Brands

Hakone no Shizuku (Droplets of Hakone) is a fresh and vibrant Namachozoshu (fresh storage sake) brand inspired by the pure droplets nurtured by Hakone's lush nature. Using 100% 'Wakamizu' rice cultivated in the upper reaches of Odawara, its defining characteristics are the crisp, refreshing throat feel and the youthful, brilliant aroma. While built on the foundation of Ishii Jozo's traditional 'Mochi Yondan Shikomi' technique, it pursues a modern lightness that reaches its full potential when served chilled. This is a cup of soul-cleansing refreshment, designed to soothe the fatigue of a journey through Hakone.

Ichiyajo (The One-Night Castle) is a brand steeped in historical romance, named after the legendary 'Ishigaki-yama Ichiyajo' built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his siege of Odawara in the Sengoku period. To recreate the tales of this historic region within the cup, it is finished with a heavy, rich body through the 'Mochi Yondan Shikomi' method. It features a character that combines the robust presence of rice with a dignified poise, as if it has navigated the turbulent waves of history. Enjoy the deep, powerful flavor where the ambitions of Sengoku warriors intersect with a tradition rooted in this very land.

Soga no Homare (The Pride of Soga) is the flagship brand representing the long history of Ishii Jozo. Its name is derived from the Soga area of Odawara, the setting of the epic 'Revenge of the Soga Brothers' from the Kamakura period. Brewed using the secret 'Mochi Yondan Shikomi' technique passed down through generations, it offers a full-bodied umami and robust depth derived from glutinous rice that fills the palate. Far from being just sweet, it is characterized by a firm core of strength and a dignified aftertaste. Crafted with carefully selected rice and Sakawa River water, its flavor is the very pride (homare) of the region—a superlative food-pairing sake cherished for enriching any dining table.

Hakone Kaido (The Hakone Highway) is a brand that evokes the arduous yet scenic journey along the historic Tokaido Road through the Hakone mountain pass, traveled by wayfarers in the Edo period. Imagining the sake that would have quenched the thirst and bolstered the courage of those challenging the mountain, it is brewed using Ishii Jozo's unique 'Mochi Yondan Shikomi.' The rich sweetness and deep body brought by glutinous rice have an encompassing warmth that gently embraces the fatigue of a long trip. Capturing the lush terroir of Ashigara and the breath of history, this cup is a timeless 'companion on the road' that continues to be loved through the ages.

Setoichi is a flagship brand that embodies the innovative spirit of Seto Shuzoten, designed to complement modern diverse lifestyles. With the concept of 'Sake that surprises with every sip,' it offers a wide range of flavor profiles tailored to different drinking scenes and moods by combining various yeasts and brewing techniques. Its refined taste and stylish presentation have earned it exceptionally high international acclaim, including consecutive Platinum awards at 'Kura Master' in France. This drop, born from a fusion of creative sensibility free from tradition and solid craftsmanship, vividly illustrates new possibilities for Japanese sake.

Sakata Nishiki is a brand that embodies the tradition and pride of Seto Shuzoten, preserved since its founding at the end of the Edo period. Following a 38-year production hiatus, the brewery revived the original 'kuratsuki' (brewery-conditioned) yeast that had lived in the cellar, creating a robust, full-bodied flavor profile that says 'this is local sake.' It maximizes the powerful umami of rice nurtured on the Ashigara Plain. Long cherished by locals as an accommodating food-pairing sake that enhances daily meals while providing a satisfying drink, its revived flavor is deeply engraved with the history of Kaisei Town and the passion of the brewers who reignited the furnace.

Ashigarigo is a brand that expresses the lush terroir of the Ashigara region and the beautiful seasonal colors that bloom there. Its most prominent feature is the use of 'flower yeast' collected from hydrangeas (ajisai)—the symbolic flower of Kaisei Town. The elegant and brilliant aroma derived from the flower yeast harmonizes perfectly with the gentle yet firm umami woven by the rice of the Ashigara Plain. Transforming the regional identity into the form of sake, this brand is a concentrated essence of Ashigara's terroir. Filled with deep local love and respect for nature, it offers a refreshing and passionate flavor profile.

Ryu is a special limited brand established in 2000 to pursue the infinite individuality of Japanese sake. Its name carries the meaning of 'surging upward,' reflecting an ambition to reach even greater heights while honoring the flagship 'Tanzawasan.' Its most defining feature is the refusal to blend, bottling sake from individual tanks to preserve and celebrate their unique character—much like a single-cask whisky. Connoisseurs are drawn to the dramatic, direct experience of the specific rice variety, terroir, and yeast profile of each distinct batch. As a 100% Junmai sake, Ryu offers a more refined sharpness and a robust umami that continues to captivate serious sake enthusiasts.

Tanzawasan is the legendary flagship brand of Kawanishiya Shuzoten and a monument to aged Junmai sake. Primarily using pristine meltwater from the Tanzawa Mountain range and local 'Wakamizu' rice nurtured through 30 years of partnership with local farmers, it purely expresses the philosophy: 'Sake enhances the food, and food enhances the sake.' Characterized by a mellow umami achieved through over a year of low-temperature aging and a supple acidity, its potential as 'kan-sake' (warmed sake) is overwhelming. Having won consecutive awards at major tasting competitions, it enjoys absolute trust from professional sommeliers and gourmets as the ultimate food-pairing sake.

Hotoku Musume is a sincere and warm brand that conveys the 'Hotoku' philosophy of Sontoku Ninomiya, the great sage born in the Ashigara region. Projecting the spirit of 'Diligence, Economy, and Sharing' taught by Ninomiya into the brewing process, it is finished as an unadorned yet resilient Junmai sake. Brewed with care using the rich waters of Tanzawa and the bounties of the land, its flavor is an offering that stays close to local history and culture. While it lacks flashy character, it possesses a profound sapor that seeps into the heart with every sip, making it an endearing cup that quietly speaks of regional pride and tradition.

Afuri, named after the alias of Mt. Oyama, 'Afuriyama,' is a global brand that opens a new chapter for Kikkawa Jozo. Its label features calligraphy by the high priest of the Oyama Afuri Shrine, symbolizing the blessings of the sacred mountain. Its defining feature is the unique 'minerality' derived from natural hard water with a hardness of 150. Recognized globally, it has won consecutive top awards, including Platinum at 'Kura Master' in France. Pursuing a refined aroma, beautiful texture, and perfect harmony with cuisine, Afuri aims for the pinnacle of modern Japanese sake.

Kikuyu is the traditional brand that has supported the foundation of Kikkawa Jozo, cherished by the people of Isehara since its inception. Specifically crafted using mineral-rich hard water from the sacred Mt. Oyama and meticulously handmade by artisans, it features a sturdy, resilient flavor profile unique to hard water, with a crisp finish. Its appeal lies in an enduring deliciousness perfect for daily evening drinks. Preserving the pride of being Isehara's sole brewery and walking alongside regional history, Kikuyu is a community-rooted sake that offers a sense of comfort and security akin to home.

Shirasasatsuzumi is the iconic brand of Kanei Shuzoten, named after the Shirasasa Inari Shrine, the guardian deity of Hadano City. The elegant name likens the sound of white bamboo leaves rustling in the wind to the beat of a 'tsuzumi' (hand drum), reflecting deep reverence for nature. Using the celebrated Hadano Basin spring water (one of Japan's 100 Best Waters) as its source, it is characterized by an incredibly mellow mouthfeel and a refreshing finish reminiscent of a cool breeze from the Tanzawa foothills. This flavor, a perfect harmony of local culture and famous water, is the pride of Hadano and has been healing the hearts of many for years.

MOZART is a brand by Kanei Shuzoten that evokes a mystical resonance between music and brewing. Based on the concept of 'local sake raised by Mozart's Lullaby,' it employs a unique 'musical brewing' method, playing Mozart's melodies to the fermentation tanks 24 hours a day. This is founded on research suggesting that musical rhythms and vibrations activate yeast, lending exceptional mellowness and harmony to the sake. The resulting flavor, a fusion of Hadano's famous spring water and the movements of the genius composer, is exceptionally elegant and well-balanced, attracting attention from enthusiasts worldwide as a cup that stimulates the senses.

Otoriizumi is an auspicious brand combining the 'Phoenix' (Otori), a mythical bird symbolizing a good omen, and 'Spring' (Izumi), the source of life. It carries the wish to be a spring as noble and pure as a phoenix emerging from the Tanzawa foothills. Utilizing the mineral-balanced spring water of the Hadano Basin, it simple and luxuriously draws out the best of its ingredients, resulting in a dignified and elegant character. Filled with refreshing and powerful vitality, it is a cup perfect for special occasions and celebratory gatherings.

Sasa no Tsuyu is a brand that expresses the purity of a single drop of dew resting on a bamboo leaf in the morning mist, linked to the legends of the Shirasasa Inari Shrine. Specialized in maximizing the translucent beauty of Hadano's famous water, it offers a light and vibrant mouthfeel. It provides an unblemished freshness, as if carrying a crystal of nature directly to your palate. Combining a modesty that does not interfere with food and a gentleness that seamlessly seeps into the body, it allows you to enjoy the pure beauty of Tanzawa's nature with all five senses.

Sogakari is a miraculous blended sake created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Echigo Kenshin SAKE Matsuri. In a luxurious and daring feat, all 14 breweries of the Takada branch provided their signature flagship brands to be unified in a single bottle. The name 'Sogakari' refers to Uesugi Kenshin's military tactic of an all-out coordinated charge, symbolizing the collective power and determination of every brewery involved. This flavor, an essence of the Joetsu region's brewing expertise, achieves a remarkable depth and harmony while allowing individual characters to resonate. It is a one-of-a-kind commemorative brand that celebrates a historical milestone and can never be reproduced.

Kurumagakari is a highly sought-after limited brand available exclusively at the Echigo Kenshin SAKE Matsuri. Its name is derived from the 'Kurumagakari no Jin' (Winding Wheel Formation), a famous tactical maneuver favored by the warlord Uesugi Kenshin, where troops are continuously rotated to maintain pressure. Reflecting this tactic, the brand features a unique production style where a different member brewery from the Takada branch takes a 'turn' to brew it each year. Because the brewer changes annually, fans can enjoy a different personality under the same 'Kurumagakari' label every year. Crafted primarily with Niigata-grown rice and filled with the passion of local brewers, this rare sake symbolizes the fervor of the festival and the strong bonds of the Joetsu community.

Choryo is the flagship brand of Takahashi Shuzo, bearing the elegant classical alias of Nagaoka City. It is brewed using the skills of traditional 'Echigo Toji' within the historic red-brick brewery, designated as a National Cultural Property. The flavor embodies the quintessential Niigata 'tanrei karakuchi' (light and dry) style—clean and crisp, yet revealing a subtle umami within its cool clarity. As a perfect companion to daily meals and a cup that narrates local history, Choryo carries the pride of Nagaoka into the modern era as a truly traditional local sake.