Sake Brands
in Toyama

"Chiyozuru" is the flagship brand of Chiyozuru Shuzo, crafted using the abundant water resources and cold climate of Namerikawa. Named after an auspicious event where a crane landed in the brewery's rice field, it is brewed in small batches using pristine Tateyama water and the legendary medicinal water 'Anano Tan no Reisui.' The sake is characterized by a gentle, soft mouthfeel balanced by a solid acidity. Its restricted availability—sold only in person at a few selected shops nationwide—makes it a highly prized name among true sake connoisseurs.

"Hokuyo" (North Pacific) is the flagship brand of Uozu Shuzo, symbolizing the maritime history of Uozu Port, once a thriving base for deep-sea fishing. Brewed with pristine Tateyama water and selected rice like Toyama's 'Oyama Nishiki,' it is designed to perfectly complement the fresh seafood of the region. This sake is characterized by a crisp, dry finish balanced with the natural umami of rice. It embodies both the strength required to navigate rough seas and the gentleness of a calm breeze, earning strong support from local fishermen and enthusiasts alike.

"Maboroshi no Taki" (Phantom Waterfall) is the flagship brand of Mikunihare Shuzo, named after a legendary waterfall hidden in the mountainous reaches of the Kurobe River. Brewed using natural spring water from an on-site 'Top 100 Springs' source, the sake fully captures the water's crystalline purity. Crafted by Yukari Iwase, Toyama's first female Toji, it is characterized by a smooth, translucent texture and a refreshing, crisp finish. As a brand that embodies the grand nature and water heritage of Kurobe, it continues to captivate enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad.

"Tsurugidake" is a signature brand of Ginban Shuzo, named after the steep and majestic peak of the Northern Alps. Brewed using the pure spring water of the Kurobe River (one of Japan's Top 100 Waters), it is characterized by a translucent quality polished by granite layers. Combining selected rice with modern technology and expert skill, the sake offers a sharp, light (tanrei) mouthfeel balanced by a gentle umami unique to spring-water brewing. It is widely cherished as a quintessential Toyama sake that captures the powerful essence of the legendary water nurtured by Kurobe's rugged nature.

"Kurobekyo" is the flagship brand of Hayashi Shuzojo, embodying the steep and beautiful nature of the Kurobe Gorge. Brewed with pristine underground water nurtured by Northern Alps snowmelt and highly polished selected rice, it is a masterpiece born from 400 years of heritage and the passion of a young Toji. The sake is characterized by a floral, fragrant aroma and a crisp, light (tanrei) flavor. Its crystal-clear transparency is harmonized with the umami of rice, making it a beloved ultimate food companion both locally and beyond, earning top honors at numerous sake competitions.

"Kachidoki" is the representative brand of Toide Shuzo, which preserves the tradition of handmade sake in Takaoka. Brewed meticulously by artisans using the pristine underground water of the Shogawa River and selected Toyama-grown rice, it features a straightforward flavor. The sake is characterized by a clean, crisp dry mouthfeel that gives way to the gentle, natural umami of the rice. Due to its extremely limited production, it is rarely seen outside the local region and is hailed as a 'phantom sake' among enthusiasts. It is an ultimate food companion that enhances the flavors of a meal without ever becoming tiring.

"Ginrei Tateyama," named after the sacred Mount Tateyama that symbolizes Toyama Prefecture, is the most popular brand in the region. Brewed using the finest sake rice, Yamada Nishiki, and the pristine underground water of the Shogawa River, it gathers the essence of Tateyama Shuzo's exceptional craftsmanship. Acclaimed as the 'King of Tanrei Karakuchi' (light and dry), its flavor features crystal-clear transparency and a brisk finish, perfectly balanced with the concentrated umami of the rice. Receiving overwhelming support as a food companion, it is chosen not only in Toyama but also by high-end Japanese inns and restaurants nationwide, making it an essential, supreme sake of Toyama.

"Tachiyama" is the signature brand of Yoshie Shuzo, named after the sacred peak of Mount Tachiyama in Toyama. Brewed by a family of only three using pristine Shogawa underground water and selected rice, it possesses an 'extra-dry' character that stands out even among Toyama's sakes. Its flavor harmonizes a sharp, crisp finish with the robust, powerful umami unique to handmade brewing, resulting in a satisfying yet smooth drink. Due to its very limited production, it is highly rare and cherished by true dry-sake lovers as a supreme bottle filled with the passion of a micro-brewery.