Kitanohana Shuzojo (合資会社喜多の華酒造場)
Kitanohana Shuzojo is a sake brewery in Kitakata, Fukushima, founded in 1919, focused on dry junmai sake such as Kuradaiko and Kitanohana.
What kind of brewery is Kitanohana Shuzojo?
Kitanohana Shuzojo was founded in 1919 (Taisho 8) under the brand Hoshi Masamune and revived after the war as Kitanohana. It is one of the younger breweries in Kitakata. A turning point came when it first made junmai sake after the previous owner died, and it has since concentrated on dry junmai. It uses Aizu rice and secures low-pesticide sake rice with a local farmers' group. A generational change is under way, with the fourth-generation Rie Hoshi as owner and toji. Tours are free, include tastings and need a reservation.
- Ingredients
- Aizu rice, including low-pesticide sake rice grown with local farmers
- Style
- Clean, dry junmai that stays easy to drink
- Master brewer
- Fourth-generation owner and toji Rie Hoshi
Can you visit Kitanohana Shuzojo?
- Tours
Tours are free, guided, with tastings; reserve in advance (up to three days before).
- Shop
A shop is on site.
Hours and booking rules change, so check before you go.
Other brewery tours in Fukushima
Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)
Japan Sake Awards
A prize-winner in 5 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 3.
- Gold prizeきたのはなPDF
- Prize (nyusho)純米大吟醸 きたのはなPDF
- Gold prize大吟醸 きたのはなPDF
- Prize (nyusho)大吟醸 きたのはなPDF
- Gold prize大吟醸 きたのはなPDF
Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).