Takagi Shuzo (高木酒造株式会社)

Where to buy

What kind of brewery is it?

The brewery was founded in 1884 (Meiji 17) by Kumatarō Takagi's family as a sake business. The second generation acquired the Toyonoume name, and in Shōwa 14 (1939) the company was renamed Toyonoume Shuzo before becoming Takagi Shuzo. In 1993 a veteran toji joined the brewery, and from 1995 the fifth-generation head began brewing with him. The fifth generation became toji in 2007, and the sixth generation has held the toji role since 2019. In 2026 the Toyonoume brand was refreshed under the concept of a fragrant sake that carries the festival spirit of Tosa.

What makes it distinct

Water

Brewing water is groundwater from the Monobe River.

Ingredients

The brewery uses mainly Kochi-grown sake rice varieties.

Yeast

The brewery uses Kochi yeast, strains bred by the Kochi prefectural industrial technology center.

Style

The aim is a fragrant sake that is easy to keep drinking.

Master brewer

The fifth-generation head became toji in 2007, and the sixth generation has been toji since 2019.

Also

The brewery also makes Tosa Space Sake using yeast that travelled to space.

Visiting

• Tours
• Shop

Brewery visits are not accepted during the brewing season and must be booked at least one week ahead. Groups of 15 or more pay an entry fee of 5000 yen per bus. Tasting sales are available, but visitors are asked to check in advance.

Compiled with AI from public pages, mainly the brewery’s own site (not yet checked by the brewery)Sources: toyonoume.com

Japan Sake Awards

A prize-winner in 6 of the 9 contests from brewing year 2017 to 2025, with a gold prize in 3.

1. Brewing year 2025Prize (nyusho)豊能梅PDF
2. Brewing year 2024Gold prize豊能梅PDF
3. Brewing year 2023Gold prize豊能梅PDF
4. Brewing year 2021Prize (nyusho)豊能梅PDF
5. Brewing year 2020Prize (nyusho)豊能梅PDF
6. Brewing year 2017Gold prize豊能梅PDF

Source: the prize lists of the Japan Sake Awards (National Research Institute of Brewing and Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association).