In Japan, there are a myriad of passionate breweries in pursuit of creating delicious alcoholic drinks. Here we feature a selection of 10 beverages ranging from Japanese sake to beer, shochu, and more, highly recommended by att.JAPAN’s most passionate drink-loving editor! In recent years, many Japanese liquor stores and bars have come to offer a vast selection of alcohol drinks from all over Japan, so be sure to stop by if you ever get the chance.
Writer: S.K.
I love to drink while travelling, and I also drink every day at home!
“KUNIMARE” KUNIMARE Sake Brewery
【Japanese sake】【Hokkaido】
Located in the Hokkaido town of Mashike, KUNIMARE is Japan’s northernmost sake brewery. “KUNIMARE,” its signature label, offers a refreshing feeling as it passes down the throat and umami you can’t get enough of.
Of course, it pairs perfectly with Hokkaido’s famous seafood dishes. It is sold at souvenir shops around Hokkaido and at airports.
【Gin】【Hokkaido】
This craft gin originates from the majestic land of the Shakotan Peninsula in the west of Hokkaido. It is made from plants grown in a herb garden without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Most notable for its strong scent, you’ll be astonished by the floral fragrance that unfolds the second you open the bottle!
【Wine】【Miyagi】
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this winery is located in Taiwa Town, Miyagi, where the environment is perfect for viticulture. Their pursuit of perfection begins at the vineyard, and they have even won multiple awards. The five items of the “La serié” series, released in 2023 and made solely with grapes from their vineyard, are dry white wine distinguished for its rich aroma and fruitiness. Among the series, I especially recommend trying “La serié 美 Chardonnay 2023”!
(The kanji “美” on the label is pronounced “Mi,” meaning “beauty.”)
Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery
【Whisky】【Saitama Prefecture】
Chichibu Distillery, world-famous for Ichiro’s Malt, produces whiskey in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. “Ichiro’s Malt & Grain,” another widely favored product, has a light, lustrous, fruity scent that becomes richer in sweetness over time. You can enjoy it straight, on the rocks, as a highball, or mixed with warm water in the wintertime.
【Shochu】【Tokyo】
This shochu is beloved by the locals of Hachijojima Island roughly 287 km south of central Tokyo. Its fruity scent and lightness pair well with food. “Nasakeshima Imo” is made with barley koji (fermented grain), delivering a hint of barley as you imbibe this imo shochu (sweet potato shochu). It is also available in liquor stores and izakayas in central Tokyo.
【Beer】【Yamanashi】 The beer produced by UCHU BREWING, a brand originating from farmhouse brewing, is the epitome of fruity and juicy flavor. It possesses a creaminess that contains the delicious bitterness of hop. It goes down surprisingly well despite its 10% alcohol content, so drinkers beware!
【ビール】【三重県】
This brewery is located in Ise, Mie Prefecture, under the concept of “a secret beer you’ll only want to share with those closest to you.” They offer a diverse lineup, including beer made from local and in-house produce. My favorite is “GATE 6,” a beer showcasing the woody scent of hinoki (Japanese cypress). Plus, the packaging is cute!
【Japanese sake】【Kyoto】
Sake-making has long flourished in Kyoto, and SASAKI SHUZO has continued making sake for over 130 years in the city center. The signature “Jurakudai” presents a soft and elegant flavor that is a wonderful accompaniment to food. You can also try tasting various types of sake at the brewery.
【Japanese sake】【Saga】
Japanese Sake Nabeshima Brewery Fukuchiyo-Shuzo welcomed its 100th anniversary in 2023. The Nabeshima label was created in 1998 by the third-generation owner, winning the most prestigious “Champion Sake” award in 2011 at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world’s largest sake quality competition. In 2021, Fukuchiyo-Shuzo opened Japan’s first sake brewery-owned auberge, Onyado Fukuchiyo. In 2023, they also opened a directly-managed cafe, ever-evolving to spread sake throughout the world.
【Shochu】【Kagoshima】
This sake brewery is located in Kagoshima, Japan’s “shochu kingdom.” One of its most famous sakes, sunny cream, contains hints of banana and melon to create a fruity flavor that’s unique for an imo shochu. You can make it ice cold and enjoy it on the rocks, or mix it with sparkling water. Even if you don’t like imo shochu, give it a try!
I am Sana, born in Tokyo. I love travelling, dancing, drinking, very spicy food, sauna, thrill rides at amusement parks, camera, and monozukuri(handcraft), which tells me that I am curious about many things. There are more than 1,500 spots/places on my travel bucket list. I am going to provide information while enjoying myself!
