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Meet the Brewery
Kizakura
Utilizing Kyoto’s legendary subterranean water, this innovative brewery crafts approachable, premium sake perfect for daily enjoyment. Kizakura pairs exceptional craftsmanship with affordability, bringing beautifully balanced, refreshing flavors straight to your table.
- Location Kyoto prefecture
- Founded 1925
- Known for High-quality everyday sake
- Popular choice Kizakura - Hana Kizakura
Kyoto prefecture
Kizakura - Hana Kizakura
$23.00
Quality and Affordable Sake From Kyoto’s Famous Springs
Kizakura, founded in Kyoto in 1925, has spent over a century striving to make the prefecture’s legendary sake accessible to everyone. In an industry dominated by centuries-old breweries, this dynamic producer carved out their own path by combining premium quality with remarkable affordability. Famous for its iconic “kappa” (river monster) mascot and pioneering television commercials, the brewery focuses on creating approachable sake meant for everyday enjoyment. By blending deep respect for local brewing traditions with an unyielding spirit of modern innovation, they continue to bring people together through the joy of sake.
The name born from a father’s garden
The story of Kizakura began when the founder, Jirokuro Matsumoto, established Matsumoto Jirokuro Shoten in October 1925 after separating from his family’s business. For his brand, he chose the name Kizakura, out of deep affection for a rare, yellow-blossomed cherry tree that grew beautifully in his own garden. Today, their bestselling “Hana Kizakura” junmai ginjo sake is made with yeast extracted from yellow cherry blossoms.
While the sake industry in the historic brewing district of Fushimi was filled with established names dating back hundreds of years, Matsumoto embraced the position of being a younger brewery. Rather than being bound by rigid preconceptions, he championed a corporate philosophy centered on quality, comfort and bringing true enrichment to customers’ lives.
Harnessing the smooth essence of Fushimi water
Kizakura’s exceptional quality is anchored to the natural treasures of Kyoto prefecture. The brewery utilizes Fushimizu, a legendary subterranean water source, for every step of its brewing process. Piped from a dedicated well on the facility premises, this medium-hard groundwater contains a perfect balance of minerals. When used to prepare sake, it produces a remarkably smooth mouthfeel and a soft texture on the palate. By utilizing this local blessing, the brewery’s skilled first brewmaster — who achieved numerous national gold medals within his first few years of leadership — consistently crafted a beautifully balanced and clean flavor profile.
A relentless pursuit of everyday enjoyment
What truly distinguishes Kizakura is its dedication to breaking conventions to reach wider audiences. In 1955, the brewery adopted the kappa as their corporate character, featuring it in groundbreaking television ads that captured the nation’s heart. They pioneered paper carton packaging in 1982 with their famous launch, making premium sake accessible for casual home consumption. This innovative drive extended beyond traditional sake; they successfully launched a craft beer business in 1995 and expanded into single malt whiskey production. Their diverse lineup demonstrates a commitment to evolving alongside their customers’ modern lifestyles without compromising their primary standard of quality.
Why this matters
We respect Kizakura because they prove that exceptional craftsmanship does not have to carry an exclusive price tag. Their devotion to producing reliable, high-quality sake for daily life ensures that the rich heritage of Kyoto brewing remains open to everyone. Whether you are opening a bottle for a special celebration or relaxing at home after a busy day, their creations provide a smooth, inviting experience. We are proud to feature a brand that beautifully transforms ancient traditions into shared moments of happiness.
