Brands

"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.

One of Yamazaki Shuzo's flagship brands, characterized by a rich and crisp traditional flavor that brings out the umami of the rice. Designed as a food-friendly sake, it is widely loved for everything from daily evening drinks to special occasion toasts.

A brand from Yamazaki Shuzo whose name reflects the brewer's sincere and honest approach to sake making. It is characterized by a gentle mouthfeel resulting from careful brewing, with a well-balanced harmony of rice umami.

Ota City's Nitta district is the ancestral home of Nitta Yoshisada, a prominent warlord of the Nanboku-cho period, and this brand was named after that historical background. Brewed with traditional methods, this sake allows you to experience the rich history and culture of the region.

The flagship brand of Yamakawa Shuzo, brewed using the traditional Yamahai-shikomi method. It is characterized by a quality that allows you to fully enjoy the natural flavor of the rice, with its umami and depth becoming even more prominent when warmed.

Brewed on the banks of the Tone River, this brand expresses the local water and climate. It offers a superb balance of the rich acidity and umami characteristic of the Yamahai method, making it an excellent match for a variety of dishes.

One of Okamura Gomei's brands, long cherished by the local community as a representative Jizake (local sake) of Takasaki.

This brand captures the magnificent scenery of cherry blossoms in Kannon-yama Park, a famous sightseeing spot in Takasaki. It expresses the elegant spring atmosphere of Kannon-yama, home to the Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon statue, through its refined flavor. Brewed with pure spring water from the Yatsugatake Mountains, it is characterized by a crisp and clean profile.

The flagship brand of Miho Shurui, characterized by a refreshing finish and a well-balanced, umami-rich flavor. With an alcohol content of 15%, it is recommended for both daily enjoyment and as a premium cooking sake. As a versatile beverage, it can be enjoyed in a wide variety of settings and culinary applications.

One of Miho Shurui's brands, whose name literally means "The Pride of the Brewery," reflecting the brewer's confidence in this craft.

Named after a line in a poem by former Prime Minister Reijiro Wakatsuki, this brand is characterized by its balanced flavor, offering a crisp dry finish alongside a warmth and umami that feel like a labor of love. Cherished as a local table sake (shokuchu-shu), it adds a touch of elegance to daily dining.

A non-sugar Honjozo sake renowned for its approachable yet flavorful profile. With a versatile quality that allows it to be enjoyed both chilled and warmed, it features a crisp, clean taste thanks to the pure underground spring water of Mount Akagi.

This brand is believed to be named after a local landmark in the Onishi district. Production has ceased following the closure of the brewery.