Kita Shuzo (喜多酒造株式会社)
Kita Shuzo is a sake brewery in Kashihara, Nara, making the Miyokiku and Rihei brands, including sake brewed by the traditional mizumoto method. It was founded in 1718.
What kind of brewery is Kita Shuzo?
The first Kita Rihei began brewing in Yamato Gobo village in 1718. In 1940 the brewery was relocated to its present site because of the Kashihara Shrine expansion works. The Miyokiku sake dates from 1959, the company was established in 1961, Hakuju was released in 1992, the ginjo brewery was rebuilt in 1996, and Rihei was released in 2006.
- Style
- The mizumoto Miyokiku is a junmai ginjo that recreates an old method using the action of lactic acid bacteria. Rihei is a junmai ginjo genshu fermented fully to reach 20% alcohol.
- Yeast
- One sake uses the Nara Uruwashi yeast, derived from Shoryakuji temple.
- Master brewer
- On tours the president, who is also the toji, guides visitors through the brewery.
Can you visit Kita Shuzo?
- Tours
Tours require advance booking and a fee. Individual tours run on irregular dates and are not held from November to February.
- ShopOffered
- Tasting & food
The latest notice lists Saturdays 10 and 24 October and 7 November 2026 at 14:00 (about 1 hour), 1,100 yen per person, with tasting and a souvenir sake cup.
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: miyokiku.com
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 5 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).