Iwate Meijo (岩手銘醸株式会社)
Iwate Meijo is a sake brewery in Maezawa, Oshu City, Iwate, producing brands such as Iwatehomare, Oshu no Ryu and Okuroku. It was founded in 1858.
What kind of brewery is Iwate Meijo?
The brewery began in 1858. Two local makers in Maezawa, Oikawa Shuzoten and Yoshida Shuzoten, later jointly formed the company, and the Iwatehomare brand was born. From 2017 it has used only Iwate-grown rice, and the export-oriented Oshu no Ryu series started that year. In 2023 it launched Okuroku for specialty retailers, made with kimoto and yamahai methods.
- Ingredients
- All rice is from Iwate; premium grades use rice contract-grown in Oshu, Kanegasaki and Hiraizumi.
- Style
- Aims for food-friendly sake with a gentle aroma and balanced acidity and sweetness.
Can you visit Iwate Meijo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are by reservation through a booking site. The tour is free; tasting costs 500 yen for two sakes with a mini cup. Brewing takes place only in winter. Drivers and minors cannot taste.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: iwate-meijo.com
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 4 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 2.
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).