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Bountiful nature cultivates delicious sake
A strong fruity flavor cultivated by a rich soil and abundant sunlight
Solid techniques that produce high-quality sake
Renowned pure spring water born from a land of abundance
Expert brewers with a passion for the craft
Yamanashi Prefecture is surrounded by mountains as high as 3,000 meters, including the world-renowned Mt. Fuji. The mountains block prevailing winds from the sea, which translates into relatively less rain and snow throughout the year. Yamanashi also has long hours of sunshine, and a high diurnal range. Rain and snow that fall on the mountains provide moisture to surrounding forests and eventually turn into subsoil water, flowing into the prefecture’s central area known as the Kofu Basin. Therefore, in a way, Yamanashi is like “Nature’s Water Jug.” Composed of granite and andesite, the fertile and deep soil of the basin drains the water at a steady rate.
It is this beautiful natural environment that cultivates such delicious alcoholic beverages.
In 2013, Yamanashi was the first in Japan to receive a GI Mark for its wine from Japan’s National Tax Agency. Then, in 2021, Yamanashi was recognized with yet another GI Mark for its Japanese sake. This was the first time in Japan for a single prefecture to be awarded with GI Marks for two types of alcoholic beverages.
Geographical Indication (GI) for alcoholic beverages is a system that can help local alcohol brands get discovered. Once a production region obtains approval from the Commissioner of the National Tax Agency in Japan, the region will be granted a GI Mark featuring their name to advertise on local products. In order for a product to be able to use the region’s GI Mark, it must be produced in the said region and meet certain production standards. Geographical Indication offers a way for regions to show their commitment to quality through harnessing their local climate, environment, and traditional production techniques.
Japanese Sake
Sake made in winter with “kan-zukuri” or “cold-weather brewing,” a traditional method passed down for hundreds of years. The harsh winters and soft waters of Yamanashi help produce its well-renowned sake.
Yamanashi Prefecture: home to a collection of high-quality alcohol
Whisky
Deep amber whiskies cultivated by the rich lands and renowned waters of Yamanashi.
Craft beer
A rich flavor profile crafted from Yamanashi’s renowned waters, a gift from local brewers.
Umeshu
Made from made from “Koshu Koume,” small plums with a strong sweet taste, Yamanashi’s umeshu has a mellow flavor and aroma.
Shochu
Shochu containing high-quality, natural spring water that enhances the individual flavors of the accompanying ingredients.
Craft Gin
Craft gin possessing a strong aromatic taste. Made with Yamanashi’s renowned waters and gin botanicals with no compromise on quality.
Brandy
Aromatic spirit with a comforting taste, made with Yamanashi fruit.
Blessed with bountiful sunshine, natural spring water purified naturally over the years by earth’s strata, rich soil and a climate unique to the mountain-locked basin. These are all elements that contribute to Yamanashi’s delicious alcoholic beverages. First cultivated by the region’s bountiful natural resources, the alcohol is then refined by the skill of expert brewers and master craftsmen. Local brewers are always looking to challenge themselves to produce alcoholic beverages that meet the needs of the times, all while respecting and staying true to traditional methods.
World-renowned mountain spring water
Natural spring water that percolates through Yamanashi’s rich soil gives our alcoholic beverages its unique flavor profiles.
A diverse topography
A basin surrounded by imposing mountains, the region’s unique topography cultivates a rich flavor profile.
Abundant sunshine
Lifeline to all living things and indispensable to the production of delicious sake, the abundant sunshine in Yamanashi gives added depth to our alcoholic beverages’ flavor.
High-quality fruit
Yamanashi’s naturally favorable climate and topography paired with a long history of fruticulture has resulted in the production of high-quality fruit, an important ingredient in the making of alcoholic beverages.
An optimal climate created by Yamanashi’s imposing mountains
With close to no typhoons and a large temperature difference between day and night, the region is optimal for the production of high-quality fruit.
Expert brewers with a passion for the craft
Capturing the essence of Yamanashi’s waters and rich soil, the final products are refined by the hands of our expert brewers.
At around 1.5 hours away by car or by train, Yamanashi Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo. In addition to visiting Mt. Fuji and other tourist attractions, why not try visiting Yamanashi’s vineyards, wineries, sake breweries, and lakes famous for their mineral water? By meeting local brewers, visiting the rich natural sites that contribute to the production of our delicious alcoholic beverages and getting a feel for the context in which a product was made, you are sure to find one that speaks uniquely to you.
Wineries
Experience the Yamanashi terroir through factory tours and wine tastings at our beautiful wineries surrounded by luscious vineyards.
Sake breweries
Tour our atmospheric sake breweries, indulge in some sake tasting, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet at the breweries’ adjacent cafes.
Distilleries
From old and historically significant distilleries to brand new distilleries, Yamanashi has it all, with tours and tastings also available.
Craft beer breweries
From beers made with fruits to beers made from a variety of other local products, enjoy the unique flavor profiles that Yamanashi has to offer.
Vineyards
From their deep green shade in early summer, to their various shades of color in autumn, Yamanashi vineyards are a must-see in every season.
Renowned water
In total, seven of Yamanashi’s water systems have made the Ministry of the Environment’s “Japan’s 100 remarkable waters” lists published in 1985 and 2008, respectively.
