Harima's Local Sake
Did you know?
Hyogo Prefecture is Japan's top producer of sake!
If Nada is the Bordeaux of sake, Banshu is the Burgundy.
It may be small, but it is home to many high-quality sake breweries.
Hyogo Prefecture is said to be the birthplace of sake brewed with koji.
Among them, Harima is known for having many breweries producing high-quality sake.
This page introduces the local sake of Harima in Hyogo Prefecture.
At our establishment, you can enjoy a wide selection of premium sake and experience sake tastings.
4 Secrets Behind the Popularity of Harima's Local Sake
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01
Rice from Yamadanishiki
Yamadanishiki, Japan's top sake rice, is cultivated in Banshu.
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02
Rich Water Sources
The Banshu Plain is blessed with abundant water from two first-class rivers and three second-class rivers.
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03
Fresh Seafood (Maedore)
The nearby Seto Inland Sea, with the Akashi Strait, Kanose, and the Ieshima Islands, is rich in fishing grounds, offering a wide variety of seafood, known as "maedore."
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04
Harima Fudoki (Ancient Records)
One of the five surviving fudoki (ancient records), the Harima Fudoki, contains a description of sake brewed with koji (mold), and the region proudly claims to be the birthplace of sake made with koji.
Introducing the Sake Brewers
Regional culture is shaped by the efforts of the local people, and its value comes from nurturing and preserving
it.
Here, we introduce the sake brewers who have long worked with our establishment.
Nadagiku Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
A Female Master Brewer Working with the Motto "Harmony of Sake and Food Culture"
Nadagiku's sake brewing is driven by the motto "Harmony of Sake and Food Culture," aiming to create sake
that pairs not only with Japanese cuisine but also with French, Italian, Chinese, and other global dishes.
This is the vision of our female master brewer.
She is a fellow member of the Harima Slow Food Association, alongside the owner of Claire Higasa.
Master Brewer Mitsusa Kawaishi
Store Information
1-121, Tegara, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 670-0972
TEL：079-285-3111（9:00～17:00）
http://www.nadagiku.co.jp/
3 km south of Claire Higasa Hotel
Tatsuriki
A Brewer Striving for the Highest Quality Sake, Focusing on Yamada Nishiki Rice from Soil Preparation Onwards
Founded in 1921, this brewer focuses on producing the highest quality sake, starting with the cultivation
of Yamada Nishiki rice, a specialty of Harima. Their motto is "the taste of sake comes from the taste of
rice," and they use only sake rice suitable for brewing. Tatsuriki has won awards six consecutive times at
the National New Sake Awards (a total of 18 times) and has received the top ranking in the Nihon Keizai
Shimbun's Nandemo Ranking. They also won the top gold prize at the Hot Sake Contest and the gold prize at
the Wine Glass Delicious Award 2018.
The owner of Claire Higasa, along with Ryusuke Honda, a representative of the brewery, has been actively
involved in the Harima Slow Food Association, while his father, Shinichiro Honda, has collaborated in the
Banshu Sake and Food Culture Council for many years. The brewery is constantly challenging itself with new
ventures.
Representative Ryusuke Honda
Store Information
1 B1 Grand Festa 2nd Street, 188 Ekimae-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 670-0927
TEL：079-221-3562
https://www.taturiki.com/
3 stations west of JR Himeji Station, in front of Aboshi Station.
Tatsuriki Recommended Products
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Daiginjo Kome no Sasayaki
Made entirely from Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture's Special A district, this is Tatsuriki's signature Daiginjo sake, loved since its release in 1979.
Yaegaki Sake Brewery
"Enriching Life Through Sake"
Founded in 1666 (Kanbun 6), Yaegaki Sake Brewery is located in the beautiful, nature-filled region of
Banshu Hayashida in Hyogo Prefecture, a place steeped in myth and tradition. They transform the great
blessings of this sake region into sake that enriches life.
The "king of sake rice," Yamada Nishiki, the famous Senju no Mizu water from the Hayashida River, and the
skill and pride of their brewers mastering the "cold brewing" process—these three pillars create the rich
and flavorful taste of Yaegaki's sake.
Representative Yusuke Hasegawa
Store Information
681 Rokudaniya, Hayashida-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 679-4298
TEL：079-268-8080
https://www.yaegaki.co.jp/sake/
Yaegaki Sake Brewery Recommended Products
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Yaegaki Houmon Daiginjo Genshu
Another version of Yaegaki, made entirely with Hyogo Prefecture's Yamada Nishiki rice. Its gentle taste and elegant aroma provide a serene aftertaste, evoking the timelessness of Yaegaki.
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Junmai Daiginjo Kurononmu
With its refined, floral aroma and smooth, transparent taste, this is the pinnacle of Yaegaki's craftsmanship.
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Yaegaki Tokubetsu Junmai Yamada Nishiki
A special junmai sake with a gentle aroma, harmonizing the natural flavors of rice with a refreshing acidity.
Regional culture is nurtured through the efforts of local people, and only by preserving and passing it down can it gain true value.
Claire Higasa is part of "Banshoku Kon," a group aiming to spread regional culture.
"Banshoku Kon" seeks to promote the deep connection between sake, food, and culture in the Banshu region.
The members of this group are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of these important aspects of the region.
Banshoku Kon aims to enrich the local culture for future generations.
Claire Higasa is proud to be a part of this organization.
"Banshoku Kon" is comprised of members from various fields, all united by a passion for Banshu culture.
The group's mission is to continue sharing the rich traditions of Banshu.
Banshu Kon is a symbol of the strong connection between the region's sake, food, and cultural heritage.
Our goal is to ensure the continued flourishing of Banshu's cultural treasures.
"Banshu Kon Kon" is an organization dedicated to promoting the sake, food, and cultural traditions of Banshu. Established 29 years ago as a non-profit, its mission is to help Banshu grow into a hub for sharing these rich traditions. The group is made up of members with a deep commitment to these values, including 11 sake brewers, 4 distributors, and 12 sake enthusiasts.
At Hotel Claire Higasa, which has long been associated with Banshu's sake brewers, we proudly offer delicious Banshu sake for you to enjoy.
We take great care in preparing dishes that resonate deeply, using local ingredients and putting in the necessary effort. Please enjoy them alongside the finest sake from Harima.
Visit our dining page