Brands

Shiroyama-Zakura is named after the magnificent cherry blossom tree atop Mt. Tokura Shiroyama, where the brewery's water source originates. This brand celebrates the bond between natural beauty and the art of brewing, characterized by its soft and gentle palate. Handcrafted with Mt. Shiroyama's pure water, it leaves a pleasant, lingering aftertaste reminiscent of spring. As a beautiful and approachable label featuring regional nature, it is cherished alongside 'Kisho' as a local favorite.

Hachioji-jo is a junmai sake inspired by the historical fortress of the same name, a symbol of the city's heritage. Brewed with a 60% polishing ratio, it luxuriously brings out the deep, rich umami of the rice. This sake offers a substantial, traditional mouthfeel with a pleasant, sharp finish that cuts through a gentle bitterness. It pairs exceptionally well with light Japanese dishes like grilled fish. Serving as a tribute to Hachioji's history, it embodies the sturdy and reliable character of a classic Japanese sake.

Kuwanomiyako (The Mulberry Capital) is the signature brand of Ozawa Shuzojo, named after Hachioji's ancient honorary title. It pays homage to the era when Hojo Ujiteru, the builder of Hachioji Castle, referred to the area as a 'Mulberry Capital,' celebrating the city's growth through its silk and textile industries. The brand is known for its fragrant and full-bodied profile, maintaining a commitment to meticulous quality across its entire range from Daiginjo to Junmai. By preserving Hachioji's historical identity, Kuwanomiyako remains a beloved local icon that bridges the city's past and present.

Jinba-san was a signature brand of the now-closed Nakajima Shuzojo. Named after Mt. Jinba, a prominent mountain on the border of Tokyo and Kanagawa, it was a local favorite that celebrated the regional landscape. Production ceased following the brewery's closure.

Hinodeyama was a brand formerly produced by Nakajima Shuzojo. Named after Mt. Hinode near Hachioji, it symbolized the brewery's connection to the local mountains and nature. Production has ended following the closure of the brewery.

"Gojo" is one of the brand lines from Hachinohe Shurui Gonohe Factory.

Tama-no-Yaezakura is a historic brand that embodies the legacy of Ishikawa Shuzo. Before the current flagship 'Tama-jiman' was named in the early Showa period, the brewery's sake was cherished for many years under the name 'Yaezakura.' Today, visitors to the brewery can enjoy a glass while gazing at the beautiful Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry) trees and Meiji-era brewing equipment from the terrace. This brand serves as a bridge to the past, offering a deep, flavorful experience crafted with Tama's natural water and time-honored techniques.

Ringosan-no-Sawayaka Fumi (Refreshing Malic Acid Flavor) is an innovative sake from Ishikawa Shuzo that maximizes the 'malic acid' naturally produced during fermentation. Breaking the traditional mold of sake, it offers a fresh, fruity sweetness and tartness reminiscent of a fine white wine. This sake features a crisp acidity derived from malic acid balanced with an elegant sweetness. With its lower alcohol content, it is remarkably easy to drink and pairs beautifully with not only Japanese cuisine but also Western dishes and desserts. It is a refreshing, modern choice for those new to sake or seeking a lighter, contemporary flavor.

Tamura is a premium, limited-edition brand that carries the family name of the brewery founders. Created by the 16th generation head, it serves as a bridge between tradition and the contemporary era, seeking a more refined and modern flavor profile. The hallmark of the Tamura brand is the 'Binkan-hiire' (in-bottle pasteurization) method. By heating the sake after it is bottled, the brewery traps delicate aromas and fresh, vibrant textures inside. This meticulous process, combined with a focus on specific sake rice varieties, results in a sophisticated lineup that's a perfect match for modern dining.

Fuun Kinkiden Ganryu Kojiro is a unique brand from Tamura Shuzojo, inspired by the legendary swordsman Sasaki Kojiro. The sake seeks to embody the strength and sharp, cutting finish associated with the famed samurai. Often produced as a limited release for special events or collaborations, it showcases a playful yet technically mastered side of this 200-year-old brewery.

Takao-san is a nostalgic brand named after the world-famous mountain located on the outskirts of Tokyo. Brewed to honor the iconic peak that serves as a spiritual and natural sanctuary for the Tama region, this sake is crafted with the same technical mastery that distinguishes Nakamura Shuzo. Its profile is designed to be approachable and easy-drinking, making it a perfect companion for hikers and tourists seeking a taste of local culture. It is an ideal drink for moments of relaxation, offering a gentle reminder of Tokyo's lush landscapes and historic traditions.

Tokyo Jizake (Tokyo Local Sake) was a brand formerly produced by Tsuchiya Shuzo, proudly highlighting its identity as an authentic sake from the capital. Brewed in the quiet outskirts of Komae, it was a local staple cherished for everyday enjoyment. Production ended following the brewery's closure, but it remains a significant testament to the rich brewing traditions that once thrived within the Tokyo metropolitan area.

"Sui" is one of the brand lines from Hachinohe Shurui Gonohe Factory.

Otori-zakura is a historic brand from Tsuchiya Shuzo, with a name combining 'Otori' (Phoenix, the auspicious bird of legend) and 'Sakura' (Cherry blossoms, the symbol of Japan). This celebratory sake was historically cherished in Komae for festive occasions and special milestones. Since the brewery's closure, it has become a 'phantom brand,' but it remains etched in the local memory alongside its elegant and auspicious name.

Ginsetsu (Snow Poetry) was the traditional brand preserved by Watanabe Shuzo for 130 years. Its dignified name, evoking thoughts of 'Gingo-quality snow,' symbolized a pure and refined flavor profile. As the face of Musashimurayama's local sake, it was beloved not only by locals but also by savvy connoisseurs across Tokyo. In the mid-Showa era, the brand was a leader in innovation, exploring new possibilities for sake through the early adoption of low-alcohol formulations and the revival of Yamahai brewing. While no longer in production, Ginsetsu remains a testament to the pioneering spirit that helped shape the history of Japanese sake in Tokyo.

Sagaminada is the flagship brand of Kubota Shuzo, born from the abundant nature of Tsukui and the pure spring waters of the Tanzawa mountain range. With a brand concept of 'balanced food sake that highlights the umami of rice,' it offers a refined experience with a gentle ginjo aroma, moderate acidity, and a crisp, clean finish. A hallmark of the brand is its meticulous brewing process, applying premium Ginjo techniques across all grades to achieve a 'timeless elegance' rather than overt flashiness. The lineup includes a series dedicated to locally grown Sagamihara rice, delivering a structured and honest flavor that perfectly captures the blessing of the Tanzawa mountains.

Iwao-no-izumi (The Rock Spring) is the iconic brand of Shimizu Shuzo, the oldest brewery in Kanagawa. Named after the eighth-generation head, 'Iwao,' the brand symbolizes a sake that possesses both the strength of immovable rock and the clarity of a pristine spring. Brewed by skilled Nanbu Toji using pure subterranean water from the Tanzawa mountains, it is characterized by a sophisticated dry profile that retains a rich, underlying rice flavor. With a legacy of excellence confirmed by Gold Medals at the National New Sake Appraisal and Monde Selection, Iwao-no-izumi offers a dignified experience that allows drinkers to savor the natural bounty of the Tsukui region in every elegant sip.

Tabisake is a unique brand of local sake designed to be enjoyed alongside travel memories. With the strict philosophy of 'only available at the destination,' each bottle captures the atmosphere of the land and the passion of the local brewers. Across diverse areas of Kanagawa, from the urban charm of Yokohama to the coastal vibes of Shonan and the historic springs of Hakone, the brand offers a lineup brewed with pure local water and carefully selected rice using traditional techniques. Whether enjoyed during a journey or as a reward at the end of a trip, this sake serves as a 'travel companion' that enriches life through the joy of regional discovery.

Shoryu Hourai is the brand that embodies the traditional brewing soul of Oya Takashi Shuzo. By actively employing ancient methods like 'Kimoto' and 'Yamahai,' the brewery extracts a robust, heavy umami and a layered complexity inherent in the rice. The true essence of this brand shines when served warm; it is exceptionally well-suited for 'Kan-agari' (flavor blossoming when heated). With a sturdy and resilient structure, the sake has the longevity to withstand years of aging, developing a mellow and mature character over time. This is a classic, honest brand that commands deep loyalty from connoisseurs seeking 'authentic sake' with a firm core, independent of modern trends.

Zaluso Hourai is the modern pillar of Oya Takashi Shuzo, designed to explore new and accessible ways to enjoy sake. With a concept centered on 'sake that accompanies daily life and the changing seasons,' the brewery intentionally releases selected batches while they are young to preserve their vibrant acidity and brisk, clean finish. The brand is known for its catchy and diverse variety, including sweet-and-sour profiles using white koji, low-alcohol undiluted sake, and fine-textured sparkling versions. Built on the superlative technical skill that won the Chief Prize at the Nanbu Toji Appraisal, Zaluso Hourai offers a contemporary sensibility that appeals to both newcomers and food enthusiasts seeking versatile pairings for modern cuisine.

Shun-ya is a special brand that carries the name of Shunsuke Oya, the 8th generation head of Oya Takashi Shuzo, serving as a crystallization of the brewery's passion and technical mastery. This brand most intensely reflects the brewery's spirit of 100% Junmai production, using methods that maximize the individual character of carefully selected rice. Unbound by rigid specifications, its lineup represents the flavors that the brewer 'most wants to express right now.' Coexisting with both delicacy and strength, the sake possesses a warmth that makes the presence of the maker felt, turning everyday dining into a moment of affordable luxury. It is a masterpiece imbued with the pride of the head brewer himself.

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.

Yokohama no Hoshi (The Star of Yokohama) was a brand formerly brewed by Aida Shuzoten in Odawara, carrying an evocative and celebratory name. The name, which seemingly praises the brilliance of the metropolitan city of Yokohama, reflected the hopes and aspirations of the people of that era. Following the closure of the brewery, it has become a 'lost brand,' but its romantic name continues to hold a place in the history of Kanagawa's local sake.

Kagyu (Fire Oxen) was a unique brand formerly produced by Aida Shuzoten. Its powerful name, evoking the 'Kagyu-no-kei' (Fire Ox Charge)—a legendary deceptive military tactic from the Sengoku period—conveys a raw and passionate artisanal spirit. Brewed in the historical crossroads of Odawara, this sake was once favored by local connoisseurs. Although no longer in production, its name stands as a precious testament to the challenging and innovative spirit of the now-lost brewery.

Soun is the proud brand of Aida Shuzoten, named after Hojo Soun, the Sengoku daimyo who ruled Odawara. As a symbol of the historic castle town, it was cherished locally for its dignified flavor and reliable quality. It truly embodied the essence of 'Odawara Local Sake,' though production has since ended following the brewery's closure. Its majestic name remains etched in the memories of the local community, alongside the brilliant history of Odawara itself.