Brands

'Gohhou' means 'Treasure of the Hometown.' Named with the hope that it will become a source of pride for the local community, this sake encapsulates the rich nature of Nanae Town and the passion of its people. Its flavor profile is characterized by an incredibly smooth transparency with no off-flavors. While highlighting the plumpness of the rice, it has a clean, crisp finish that pairs beautifully not only with Japanese cuisine but also with Western and modern dishes. The brand uses locally grown sake rice—Ginpu, Suisei, and Kitashizuku—expressing the unique character of each variety with peak freshness. With every sip, you can feel the refreshing breeze of Donan and the sincere dedication of the brewers. 'Gohhou' shines as the 'ultimate everyday sake,' adding color and joy to daily life.

Niseko is the flagship brand of Niseko Shuzo. They offer a range of Junmai sake that highlights the distinct characteristics of Hokkaido's top brewing rice varieties: Ginpu, Suisei, and Kitashizuku. The 'Blue Label' (Suisei) is known for its clear and smooth texture, the 'Yellow Label' (Ginpu) is popular for its rich, full-bodied dry taste, and the 'Purple Label' (Kitashizuku) is favored for its sharp and crisp dry finish. The brand's appeal lies in the pure flavor derived from Mt. Yotei's underflow water and the substantial presence of undiluted 'Genshu.' The color-coded labels make it easy and enjoyable to compare the differences in taste based on the rice used.

Kyogoku is a brand by Niseko Shuzo, named after the famous spring water "Mt. Yotei Fukidashi Spring Water" that wells up in Kyogoku Town, east of Kutchan. Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waters by the Ministry of the Environment, this spring water is pure soft water created by Mt. Yotei's snowmelt being filtered underground over many years, providing ideal water quality for sake brewing. The Junmai sake made with Hokkaido's sake rice "Kitashizuku" is semi-dry to slightly dry, featuring a light rice sweetness and a clear profile with a modest aroma. The Honjozo offers a crisp, dry finish with minimal brewer's alcohol, making it an excellent food-pairing sake. This is a clear and easy-drinking sake born from the blessings of Mt. Yotei.

Otarukou was a sake brand produced by Yuki no Hana Shuzo. It was one of the representative local sakes of Otaru during the 'Shuzo Ginza' era, which thrived alongside the development of the Otaru Canal since the Meiji period. In the Ironai district, multiple breweries once stood side by side, and the area bustled as a center of Hokkaido's sake culture. Named to symbolize the history of the port city of Otaru and the prosperity of the shipping industry, it remains a notable name in the history of Hokkaido's local sake. Although it vanished due to the decline in sake sales and a shortage of Toji during the Heisei period, it is a historical brand that conveys Otaru's golden age.

Yuki no Hana was the flagship brand of Yuki no Hana Shuzo. Brewed in the 'Shuzo Ginza' of Otaru's Ironai district, it was a local sake that symbolized the era of growth alongside the Otaru Canal. Named after the landscape of snowy Hokkaido and the port culture of Otaru, this brand was long cherished by locals. Once, many breweries in Otaru supported Hokkaido's sake culture, but many closed during the Heisei period due to shifting tastes and a lack of Toji. Yuki no Hana is remembered as a historical brand that preserves Otaru's sake-brewing heritage. It is a precious record of a local sake from Otaru's peak of prosperity.

Kikkogura is a brand brewed by Tanaka Shuzo in a historical building in Nobuka-cho, Otaru. Sake is produced in stone warehouses built in the Meiji era, with brewing continuing year-round through four-season production. The Kikkogura-exclusive sake is a dry Junmai Ginjo Genshu (undiluted) with a gentle aroma and robust body, available only at the brewery. It is a brand where history and tradition live on, embodying Tanaka Shuzo's commitment to the local community.

Onimaru is one of the brands from Tanaka Shuzo. Brewed under the philosophy of 100% Hokkaido rice and 100% Junmai production, it supports the local sake culture of Otaru. Using underflow water from Mt. Tengu and four-season brewing, it maintains stable quality year-round. As part of Otaru's only brewery, it reflects the careful, community-oriented approach to sake making.

Nonbei is a brand brewed by Tanaka Shuzo. Following the policy of 100% Hokkaido rice and 100% Junmai, it highlights the qualities of the region's brewing rice. Brewed with water from Mt. Tengu, it is kept fresh year-round through the four-season brewing method. Its friendly name reflects its reputation as an easy-drinking Junmai sake loved by the local community.

Bisen is a Junmai sake limited to the Tomakomai region. It uses 100% 'Suisei' sake rice from Atsuma Town and water from Tomakomai City, focusing strictly on local ingredients. With rich rice umami and a straightforward flavor, it perfectly captures the terroir of the Tomakomai and Atsuma areas. As a community-focused sake, it is widely enjoyed alongside the local food culture.

Takaragawa is the signature brand of Tanaka Shuzo. This Junmai sake is made from 100% Hokkaido rice, primarily the 'Suisei' variety, and brewed with the pure underflow water of Mt. Tengu. It is characterized by a mellow yet dry profile (hojun-karakuchi) that combines a brilliant Ginjo aroma with refreshing umami and a sharp finish. Thanks to year-round brewing, they provide stable quality throughout the seasons, embodying Otaru's deep-rooted sake culture.

Kamuitonoto is a brand whose name means 'Sake of the Gods' in the Ainu language. It is a traditional Hie-sake (millet sake) made from Japanese millet and Hokkaido rice koji, featuring a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness. This precious beverage brings the Ainu tradition of alcohol production to the modern era, harmonizing the rustic flavor of millet with the elegant sweetness of rice koji. It is a unique brand born from the fusion of indigenous culture and sake-brewing expertise.

Tokachibare is a brand by Tanaka Shuzo. Named after the clear, expansive skies of Hokkaido's Tokachi region, it is brewed under the principle of 100% local rice and 100% Junmai production. Using Mt. Tengu's spring water, the brewery captures the essence of Hokkaido's terroir in every bottle. It is a refreshing, crisp brand that evokes the grand nature and bright weather of the Tokachi plains.

Otaru no Hito was a sake brand produced by Yamani Watanabe. It was known for its dry flavor profile and was cherished as a local sake from Otaru during the brewery's active years. With a name that evokes the charm of the port city of Otaru, it is a historical brand that evolved alongside the local food culture.

Kitatakara was a signature brand of Yamani Watanabe, representing the 'treasures of the north.' It featured a crisp and dry character typical of the brewery's style, designed to pair perfectly with Otaru's cold winters and its abundant seafood. In the history of Hokkaido's local sake, it is remembered as a taste of Otaru that supported the city's prosperity.

Kumakorori was a uniquely named brand from Yamani Watanabe. Despite its playful name, it was a traditional, dry sake that carried on the brewery's expertise. It is known as one of the brands that added color to the evening drinks of locals during the peak of Otaru's sake culture. Today, it remains a rare historical record following the suspension of the brewery's operations.

Seccuka (Snow Flower) was a brand produced by Yamani Watanabe. It was brewed with the goal of achieving a dignified beauty and clarity, like a flower blooming in the harsh winters of snowy Hokkaido. Reflecting the spirit of Otaru, it hid a delicate flavor within its proud dry profile, designed to be enjoyed during the cold months. It is an elegant brand that symbolizes Hokkaido's historical brewing culture.

Kitasekai is one of the brands from Nippon Seishu. Named to express the grand terroir of Hokkaido, it uses carefully selected Hokkaido rice to create sake that highlights regional characteristics. Brewed with water from the Toyohira River, it features a clear finish and harmonious rice umami, evoking the spirit of the northern lands.

Chitosetsuru is the flagship brand of Nippon Seishu, loved for generations as 'The Sake of Sapporo.' It is brewed with Hokkaido sake rice and underflow water from the Toyohira River using a 'three-stage rich brewing method.' Characterized by refreshing acidity and a crisp finish, it offers a range of styles: elegant aromas in Junmai Daiginjo and deep flavors in Junmai that pair perfectly with meals. It is a representative sake of Hokkaido with numerous awards at national competitions.

Susukino Bijin is one of the brands from Nippon Seishu. Named after Sapporo's vibrant entertainment district 'Susukino,' it is brewed with a goal of achieving an urban and sophisticated sake quality. Characterized by a blooming aroma and a beautifully clear finish, it is a refined sake that adds elegance to social evenings.

Shibata is a special line of brands from Nippon Seishu. Bearing the name of the founder, Yojiue-mon Shibata, it is characterized by careful brewing that returns to the roots of Hokkaido sake making. While preserving traditional methods, it pursues a sophisticated taste that suits modern dining, serving as a masterpiece that encapsulates the brewery's pride and technical skill.