umami of rice while pursuing a gentleness that resonates with the hearts of those who drink it. By using high-quality rice such as Yamada Nishiki and Omachi from Tochigi and adhering to traditional handmade methods, they achieve a flavor that is rich yet supple and easy to enjoy continuously. It is characterized by a calm aroma, a full-bodied umami that spreads through the mouth, and a clean finish that vanishes smoothly. As a food-pairing sake that elegantly colors everyday meals, it continues to be loved across generations, primarily in Sano City.

"Kyokujo" is a special brand from Aizawa Shuzo, named after the image of the morning sun rising over Shiroyama in the center of Sano City. "Kyoku" (Rising Sun) symbolizes the morning sun, and "Jo" (Castle) symbolizes high-class dignity. Positioned as a top-tier line that gathers the best of Aizawa Shuzo's technology, it is characterized by a mellow flavor and a rich body that expertly draws out the maximum umami of the rice. While it can be enjoyed chilled for a refreshing sensation, warming it slightly (Nurukan) further expands the umami, allowing for a deep, complex flavor. As a cup for special occasions, it is a brand that combines strength and elegance, evoking the rich history of Sano.

"Hokkan" is the signature brand of Hokkan Shuzo, named with the goal of being the "Superior Sake that serves as the Crown (Kan) of Northern Kanto." It boasts stable and high quality by merging traditional skills inherited since the Tenpo era with modern, precise data management. Using groundwater nurtured by Tochigi's rich nature and high-quality rice, its greatest features are a calm, elegant aroma and a full-bodied flavor where the umami of the rice is perfectly harmonized. The crisp finish makes it an excellent food-pairing sake, complementing a wide range of cuisines from Japanese to Western and Chinese. From daily evening drinks to special occasions, it is a leading brand of Tochigi that remains close to people's lives and continues to provide enjoyment.

"Shinra Bansho" is a premium product from Hokkan Shuzo, named with the aim of achieving a deep and diverse flavor that encompasses all phenomena in the universe. By highly polishing selected top-tier sake rice and utilizing both time-honored traditional techniques and state-of-the-art brewing facilities, they concentrate all their expertise into every single drop. It is characterized by complexly layered, rich aromas, a delicate umami with transparency, and an elegant, lingering finish. It is truly a supreme brand that represents the pinnacle of Hokkan Shuzo's technology, expressing the infinite possibilities of Japanese sake.

"Nishibori" is a traditional brand carrying the name of the brewery. Embodying the spirit of "learning from the past to create the new" (Onko Chishin) inherited since its founding in 1872, it encapsulates the rich water and rice of Oyama and the traditional techniques nurtured within its historic buildings. It is characterized by a calm yet firm aroma and a deep flavor where the plump umami of the rice is harmonized. While responding flexibly to the changes of the times, it conveys the sincere brewing attitude that Nishibori Shuzo has maintained. It is a sake that stays close to the local culinary culture, providing heart-warming comfort with every sip—a true starting point for the brewery.

"Ai Mai Me (I MY ME)" is an innovative brand from Nishibori Shuzo that transcends the traditional boundaries of sake. Its most defining feature is the use of "ancient rice" (Kodaimai). The name encapsulates a deep love for rice and a respect for the drinker's individuality. It charms with the beautiful hues derived from ancient rice and a new, fruity, sweet-and-sour flavor profile reminiscent of wine—unlike any conventional sake. It is an ambitious work that illuminates the future of sake, expressing a modern sensibility from a traditional brewery and the infinite possibilities of rice.

"Wakasakari" is the crystallization of the traditions that Nishibori Shuzo has protected. As the name suggests, it symbolizes youthful vitality and the peak season when sake is at its most delicious, having been cherished in local Oyama for generations. Based on honest brewing using traditional methods, it features a highly balanced flavor where a mellow aroma and a crisp finish are harmonized. It is an authentic sake packed with the brewery's technology and passion, richly coloring the daily dining table.