Watanabesahei SAKE BREWERY

We EXPORT

WATANABESAHEI SAKE BREWERY

180 Years of Brewing Excellence in Nikko

Our Heritage

私たちの歩み
1842年（江戸時代末期）創業。世界遺産・日光連山のふもとに位置する当蔵は、現在七代目にわたってその伝統を受け継いでいます。私たちは歴史を重んじるだけでなく、英語での酒蔵見学や温かなおもてなしを通じて、世界中から訪れるお客様との絆を大切にしています。

Founded in 1842, our 7th-generation brewery sits at the foot of the UNESCO Nikko mountains. We bridge history and hospitality, welcoming international guests with English tours and a warm atmosphere.

The Junmai Specialist

純米酒へのこだわり
50年前から、私たちは米・米麹・水のみで醸す「純米酒」の造りに心血を注いできました。現在、全製造量の90％が純米酒という、全国的にも極めて珍しい取り組みを行っています。この純粋な造りへのこだわりが、お米本来の豊かで深みのある味わいを生み出すのです。

For 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to Junmaishu (pure rice sake). Today, 90% of our production is Junmai—a rare commitment to purity that ensures a rich, authentic flavor.

Local Terroir

この土地ならではの味わい
私たちのお酒は、日光の自然そのものです。日光連山から湧き出るまろやかな伏流水と、原料米の90％を占める地元産の米。この土地の恵みを最大限に活かすことで、日光のエッセンスを閉じ込めたような、滑らかで澄んだ口当たりを実現しています。

Our sake defines the region. We use soft subsoil water from the Nikko range and 90% of the rice we use is locally grown, which creates a smooth taste that captures the essence of our land.

Export Inquiries
Visiting Watanabesahei Sake Brewery during the Water tour in Tochigi
Brewer making sake at Watanabesahei Sake Brewery nearby Tokyo
Old photo of Watanabesahei Shoten Sake Brewery

OUR HISTORY

Our brewery was founded in 1842 at the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), and has been producing sake for about 180 years. The current owner is the seventh generation of our family.

For the past 50 years, our brewery has focused on Junmaishu, pure rice sake. Currently, about 90% of the sake we produce is Junmaishu, which is rare in Japan.

当蔵は江戸時代末期の1842年に創業し、約180年にわたり酒造りを続けてまいりました。現在の当主で七代目を数えます。 この50年間、私たちは米と米麹のみで造る「純米酒」にこだわり続けてきました。現在、製造する日本酒の約90％が純米酒であり、これは日本国内でも珍しい取り組みです。

Old photo of Watanabesahei Shoten Sake Brewery

OUR water and rice

For brewing, we use groundwater from the Daiya River, which flows from the Nikko mountain range to produce soft, smooth tasting sake. Our water is pumped from a well on the premises that has been in use since the company was founded.

90% of the rice we use for brewing is grown in Tochigi Prefecture, and 60% of that comes from the local Nikko area.

仕込み水には、日光連山を源流とし、世界遺産日光を流れることでも知られる大谷川の伏流水を使用しています。この水のおかげで、まろやかで口当たりの良いお酒に仕上がります。使用しているのは、創業当時から大切に使い続けている敷地内の井戸から汲み上げた清冽な水です。

また、原料米へのこだわりも徹底しており、全体の9割に栃木県産米を使用。さらにそのうちの6割は、地元・日光の豊かな土地で育ったお米を取り入れています。

Brewer making sake at Watanabesahei Sake Brewery nearby Tokyo

Countries we export to

We are honored to distribute our signature Junmai sake to partners and customers in the following countries.
Canadian Flag

Canada

Flag of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Flag of Singapore

Singapore

Our Awards

We are proud to share a selection of the domestic and international awards our brewery has recently received.

2025 - Gold Medal

2024 - Gold Medal

2025 - Gold Medal

2024 - Platinum Award

2023 - PGold Medal

2023 - Commended

2022 - Commended

2021 - Gold Medal

2020 - Gold Medal

Our Products

With over 90% of our production dedicated to Junmaishu (pure rice sake), our lineup showcases the unadulterated umami of local Tochigi rice and the pristine water of Nikko.

Junmai Daiginjo Seikai Genshu 40%

Our flagship sake, crafted from Yamada Nishiki rice polished down to 40%. It features a velvety mouthfeel and a gorgeous, floral aroma. A top choice among our international guests.

Junmai Ginjo Nikkohomare

Our classic Junmai Ginjo, brewed with locally grown rice and Tochigi’s signature yeast. It offers a crisp, clean finish. We feature three distinct rice varieties for you to compare: Yumesasara, Omachi, and Gohyakumangoku.

Junmai Genshu Kizake Nikko-homare

Kimoto Junmai Sontoku

A Junmai sake crafted using the traditional "Kimoto" method, a centuries-old technique that relies on natural lactic acid. Delicious when chilled, but we also highly recommend serving it gently warmed (Nurukan). Its earthy complexity makes it surprisingly versatile with Western cuisine.

Tokubetsu Honjozo Nikko-homare 25 Years Aged

This exclusive vintage has been carefully aged for 25 years. While many aged sakes are bold, this one remains elegantly smooth and drinkable. Its rich depth makes it a perfect companion for the bold flavors of Western dishes and savory Chinese cuisine.

Global Partnership & Export Inquiries

We are looking for partners to share the taste of our sake with the world. Please reach out for distribution and export details.

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