Sake
Recommendations

Yucho Shuzo 油長酒造 · Nara Prefecture

This well-balanced sake is characterized by a silky texture, a taste reminiscent of rich fruits such as pears and white peaches, and a refreshing gaseous sensation, thanks to its hard water, which is rare in Japan. Even seasoned sake lovers approve of this sake.

Imanishi Shuzo 今西酒造 · Nara Prefecture

There are two types from this brewery: “Mimurosugi” in kanji, and “Mimurosugi Roman Series” in hiragana — the hiragana version is recommended for beginners. The moderate sweetness and lightness of this sake make it as comfortable to drink as a soft drink.

Kame-izumi Shuzo 亀泉酒造 · Kochi Prefecture

Made with a yeast called “CEL-24” developed in Kochi Prefecture, this sake has been overwhelmingly popular among beginners for years. It has a gorgeous pineapple-like aroma and a juice-like sweetness that may overturn your image of sake.

Ichinokura 一ノ蔵 · Miyagi Prefecture

“Himezen” is a super-sweet sake created in 1988, ahead of its time, and “Suzune” is a sparkling sake. The alcohol content is about 8%, roughly half that of ordinary sake.

Kame-no-i Shuzo 亀の井酒造 · Yamagata Prefecture

The average rice polishing ratio is as high as 50%, and most of the brewery's sake is made from rice polished to Ginjo standards. The Kyokai No. 10 yeast used produces a refreshing fruity aroma reminiscent of pears and pineapples.

Kiyasho Shuzo 木屋正酒造 · Mie Prefecture

Since its appearance in the 2000s, Jikon has gained a reputation among sake lovers and is now a popular brand that's hard to beat. The refreshing aroma combined with layers of delicate umami leaves a happy aftertaste on the palate.

Sumikawa Shuzo 澄川酒造 · Yamaguchi Prefecture

Characterized by a fruity aroma and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar). The moderate acidity and umami linger like a white wine — hard to believe it's made from rice. Once you drink it, you won't forget it.

Miya-izumi Meijo 宮泉銘醸 · Fukushima Prefecture

One of the most famous premium sake brands. They use a variety of rice, but every bottle brings out its fullest potential — fruity and full-flavored, juicy yet crisp, with an addictive taste.

Gekkeikan 月桂冠 · Kyoto Prefecture

Smells like freshly picked fruit. With the R&D resources of a major producer, they use their own yeast to express real fruit aroma and flavor rather than added flavoring. Comes in three varieties: peach, grape, and melon.