Brands

Chiebukuro (Bag of Wisdom) was a brand formerly produced by Aida Shuzoten with a friendly and approachable name. The name, which implies 'wisdom' or 'knowledgeable advice,' may have embodied the hope for the sake to be a companion for sharing life's insights and pleasant times. Once enjoyed as a source of daily comfort in Odawara, the brand has vanished following the brewery's closure. It remains a brand that evokes the warmth of a bygone era.

Maisugata (Dancing Silhouette) was a brand formerly brewed by Maisugata Shuzo in Minami-ashigara, aiming for an elegant and refined flavor as graceful as a dance. Combining the pure waters that nourish the Ashigara Plain with locally grown rice, it once added a touch of splendor to regional celebrations and social gatherings. Although production has ceased following the brewery's closure, the elegant resonance of its name remains vivid in the memories of local sake fans, alongside images of the historic brewery set against the backdrop of the Tanzawa mountains.

Hachiryu-hai is a traditional brand that carries forward the pride and over 300-year history of Moriyama Shuzo. Derived from ancient Chinese lore, its name signifies 'sake so delicious that even bees are spellbound by it.' Long cherished in the mountainous regions of Aichi Prefecture, the essence of this sake remains unchanged following the brewery's relocation to Odawara, as it is now brewed under meticulous temperature management. Its defining characteristic is a dry profile that combines deep body with a sharp, clean finish. Pursuing a universal deliciousness that transcends time while serving as a perfect complement to food, Hachiryu-hai is a brand that truly embodies the spirit of 'learning from the old to create the new.'

HINEMOS is an innovative brand from Moriyama Shuzo that views sake through the unique lens of 'time.' Offering a diverse lineup tailored to specific hours—from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM—the brand designs each bottle to match the atmosphere and dining scenes of those moments. Whether it's the sparkling 'SHICHIJI' for an evening toast or the Nigori 'HACHIJI' for the bridge into dinner, every bottle is a masterpiece crafted with peak brewing techniques. With its sophisticated, modern design, HINEMOS is perfect for special gifts or personal rewards. Embodying the concept 'Stay by your side at any given moment,' this brand transcends traditional boundaries, transforming everyday occurrences into unforgettable experiences and leading the way into the future of sake.

Tensei is the soul-imbued flagship brand of Kumazawa Shuzo. Its name is derived from the poetic Chinese phrase 'Uka Tensei Unpasho,' describing the brilliant blue sky glimpsed through a break in the clouds after rain—the ideal color of the legendary Ru ware ceramics. True to its namesake, the sake pursues a flavor that is as noble as fine porcelain and as clear as a cloudless sky. Designed as the 'ultimate food-pairing sake,' it is crafted to heighten the flavors of Shonan's bountiful seafood. It features a silky-smooth entry and a sharp, brilliant finish that vanishes gracefully from the palate. Like a refreshing breeze from the Shonan coast, Tensei is a modern, sophisticated brand defined by its stunning transparency.

Kumazawa, carrying the family name of the brewery, is a brand that symbolizes the unwavering confidence and pride of the house. Spanning 150 years since its founding in the early Meiji period, it represents a masterful fusion of traditional methods passed down in Shonan and the skills of modern brewers. As the only brewery in the region, they prioritize being 'loved by locals,' crafting sake where the rich umami of the rice takes center stage while maintaining a clean finish that never tires the palate. It is the very identity of the brewery—a brand that feels both strong and gentle, reflecting their commitment to carrying the weight of tradition into the future.

Shonan is a brand that proudly carries its regional name, embodying the rich identity of the area. As Shonan's only brewery, the brand strives for a flavor as open and refreshing as the 'blue sea and sky,' dedicated to locals and visitors alike. Its greatest appeal lies in the cooling, crisp finish—perfectly designed to complement the catch of the day, such as fresh sashimi or Shonan Shirasu (whitebait). Imbued with the commitment to brewing the local terroir itself, this is a brand that allows you to truly 'taste' the essence of Shonan.

Shoko, meaning 'First Light of Dawn,' is a brand that evokes refreshing hope and renewal. Throughout Kumazawa Shuzo's illustrious history, this brand has embodied the desire to be a beacon of the 'dawn' for the next generation of sake. Its light, transparent flavor possesses a crispness perfect for the start of a new day or a celebratory toast for reaching a milestone. With a clear umami that illuminates the spirit of the drinker, Shoko is a pure and proud brand that brings the new light of Japanese sake from the heart of Shonan.

Shiki no Hakone (The Four Seasons of Hakone) is a brand brewed in Matsuda Town, the gateway to the world-renowned resort area of Hakone. It captures the natural beauty and elegance of Hakone's diverse seasons—spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes—within a single cup. Defined by a flavor that is both vivid and serene, it is designed as a companion for moments spent reflecting on travel memories. Cherished by locals and tourists alike, this local sake offers a clear and pure umami that mirrors the pristine image of Hakone's scenery.

Matsumidori is the timeless flagship brand that has supported the long history of Nakazawa Shuzo. Brewed using pure water flowing from the Tanzawa mountains and meticulously handcrafted, it is defined by a richness that brings out the maximum flavor of the rice. Named after the lush greenery of Matsuda Town (Matsu meaning pine, Midori meaning green), it boasts exceptional reliability as a food-pairing sake and has been cherished locally for generations. In recent years, it has incorporated innovative additions such as series using the rare 'S.tokyo' yeast. Matsumidori is the essential identity of the brewery, where fresh challenges live atop a foundation of deep-rooted tradition.

S.tokyo is an innovative brand that highlights the 'Miracle Yeast' revived after 100 years, showcasing the cutting edge of Nakazawa Shuzo's vision. Utilizing one of Japan's oldest yeast strains, 'Saccharomyces tokyo NAKAZAWA,' originally discovered in the Taisho era, it is brewed using a traditional 'medium-temperature, short-term fermentation'—a stark departure from modern techniques. When poured into a wine glass, it reveals a harmony of elegant sweetness and a crisp acidity reminiscent of white wine, vividly redefining the image of sake. With a moderate alcohol content of 13-14%, it is captured the attention of beginners, the younger generation, and top restaurant chefs alike. S.tokyo is the pinnacle of the 'innovation through tradition' philosophy.

Ryo is a personal flagship brand named after 11th-generation head Akira (Akira/Ryo) Kagiwada, distilling his relentless curiosity and creative sensibility into every drop. Both Dr. Nakazawa and Kagiwada share the character '亮' (Ryo) in their names, a character that signifies 'illuminating things brightly.' Befitting its name, this premium, small-batch brand acts as a light guiding the brewery's future, focusing on specific conditions and rare rice varieties. Each bottle embodies the head brewer's extraordinary passion, featuring a free-spirited and transparent flavor that effortlessly transcends the weight of tradition.

Hakone Shichifukujin (The Seven Lucky Gods of Hakone) is a brand of Tokubetsu Junmai sake themed after the tradition of the Seven Lucky Gods in the Hakone region. Brewed with the hope that good fortune will follow those who visit Hakone, it offers a harmonious balance of refreshing aroma and a crisp, dry profile. It pairs wonderfully with traditional Japanese cuisine and the diverse dishes served at Hakone's historic hot spring inns. With a clear, transparent umami that reflects the pristine waters of Hakone, this 'lucky sake' is a cherished souvenir and a companion for celebrating joyous travel memories.

Yume Takao (Dreams of Takao) is a brand that embodies the brewery's desire to be a sake that inspires people to share their dreams for the future amidst the lush lands of Ashigara. To capture the serene terroir of the Takao area, the brewery delicately draws out the refined sweetness inherent in the core of the rice. Its soft texture and gentle, long-lasting finish make it perfect for quiet family gatherings or as a meaningful gift for loved ones. Entrusting a 'dream' woven by traditional craftsmanship into a single cup, this graceful sake offers a moment of true relaxation for the soul.

Sagan (Left Bank) is a brand that expresses the identity of the brewery as it stands on the left bank of the Sakawa River—the life-giving river flowing from the foot of Mount Fuji through the Ashigara Plain. It pursues a flavor that is both powerful like a river's flow and clear like its transparent waters. The fusion of carefully selected rice and the rich groundwater nurtured by the unique geology of the left bank yields a pleasant mineral touch and a crisp finish. As the name suggests, it projects the landscape of a specific place into the cup—a unique and characterful food-pairing sake that reflects the brewery's pride in its local roots.

Hakoneyama is the prestigious flagship brand representing the pride of Inoue Shuzo, crafted with a global vision in mind. Trademarked during the Meiji era as part of an early effort to export Japanese sake to Europe—a rare ambition at the time—it has long served as an ambassador conveying the grandeur of Hakone to the world. Its defining characteristics are the deep body and brilliant crispness brought forth by the pure hard water of the Sakawa River. Through traditional handcrafted methods, the brewery maximizes the inherent power of the rice, creating a dignified sake with an elegant aroma and a robust structure. With a history of numerous awards at domestic and international competitions, Hakoneyama continues to be cherished by sake enthusiasts worldwide as a superlative companion to Hakone's culinary excellence.

Hakonebara (Hakone Rose) is a glamorous and romantic brand inspired by the rare and beautiful Sanshou-bara (also known as the Hakone Rose) that grows wild in the Hakone region. More than just a name, this sake is brewed using a unique 'flower yeast' extracted from the Hakone Rose itself. Its most striking feature is the noble, floral aroma that unfolds the moment it is poured into a glass. With a gentle, light sweetness and a brilliant finish reminiscent of petals dancing in the breeze, the flavor truly embodies the 'beauty of Hakone.' This sake captivates many as a perfect choice for special anniversaries or to add a touch of elegance to a celebratory dining table.

Suijou is a brand with philosophical depth, named after the principle of 'Suijou' (the spirit of sharing one's surplus with others and the future)—a core teaching of Sontoku Ninomiya, the great agricultural leader born in Odawara. True to its name, it offers a humble yet refined flavor that enhances accompanying dishes rather than overpowering them, embodying the quiet conviction of the brewers. It results in a harmonious balance between the clean finish derived from Sakawa River water and the honest umami of the rice. Characterized by a profound sapor that seeps into the heart with every sip, Suijou represents a sincere commitment to brewing as a way of bridging regional culture and spirit for the next generation.

Senmeikyo (The Valley of Immortal Sounds) is a brand named after a landscape of serenity and beauty, reminiscent of a utopia where immortals might reside amidst the deep mountains of Hakone. Using high-quality rice nurtured by the rich nature of Ashigara and the pristine meltwater of the Sakawa River, it is brewed slowly and patiently in the quietude of the cellar. Its flavor is as clear as the air of a mythical paradise, characterized by a gentle umami that gradually permeates the body. This sake offers a moment of calm and elegance, as if the melodies played by Hakone's deep nature were captured directly in the cup.