Sake Brands
in Tochigi

"Mongai Fushutsu" is a rare brand that was once enjoyed only in local Oyama, as a sake so precious it was "never to leave the brewery gates." Using the underflow water of the Nikko Mountains and the rich rice of Oyama, it pursues the essence of Tochigi's local sake. It features a calm, elegant aroma and a deep flavor where the natural umami of the rice gradually unfolds. It is a sake that embodies the brewery's deep wish to "provide the best sake to the local people," making one feel the pride of Tochigi.

"ILLUMINA" is a brand symbolizing the new horizons of sake carved out by Nishibori Shuzo. Named after the Latin word for "to illuminate," it carries a challenging message from a historic brewery to light up the future of sake with modern sensibilities. Featuring a clear, transparent taste and a sophisticated, stylish aroma, it pursues vivid expressions that refresh the conventional image of sake. It is a symbol of the brewery's passion and innovativeness, aiming to expand the horizons of Tochigi's brewing and deliver the new charms of sake to people worldwide.

"Sawahime" is the flagship brand embodying the "Real Local Sake Declaration" of Inoue Seikichi Shoten. Taking "Sawa" (stream) from the local place name Shirasawa and "Hime" (princess) as a symbol of being loved, it was named with the aim of achieving an elegant flavor reminiscent of a clear stream. Deeply committed to Tochigi's sake rice, water, and local yeast, and brewed using 100% Tochigi-grown rice, this sake boasts world-recognized quality, having twice won the top prize at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). It features an exquisite balance of plump rice umami and a crisp finish, making it an ultimate local sake where the soul of Tochigi resides.

"Kabayama" is another ambitious brand from Inoue Seikichi Shoten. In contrast to the brilliance of the flagship Sawahime, it is brewed with the aim of expressing a more composed character—the strength and gentleness of nature. Using Utsunomiya's clear underflow water and selected local sake rice, it is carefully handcrafted. It features a calm aroma and a full-bodied flavor where the sweetness of the rice is honestly felt, making it ideal for enjoying slowly with a meal. It is a sincere and warm sake that expresses the natural blessings of Tochigi as they are.

"Usui" is a special brand bearing the name of the founding Usui family, pursuing the ideal of being "as light as a feather (U) and as precise as water (Sui)." While leveraging the characteristic acidity of Senkin, it pursues a more elegant and light drinking experience. Based on strict Domaine-ification, this sake is carefully brewed using local sake rice and clear underflow water, featuring a silk-like smooth mouthfeel. Its calm Ginjo aroma and delicate flavor make it excellent as a food-pairing sake that gently enhances dishes, standing as a refined cup that demonstrates new possibilities for Senkin.

"Kirifuri" is a brand pursuing deep community roots, named after Tochigi's famous "Kirifuri Falls." It was born from the fusion of Nikko's rich natural environment and Senkin's advanced techniques. It features a refreshing drinking experience reminiscent of a clear stream, maximizing the umami of high-quality local sake rice. With a wonderful balance of fresh, juicy fruit-like aromas and crisp acidity, it is a sake that delivers the comfort of a mist-shrouded highland.

"Aoinikko" is a prestigious brand named in admiration of Nikko's grand nature, history, and its deep connection with the Tokugawa Shogunate. It reflects the majestic image of the World Heritage site, Nikko, in its character. Brewed based on Senkin's unique "Domaine" philosophy, this sake features a coexistence of an elegant, brilliant aroma and a dignified, firm flavor. It is a sake full of dignity, fusing Tochigi's historical pride with cutting-edge brewing technology, making it suitable for special occasions or as a gift.

"Chuai" is the flagship brand of Tomikawa Shuzo, brewed with "loyalty" (Chu) and "affection" (Ai), as its name suggests. It features a delicate and soft mouthfeel unique to the touch of a female Toji. It is carefully brewed using strictly selected high-quality sake rice and underflow water from the Shojinzawa spring. The Junmai Ginjo class sake, in particular, is charming with its fruity, gorgeous aroma and transparent sweetness. Combining a gentleness that snuggles up to the drinker's heart with a core of strength, it is a heartwarming food-pairing sake that goes excellently with meals.

"Tomikawa" is another flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. It was named with the wish to be "rich and prosperous, like a beautiful river." Brewed using rice and water nurtured by the land of Yaita and traditional techniques, this sake features a harmony of crisp finish and the natural umami of rice. It can be enjoyed at a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to hot sake, and is a light and dry yet flavorful sake that you will never tire of drinking, perfect for daily evening drinks.

"Shinro" is a traditional brand inherited through generations since Kojima Shuzoten's founding in the Meiji era. It is characterized by a unique "richness" and the solid umami of rice. Rebranded as "Premium SINRO" by the 6th generation owner, it projects a new charm with stylish bottle designs resembling wine. Upon tasting, you first feel acidity and dryness, followed by the spreading powerful umami of rice. It is a food-pairing sake that you won't get tired of, enhancing the flavors of a wide range of dishes from Japanese to Western cuisine.

"Kannabi no Sato" is a brand embodying the philosophy of Kojima Shuzoten, named with the image of "a quiet countryside village where gods descend." It expresses the beautiful climate of Shioya Town through sake. It features a light yet flavorful dry taste (Tanrei Umakuchi) with little off-flavor, offering a soft and mellow rice umami that cuts cleanly in the aftertaste. Its unique richness and rice umami make it loved not only in local Tochigi but also by sake fans from afar as a "phantom food-pairing sake that can only be bought in Tochigi."

"Matsu no Kotobuki" is the flagship brand of Matsui Shuzoten. It is brewed with great affection using unique ultra-soft water sourced from a spring just 100 meters from the brewery. The most prominent feature is the smooth and pure mouthfeel, free of any harshness, thanks to the ultra-soft water, offering a gentle drinkability as if it is seeping into the body. Despite its gentleness, it possesses a solid core of umami and the resilience to withstand long-term aging. It is a top-tier local sake that graces both delicate Japanese cuisine and modern dining tables.

"Nikko Hayashi" is a brand rooted in the local climate, sold exclusively in the Nikko region. Inspired by the famous Cedar Avenue of Nikko, it is cherished as a gift for those visiting Nikko for sightseeing. Brewed carefully using Tochigi-grown sake rice and the brewery's prized ultra-soft water, this sake is attractive for its gentle and delicate aroma and mellow flavor resulting from low-temperature aging. While possessing a brilliance that evokes the majestic nature and history of Nikko and the liveliness of its festivals, it is a local sake "unique to Nikko" that also pairs well with daily meals.

"Juichi Masamune" is the iconic brand of Morito Shuzo. Its name originates from the brewery's initial trade name "Juichiya," reflecting their belief in creating the ultimate balanced sake that is neither too sweet nor too dry, and never bores the drinker. The greatest appeal lies in their lineup using "Flower Yeast," which is rare in Japan. One can enjoy unique personalities like the brilliant aroma from cherry blossom yeast and the fresh acidity from apple yeast, as if the blessings of nature are sealed in the bottle. The pure water of Shojin-zawa, local rice, and traditional techniques harmonize with the flower yeast, creating an approachable yet profound flavor that richly colors everyday meals.

"Tosho" is a historic brand revived by Sagara Shuzo on its 190th anniversary. Named with the hope of being "like the morning sun illuminating from the east," it aims for pure Tochigi-style brewing using local rice and yeast. The most prominent feature is the heart-warming, gentle flavor that embodies the spirit of harmony. The transparency brought by the soft water from Nikko and the rich umami of the rice harmonize to provide a sense of tranquility to the drinker. Sake refined through modern sensibilities, it possesses a sophisticated, clear finish and is a high-caliber masterpiece that gracefully complements today's diverse culinary cultures.

"Mikamoyama" is a locally beloved sake named after the famous peak mentioned in the Manyoshu (the oldest collection of Japanese poetry). Brewed with care using Tochigi ingredients, it is designed to accompany local dining tables. Utilizing gentle subsoil water from the Nikko mountain range, its profile is attractive for its transparent, light flavor and refreshing finish. While the gentle umami of the rice spreads, the acidity comfortably tightens the overall structure, making it a perfect match for any dish—a local sake full of community affection that richly enhances daily moments.

"Asahisakae" is the flagship brand of Sagara Shuzo, long cherished by the local community. Named with the wish for "joy and prosperity like the morning sun rising through the mist," it represents the brewery's starting point. Its most prominent feature is the lush and transparent quality fostered by the subsoil water from the Nikko mountains springing up on the premises. A wrap-around gentleness and a dignified, clean finish form a magnificent trinity, achieving an exquisite balance. While preserving tradition, the sensibilities of a young female Toji have been added, creating a delicate and modest flavor like "morning dew nestled quietly on green leaves," garnering high attention both in Japan and abroad.

"Sakeyoshi" is a brand rooted in the region, brewed by Sagara Shuzo. It is carefully crafted using traditional techniques spanning approximately 190 years, utilizing the soft subsoil water from the Nikko mountain range. Its major characteristics are a transparent, light mouthfeel and a pleasant, clean finish, shining as a supporting player that enhances the deliciousness of food. Sticking to local Tochigi ingredients and brewed with the spirit of harmony, its flavor is full of a gentleness that never bores the drinker, making it a familiar local sake that colors everyday dining tables.

"Kokuryu" is a brand that Ohira Shuzo has protected since the Meiji era, benefiting from the rich nature of Mount Ohira. As the saying "a pleasure like ascending to the heavens with Kokuryu" suggests, the brewery aims to heal daily fatigue and make drinkers feel happy. While dry, it has a mellow profile that can be enjoyed both chilled and as hot sake, which is why it has long been loved locally. Furthermore, the "Hizo Koshu" matured slowly over 15 years shines in amber and possesses a mellow aroma and body that only time can create, standing as the brand's most prestigious masterpiece.