Ryozeki Syuzo Co., Ltd.
Akita- 代表銘柄
- Hanamura
- 酒蔵について
- The founder of the company is said to be "Niemon," who came from the province of Kaga (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture) around the end of the Warring States Period to the beginning of the Edo Period, and is still called "Kaga-nin" in Yuzawa today. Initially, he was an oil merchant, but later he also brewed miso. Ryoseki Sake Brewery was originally founded in 1874 by Ito Niemon Shouten. The name Ryoseki is said to have come from the association with the sake brand Masamune (Masamune = authentic), which was named by a sword connoisseur doctor during the reign of Niemon VIII, who wanted the sake to be both the famous sword of the east, Masamune, and the sword of the west, Munechika, and the sword of the east and west, Ozeki. During the Meiji Era (around 1880s) under Niemon VII, the demand for sake increased due to the prosperity of the Innai Ginzan (silver mine), However, since the mainstream was dominated by the major breweries in Nada and Fushimi (Kobe and Kyoto), he decided to brew sake as well in order to compete with them. He decided to brew sake to compete with the major breweries in Nada and Fushimi (Kobe and Kyoto). He had his younger brother Tadakichi, who became Niemon VIII, study sake brewing to improve the quality of sake. Since then, the brewery has trained its own brewing engineers without bringing in a toji (master brewer) from outside the brewery. Furthermore, around the end of the Meiji period, when the Ou Main Line was fully completed and the influx of Nada sake became significant, Niemon IX and Tadayoshi II developed their own "low-temperature long-term brewing method" and "Ito style skylight" through their blood-curdling efforts. As a result, they won numerous awards, including the first prize at the first National Sake Competition. The Ryoseki style was actively opened up to the public, and the Ryoseki style became the Akita style and the Tohoku style, influencing sake brewing in the Tohoku region and brewing methods in cold regions. Since then, Ryoseki has been trying to unify itself with the local community by carrying on the good old traditions with the primary goal of improving the quality of sake, while taking on the challenge of new challenges.
酒蔵情報
- 見学時間
- Weekdays 9:00-11:00, 13:30-15:30 (reservation required up to 3 days in advance)
- 見学定休日
- Brewing period (Nov-Apr), Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, 8/13-8/15, 12/31-1/4 (prior confirmation required)
- 売店営業時間
- 9:00-11:30, 13:30-16:00
- 売店定休日
- Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, 8/13-8/15, 12/31-1/4 (prior confirmation required)
地元おすすめの飲食店
This renowned restaurant is located in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, home to Ryokan Brewery. It offers a selection of favorites for sake enthusiasts, including sashimi and sushi curated with the owner’s discerning eye—dishes beloved by locals—as well as oden with rich, deeply infused flavors. A truly exquisite experience awaits, where you can enjoy the finest cuisine paired with Ryokan sake.
The owner, who trained at a sake brewery, has traveled across the country visiting breweries and discovered a rich selection of over 200 varieties of sake—both famous and lesser-known—each representing a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. From ways to enjoy sake that draw on his knowledge and experience, to the world of “transformed” sake created through unique “training” methods such as leaving it at room temperature, exposing it to the open air, and creating original blends, you can fully savor a wide range of new experiences in the world of sake.
Located in Sanno, Akita City, this snack bar is the perfect spot to enjoy Akita’s sake. It has become a hidden gem frequented by local brewers. Though it’s a snack bar, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the lively, iconic owner, along with her homemade dishes and her recommended selection of Akita sake.
This popular local spot offers a wide selection of sake from both within and outside Akita Prefecture, perfect for enjoying alongside hearty dishes. The sheer volume of handwritten sake menus covering the walls is truly impressive, captivating the hearts of sake enthusiasts. It is truly a mecca for Akita sake, where you can fully savor warm, homemade dishes and a curated selection of sake to your heart’s content.
This popular local spot serves 50 varieties of sake in traditional moki-kiri style. In addition to sake, you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Akita. It’s a renowned establishment where you can lose track of time while savoring the food and sake in its charming atmosphere.
This izakaya serves carefully prepared charcoal-grilled yakitori, the comforting flavors of home that Akita natives love, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, and fresh fish sourced from the local market—all of which delight both local and out-of-town guests. You can also casually enjoy pairings with a variety of sake, primarily from Akita breweries.
Located in Akita’s bustling “Kawabatamachi” district, this izakaya offers a selection of sake from all 35 breweries in Akita Prefecture. From standard offerings to limited-edition varieties, you can savor a wide range of Akita sake here. Renovated in 2023, it has become a cozy spot where you can enjoy sake alongside traditional home-style dishes.
地元おすすめの宿
Located at an elevation of 1,126 meters above sea level, this hot spring resort is situated in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park and offers a rich natural setting.
Renovated Showa-era famous inn in Akinomiya Onsenkyo, Akita's oldest hot spring resort. It is a high-quality hot-spring inn surrounded by nature.
A hot spring inn surrounded by nature near Lake Tazawa. You can enjoy local cuisine and sake at the adjacent Aokian.