The water of Ojiro River, one of the 100 best sources of water in Japan, originates in the 9,000-feet Mt. Kaikoma. After it travels through the cleansing layers of granite then it enters the Daigahara area where it becomes even more pure under the clean air and severe cold winter. The water, air and natural features were the prime reasons why the founder, Ihei Kitahara, chose this region for brewing in the 18th century.