Toshimaya Brewery is one of the many pearls that Nagano has to offer. The brewery, founded in 1891, is located on the mystical Suwa Lake and with only 1700 Koku of traditionally made sake, it is a typical artisan brewery. The sake is brewed under the leadership of Toji Komatsu Yukio who follows the course of the current young president.
The water from Mount Hachi Buse used for sake brewing is fully in line with the brewing techniques in which the amount of magnesium, potassium in the water and the influence on the yeast starter have been carefully considered. The rice that is used is grown locally by contract rice farmers, so there is an enormous connection between the suppliers of the rice and the brewer. Depending on the sake that is brewed, the perfect rice that fits with this has been looked at. The pride in the suppliers is also reflected in the reception and tasting room where almost all photos rice farmers are on display.
In addition to the well-known sake rice varieties such as Miyama-nishiki, Yamada-nishiki, Kinmon-nishiki, the use of local varieties such as Takene-nishiki, Shirakaba-nishiki and Hitogokochi is used.
A unique brewery with a rare collection of Samurai Armor in a hidden private museum. The brewery wins gold medals at the International Wine Challenge almost every year.
Miwatari Karakuchi Junmai is a beautiful dry sake with a powerful full taste where a lot of Umami predominates. Roasted grains, banana, steamed rice and dairy in the smell. The somewhat fat aftertaste lingers nicely.It is a typical locally brewed sake, made with 100% Hitogokochi from Nagano Prefecture. Surprising possibilities to serve with different dishes through variation of serving temperature. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Made with premium Kamiwatari sake as its base, this plumwine is generously infused with 100% domestically grown ume and slowly aged for depth and balance. The result is smooth, refined and aromatic, with rich plum, apricot and ume notes, a silky texture and an elegant finish.A beautiful choice for wine lovers who enjoy ripe fruit, soft acidity and a rounded, luxurious style.
It is brewed as a sake that pairs well with both Japanese and French cuisine. "Pétillant" refers to the light small bubbles in the sake created by the natural carbon dioxide produced during fermentation which are s retained in the bottle. An elegant aroma, with notes of white peach, pear, lychee, currants, and a hint of marshmallow. On the palate, a pleasant, natural, delicate carbonation. Reminiscent of young full bodied wine, it has a slight minerality, followed by a soft sweetness like ripe stone fruit with round, umami rice notes. A slightly peppery spice lingers on the palate, with a lingering finish. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Made with premium Kamiwatari sake as its base, this plumwine is generously infused with 100% domestically grown ume and slowly aged for depth and balance. The result is smooth, refined and aromatic, with rich plum, apricot and ume notes, a silky texture and an elegant finish.A beautiful choice for wine lovers who enjoy ripe fruit, soft acidity and a rounded, luxurious style.
Miwatari Karakuchi Junmai is a beautiful dry sake with a powerful full taste where a lot of Umami predominates. Roasted grains, banana, steamed rice and dairy in the smell. The somewhat fat aftertaste lingers nicely.It is a typical locally brewed sake, made with 100% Hitogokochi from Nagano Prefecture. Surprising possibilities to serve with different dishes through variation of serving temperature. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Miwatari Junmai Nama Genshu is one of the special seasonal products that Toshimaya makes. Small badges that have already been sold on pre-registration. Depending on the time of year, the sake may or may not be pasteurized. This sake was made in Japan during the cold period and is therefore not pasteurized. The result is enormous vibrancy, a glass that changes every moment and continues to amaze spectacularly. Beauty and character with a nice balance that produces an endless finish. This sake comes into its own when it is drunk well chilled in a wine glass.
It is brewed as a sake that pairs well with both Japanese and French cuisine. "Pétillant" refers to the light small bubbles in the sake created by the natural carbon dioxide produced during fermentation which are s retained in the bottle. An elegant aroma, with notes of white peach, pear, lychee, currants, and a hint of marshmallow. On the palate, a pleasant, natural, delicate carbonation. Reminiscent of young full bodied wine, it has a slight minerality, followed by a soft sweetness like ripe stone fruit with round, umami rice notes. A slightly peppery spice lingers on the palate, with a lingering finish.
Houka Black Label Junmai Daiginjo is a classic example of pure rich flavoured Junmai Daiginjo sake. In the nose lots of fruit like melon, peach, strawberry, blueberry. Great juicy pallet where all the flavors from the nose coming back, with a refined touch of acidity balancing the light sweetness. The finish is full of rolling acidity giving it a desired long pleasant finish. Enjoy this sake cold in a wine glass. Best served with a traditional Kaiseki meal, awesome with pasta dishes. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Miwatari Connection Wine Barrel Aged Junmai Ginjo is another example of a perfect marriage between wine and sake. The sake is aged for 6 months in oak barrels that previously contained Merlot grapes. The result is stunning, a beautiful light rosé colour, lots of red fruit clearly in line with the scent of a typical beautiful Merlot wine. Soft tannins, lots of umami and a wide spectrum of flavours and scents complete this sake that has an intriguing and long finish. The sake is a unique accompaniment to light meat dishes but can also be drunk alone. It is best to serve this sake cold in a Bordeaux glass or sake glass. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Miwatari Exclusive Karakuchi Junmai Daiginjo is a special edition of the dry exclusive Junmai Daiginjo sake from Toshimaya from Nagano of which only a small badge has been made. In the nose impressions of strawberry, raspberry and pineapple. On the pallet, the enormous diversity of flavors stands out with bay leaf, licorice and anise, the aftertaste is subtle and lingers nicely. Delicious to drink on its own, but certainly also an excellent accompaniment to creamy cheese. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Miwatari Zodiac 'Lucky Horse 2026' Junmai is a limited edition made for the year of the horse (according to the Chinese zodiac (Shengxiao)). Every year, the famous artisanal Toshimaya brewery in Nagano makes a special sake in a unique bottle in the shape of the current year of a particular animal that corresponds to the animal that is central to the Chinese zodiac. The sake itself is of a special Junmai quality that can certainly age. An elegant bouquet with many notes of malted grain, roasted grain and some dairy. For a Junmai, a lot of complexity, sophistication and layers. Nice full pallet with refined acid which immediately gives some elegance. Delicious long aftertaste. Enjoy this sake cold in a wine glass. The bottle is not only a collector's item, a unique gift and a beautiful statue to keep, it is also a delicious sake to drink before you put it in a beautiful place.Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Houka Junmai Daiginjo is a very subtle refined sake with a silky smooth taste, a round pallet and a perfect balance between all the elegant flavor notes. Lots of fruit in the nose, with peach, melon and white pear standing out. On the pallet is a velvet texture with many layers of different flavors. The finish is refreshing and particularly long. Perfect to enjoy cold in the special Sophienwald sake glass with your best friends or close family. The sake comes in a special wooden gift box. Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.
Houka Vintage 2025 Junmai Daiginjo is a limited-edition sake with only around 428 bottles released, presented in an elegantly designed 720ml bottle. Brewed from three sake rice varieties grown in Nagano Prefecture—Kinmon Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Takane Nishiki—it carries the signature of the brewery’s pasteurisation method, which preserves a subtle gassy character. The sake is then aged for about six months at low temperature, developing into a refined and distinguished Junmai Daiginjo.Toshimaya Brewery in Nagano has been producing artisanal sake since 1891 on the shores of the mystical Suwa Lake. With an annual production of just 1700 koku, it is a true craft brewery led by Toji Komatsu Yukio and guided by the vision of the young president. The brewery uses water sourced from Mount Hachi Buse, carefully balancing minerals such as magnesium and potassium to suit the yeast starter. The rice is cultivated locally by contracted farmers, creating a strong bond between the growers and the brewer, a connection proudly celebrated in the tasting room where the farmers’ portraits are displayed. Alongside classic rice types like Miyama Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki and Kinmon Nishiki, local varieties including Takane Nishiki, Shirakaba Nishiki and Hitogokochi are also used. The brewery is further distinguished by a private collection of Samurai armour housed in a hidden museum and has earned repeated gold medals at the International Wine Challenge.