Nikka Whisky Yoichi, which became famous thanks to an NHK television drama series, and Sapporo Beer, a nationally renowned manufacturer.

When you think of alcohol from Hokkaido, you might have a strong image of Western-style liquors.

However, Hokkaido, which has recently become famous as a rice-producing region, also has many delicious sake varieties.

So, this time, we've picked out seven Japanese sakes that make great souvenirs.
We will also introduce the characteristics of each sake brewery.

<Table of Contents>
1. Otokoyama / Otokoyama Co., Ltd.
2. Kunimare / Kunimare Sake Brewery
3. Kita no Homare / Godo Shusei
4. Chitose Tsuru (Japanese sake)
5. Kinteki / Kinteki Sake Brewery
6. Daisetsu/Takasago Brewery
7. Kita no Katsu / Usui Katsusaburo Shoten
Final thoughts

Yamazaki Shuzo, the predecessor of Otokoyama Co., Ltd., is a historic sake brewery founded in 1887.

We have a sake brewery in Asahikawa City, located in the central part of Hokkaido, near the Daisetsuzan Mountains.

Therefore, they use groundwater from the melted snow of Mount Daisetsu for the water they use in their brewing process.

Otokoyama produces many brands of sake, but their most representative product, "Otokoyama Junmai Daiginjo," was the first sake to win a gold medal at the Monde Selection in 1977.

Many of these beers have a crisp, light, and dry taste, and their refreshing flavor pairs well with meals.

Kunimare Brewery has been brewing sake for many years in Mashike Town, located about two hours north of Sapporo by car.
This is the northernmost sake brewery in Japan.

The water used in this preparation comes from groundwater flowing from the snow remaining on Mount Shokanbetsu.

Apparently, part of the rice used as an ingredient is "Ginpu," a sake rice grown in the local town of Mashike.

The brewery of Kunimare Sake Brewery is open almost all year round, allowing visitors to observe the sake-making process.

Inside the brewery, you can not only see the manufacturing process but also sample the sake, so we recommend finding your favorite sake in this area and then enjoying shopping at the gift shop.

Kunimare Sake Brewery offers a wide variety of sake, from premium daiginjo to cloudy sake, and it is available at various restaurants throughout Hokkaido, as well as commonly found in souvenir shops and supermarkets.

However, some products made with local rice can only be purchased in Mashike Town, so be sure to check them out when you visit Mashike Town.

Godo Shusei is a company that has factories in two cities: Asahikawa and Tomakomai.

They produce not only sake, but also wine and shochu.

Kita no Homare was originally brewed at Kita no Homare Shuzo in Otaru, but after being absorbed by Godo Shusei, it is now brewed at their Asahikawa factory.

Kita no Homare offers a wide variety of sake, from the Junmai Daiginjo Nishin Goten to the Oyagami Nigori Sake, but you shouldn't miss their Junmai Nama-zake, which offers a fresh taste because it hasn't been heat-treated.

Nippon Seishu Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery located in Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido.

The Chitose Tsuru Sake Museum, which is open to visitors almost all year round, features exhibits, a tasting corner, a gift shop, and even a rest area where you can enjoy coffee brewed with the sake's water, making it a great option even for those who don't like alcohol.

Chitose Tsuru sake is sold in souvenir shops and supermarkets throughout Hokkaido, and can also be enjoyed at izakayas (Japanese pubs), but if you want to enjoy a variety of flavors, we recommend visiting the brewery's own store.
There are plenty of snacks that pair well with Chitosetsuru sake.

Shintotsukawa Town, where Kinteki Brewery is located, was founded by migrants from Totsukawa Village in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, which was damaged by a major flood in 1889.

When settlement first began, there were many hardships, and it is said that they made a vow not to drink alcohol except on anniversaries and holidays.

The person who initiated the founding of Kinteki Sake Brewery was one of those settlers.
Later, as the harvest from the fields increased, the consumption of alcohol was finally legalized, and sake brewing began.

Besides Kinteki, named after the brewery itself, Kinteki Sake Brewery produces many other sake items that make great souvenirs, such as the sake commemorating the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen (pictured) and Yukiguni no Daruma, which comes in a snowman-shaped container.

[Image shows seasonal snow-aged sake]
Takasago Brewery was founded in 1899 under the name Kohiyama Brewery.

This sake brewery is located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, a city known for its large temperature fluctuations.

Meiji Sake Brewery, a sake brewery built during the Meiji era, offers factory tours and a shop where you can purchase sake, sake lees, and related goods.

Takasago Brewery produces a variety of sakes, including rare limited-edition and seasonal varieties, as well as sake fermented for extended periods at low temperatures using a method called "ice-temperature storage."

The last brewery we'll introduce is Usui Katsusaburo Shoten, located in Nemuro City, in eastern Hokkaido.

Nemuro City, located on the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, is said to be a suitable region for sake brewing due to its stable climate.

Founded in 1887, this brewery has been practicing sake brewing based on fundamental principles for over 100 years.

Usui Katsusaburo Shoten's flagship product is Kita no Katsu.
There are three types: Honjozo, Houou, and Taikai.

While it's available at numerous souvenir shops, department stores, and supermarkets throughout Hokkaido, this is a drink best enjoyed with seafood at a restaurant in Nemuro City.

We introduced some of Hokkaido's leading sake brands and breweries.

Many sake breweries offer tours of their brewery and museums.
When you visit the towns where each of these sake breweries is located, why not stop by and check them out?

While there are many types of sake brewed in Hokkaido, the ones I've introduced here are all easily available at souvenir shops and supermarkets.

Not only is it a great accompaniment to Hokkaido's gourmet food, but please also consider picking it up as a souvenir.

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