Kiminoi Shuzo (君の井酒造株式会社)
Kiminoi Shuzo is a sake brewery in Myoko, Niigata, on the old Hokkoku Kaido road in Arai-juku, making sake with a focus on the yamahai method. It was founded in 1842.
What kind of brewery is Kiminoi Shuzo?
The brewery dates its founding to 1842, based on a sake-brewing permit from the Takada domain, since older records were lost in a large fire. Until 1951 it operated as Tanaka Shuho, and successive heads took the name Daigoro. In the early Showa era the second Daigoro introduced enamel tanks in 1928 and vertical rice polishers for higher polishing, and built a reinforced concrete brewery in 1929. The current brewing building dates from 1967, and in 1992 the rice polisher was computerized.
- Style
- The brewery has long practiced yamahai brewing using natural lactic acid bacteria.
- Other
- It nurtures lactic acid bacteria living in the brewery to make its starter, calling this kuratsuki lactic acid brewing.
- Water
- The area has abundant groundwater, including subsurface flow of the Yashiro River from the foot of Mt. Myoko.
Can you visit Kiminoi Shuzo?
- Tours
Brewery tours are self-guided from 9:00 to 16:00, free, with no booking needed for individuals and tasting available. Groups of 15 or more must book by phone.
- Shop
Sake can be bought at the shop, and shipping is available.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go. Official website
Other brewery tours in Niigata
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: kiminoi.com
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 3 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025.
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).