Sake Brands
in Tochigi

"Bo:" (望) is a strategic and innovative brand launched by young brewers at Tonoike Shuzo Ten to represent the "sake they want to propose for the future of Japanese sake." The pronunciation "bo:" carries the meanings of "hope for the future" (bou) and "Buono" (delicious). The most significant feature of this brand is that all products are Muroka Nama Genshu (unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted) or Muroka Genshu, with the alcohol content set around 16% to balance drinkability with rich umami. The modern profile, which harmonizes freshly pressed freshness, a slight effervescence, and the sweetness of rice, has gained overwhelming support not only from traditional sake fans but also from wine lovers and younger generations. The label design is also extremely stylish, possessing a beauty like interior decor that brightens the dining table. It is a promising brand that "envisions" (nozomu) a new horizon for Japanese sake, reaching from Mashiko to the world.

"Kanetamaru" is a community-oriented brand by Wakakoma Shuzo that has been long loved by local people. The name contains a wish for the prosperity of the brewery and the happiness of the people to "accumulate" (tamaru), and it is cherished as a lucky sake that brings good fortune. Brewed with the rich nature of Oyama City and traditional techniques passed down in the brewery, this sake features an approachable flavor that complements the daily dining table. The simple sweetness of the rice and a balanced, light mouthfeel pair well with any dish, providing a deliciousness you never tire of. The warm attitude of Wakakoma Shuzo, which cherishes the local terroir while evolving with the times, is condensed into this bottle. It is a gentle local sake that warms the heart, perfect for places where smiles "accumulate," such as family gatherings and meetings with friends.

"Kanto Kiku" is a traditional brand that Wakakoma Shuzo has protected since ancient times. It was named with the aim of creating a pure and steadfast flavor, much like the noble chrysanthemum flowers that bloom in the fertile fields of the Kanto Plain. Walking alongside the history of the brewery, this brand is characterized by consistent quality based on long-cultivated brewing techniques and a rich body that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The pride of being the oldest brewery in Oyama City lives on in this bottle bearing the traditional name of "Kiku" (Chrysanthemum). The elegant umami that never tires the palate and the sharp, clean finish have long supported the evening drinks of local people. While not flashy, its honest flavor conveys the careful work in every sip. It is a legitimate local sake that has built the foundation of Wakakoma Shuzo, letting you feel the weight of tradition.

"Mutsumi" is another flagship brand of Sanpuku Shuzo, named with the wish for "harmonious interaction and friendly intimacy among people." Throughout its long history since the Meiji era, it has been cherished as a drink that deepens the bonds of people at local gatherings, celebratory occasions, and daily family circles. Using pure groundwater from Oyama City and strictly selected sake rice, the brewery pursues a calm and well-balanced flavor. With each sip, the gentle sweetness of the rice and the smooth mouthfeel unique to traditional methods spread, putting the drinker in a peaceful mood. Its appeal lies in its versatility with various cuisines and its simple yet refined taste that never grows tiresome. The sincere production backed by over 120 years of history brings a pleasant sense of familiarity to the modern dining table. It is a gem of a local sake that warms the heart, perfect for spending time talking with loved ones.

"Fuji no Mori" is the flagship brand that Hirayama Shuzo Ten has carefully brewed as a local sake of Ohtawara City, Tochigi, since its founding. Its name carries sincere wishes for regional prosperity and dedication to brewing, aspiring to be as beautiful as the wisteria ("Fuji"), a symbol of Japanese beauty, and to remain in its prime ("Mori") forever. The greatest characteristic is its "straightforward flavor," utilizing the pure groundwater of Nasunogahara and the unique personality of local Tochigi sake rice. It achieves an honest quality that never grows tiresome, with a calm, gentle aroma harmonizing with the rich, innate umami of the rice. While not flamboyant, it has been cherished across generations as an essential presence on Ohtawara's daily dining tables and for local festivals and celebrations. It is a traditional taste that stays close to the community—somewhat nostalgic yet with a solid core—conveying the warm passion of the brewers.

"Sakura no Sato Kitsuregawa" is a brand filled with regional love, brewed by Watanabe Shuzo and bearing the name of Kitsuregawa in Sakura City, a famous cherry blossom spot in Tochigi. It embodies the brewer's desire to express through sake the brilliance and soothing elegance of the cherry blossoms that signal the arrival of spring. Its flavor is characterized by a delicate and soft mouthfeel reminiscent of a row of cherry trees in full bloom. By using high-quality rice from Tochigi and preserving the tradition of hand-brewing, it achieves a gentle sweetness and a transparent quality. It is a gem that is light like a spring breeze, yet leaves an impression with a solid umami core. Developed as a sake symbolizing seasonality and community activities, it brings the joy of appreciating local nature and culture to the dining table. It is truly a brand that brews "local pride," intended for enjoying Tochigi's beautiful scenery with all five senses.

"Senkin" is the world-renowned flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. Meaning "the divine bird that serves the immortals" (a crane), this sake is brewed under the innovative philosophy of "Domaine-ification," expressing the terroir of sake. Its most striking feature is a vivid flavor characterized by a beautiful harmony of wine-like acidity and elegant sweetness, created through traditional methods like Kimoto brewing and the use of Kioke (wooden vats). With series ranging from the contemporary "Modern," the tradition-respecting "Classic," to the ultimate natural "Nature," it infinitely expands the possibilities of food pairing, standing as an exquisite product that has established the standards of 21st-century sake.