Japanese sake has a long history. In ancient times, it was used for rituals at sacred ceremonies or at the imperial palace. Later, it began to be consumed widely among ordinary people. Many brewers were founded throughout Japan during the Edo period, and now many local sake from different regions are gaining popularity. Thus, sake is appreciated as a classy gift because it is infused with Japanese history and culture.

Its greatest charm is the depth of its flavor. The delicate and deep flavor of sake is created by ensuring a perfect harmony between the different ingredients such as rice, water, and malt. The depth can be increased further by letting it age for a long period of time. Another interesting fact is that the taste changes with season and climate. Serve it chilled to make the clear taste stand out, and serve it warm to increase richness and umami—sake is a truly magical alcoholic beverage whose taste changes with temperature.

Did you know that there are different categories of Japanese sake—Ginjo, Junmai Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, etc.—and each one is characterized by its unique taste and aroma. At Fa-So-La AKIHABARA, we have a wide selection of sake, especially the Junmai Daiginjo sake, that are characterized by a fruity and fragrant aroma and are popular among tourists from overseas.

Shimeharitsuru Jun was first released over 50 years ago in the 1970s when Junmai sake was still rare in Japan. This is the best-selling one from the Shimeharitsuru brand. Not only does it have a distinctive gentle aroma and perfectly-balanced umami, it also has nice crispness, so the taste never gets dull. Shimeharitsuru Jun Junmai Ginjo 720ml / Tax-free price ¥1,500 (Miyao Sake Brewing)

This Junmai Daiginjo has the full-body taste distinctive of Genshu (undiluted sake) while maintaining a depth of flavor by using Yamahai yeast starter. Best served slightly warm to enjoy its taste to the fullest. Kubota Junmai Daiginjo Yamahai-shikomi Genshu 720ml / Tax-free price ¥6,600 (Asahi-Shuzo Sake Brewing)

A top-tier sake from the Kubota brand crafted with the utmost dedication and care. It has a perfect richness and crispness, as well as a distinctive clear aroma created by low-temperature fermentation. Enjoy the top-tier sake’s exquisitely-balanced flavor that will burst in your mouth. Kubota Manjyu Junmai Daiginjo 720ml / Tax-free price ¥3,987 (Asahi-Shuzo Sake Brewing)

Using Yamadanishiki, a type of sake rice, polished down to the maximum level, this sake challenges the limit of Junmai Daiginjo. Fragrant aroma rises when poured into a cup, and it has a sweetness like pure honey when it’s in your mouth. The aftertaste is clear and sharp, yet lingers for a long time. DASSAI 23 Junmai Daiginjo 720ml / Tax-free price ¥5,600 (Asahi Shuzo)

Japanese sake makes travelling more interesting, as you can enjoy pairing them with food or trying different ones for comparison. It would be nice to bring home the most memorable one that you found in Japan and to bask in the memories of the places you visited.

(Information as of April 2023)