Brands
Gonohe no Donberi
五戸のどんべり"Gonohe no Donberi" is a Junmai Nigori (cloudy) sake, featuring a refreshing sweetness and a slightly dry aftertaste.
Nijubashi
二重橋Nijubashi is an exceptionally rare and prestigious brand sold exclusively within the Imperial Palace grounds. It is available only at gift shops inside the palace, at stalls during general public greetings, or through the distributor's official mail order, making it one of the most elusive sake brands in Japan. Named after the iconic Nijubashi Bridge—a symbol of the Imperial Palace—it carries an air of supreme dignity. This special commission was granted to Toshimaya Shuzo in recognition of their long-standing trust and track record as the producer of sacred sake for Tokyo's three major shrines.
Okunokami
屋守Okunokami is a brand born from two distinct wishes: 'to protect the brewery (Oku) while delivering the spirit and flavor of our craft' and 'to protect the business names (Yago) and prosperity of our partners.' The name itself serves as a prayer for protection and success. Its defining characteristic is a gentle, aromatic profile achieved by bottling the sake immediately after pressing without any filtration or dilution (Muroka Nama Genshu). Representing the pinnacle of Toshimaya Shuzo's technical expertise, it is produced in extremely small, labor-intensive batches. The sake offers a delightful blend of fresh vibrancy and deep umami, featuring a floral ginjo aroma, rice-derived sweetness, and a sharp acidity that finishes clean and dry.
Haneda
羽田Haneda is a region-specific brand created by Toshimaya Shuzo, named after the Haneda district—home to Tokyo's primary gateway, Haneda Airport. It is developed as a brand beloved by both local residents and visitors to Tokyo, expressing Toshimaya's commitment to community-based brewing and regional hospitality.
Juemon
十右衛門Juemon is a special brand named after the brewery's founder, Juemon Toshimaya. It represents over 400 years of history and tradition dating back to 1596. Featuring a luxurious production process, it uses only the 'Nakadori' (the choicest middle cut of the press) and a 60% polishing ratio. As a non-filtered, non-pasteurized, and undiluted sake (Muroka Nama Genshu), it maximizes the inherent power and freshness of the brew, pursuing a level of quality worthy of the founder's name. It is the culmination of Toshimaya's craft, perfect for special occasions.
Shiroyama-Zakura
しろやま桜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
八王子城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
桑乃都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
陣馬山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
日出山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
五醸"Gojo" is one of the brand lines from Hachinohe Shurui Gonohe Factory.
Tama-no-Yaezakura
たまの八重桜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
りんご酸の爽やか風味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
田むら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.
Ganryu Kojiro
風雲剣鬼伝 厳流小次郎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
高尾山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
とうきょう地酒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
酔"Sui" is one of the brand lines from Hachinohe Shurui Gonohe Factory.
Otori-zakura
鳳桜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
吟雪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
相模灘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
巌乃泉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
旅酒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
昇龍蓬莱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
残草蓬莱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.