A Heritage of Tradition
Founded in 1891, Toshimaya is a cherished institution in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture. Renowned for its "Miwatari" and "Houka" sake brands, the brewery has long been a source of pride for the local community.
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of central Nagano, Okaya City is a haven of natural beauty, surrounded by lakes and mountains. Its proximity to Lake Suwa, perched at an elevation of 759 meters, and its breathtaking views of the Yatsugatake and Mount Fuji make it a truly idyllic setting.
Initially renowned for its silk production, Okaya City underwent a remarkable transformation in the post-war era, evolving into a hub of precision engineering, particularly in the watch and camera industries. Today, the city stands as a center of technological innovation in the electronics sector, actively pursuing advancements in regional technology, systemization, and electronic design and development.
A Dedication to Local Ingredients
Toshimaya's unwavering commitment to local craftsmanship shines through in its meticulous selection of ingredients. The brewery exclusively utilizes rice and water sourced from Nagano Prefecture, ensuring that each bottle of sake reflects the essence of the region's terroir.
Rice, the cornerstone of sake's umami profile, is carefully chosen from a variety of Nagano-grown varieties, including Kinmon Nishiki, Takane Nishiki, Sankei Nishiki, Miyama Nishiki, Hitogochi, Shirakaba Nishiki, Yamada Nishiki, and Yoneshiro. Each rice variety is meticulously selected based on the unique characteristics of the resulting sake.
The brewery's water source is equally revered, originating from the pure underground springs of Mount Hatchu, which tower behind the brewery. This pristine water, infused with the natural minerals of the region, imparts a distinctive purity and balance to the sake.
A Symphony of Flavors
The culmination of Toshimaya's dedication to tradition and innovation is a remarkable array of sakes, each a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of Nagano.
"Houka," the brewery's flagship brand, embodies the harmony of the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Brewed with meticulous care using Nagano-grown rice and the brewery's own pristine water, Houka showcases the quintessential characteristics of Nagano sake.
Among the Miwatari range, "Miwatari Junmai Ginjo PETILLANT" stands out as a testament to the brewery's innovative spirit. This unique sake, adopted by a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, has garnered international acclaim. The naturally occurring carbon dioxide retained from the fermentation process imparts a lively effervescence, while the delicate aromas of apple and a silky texture give way to a crisp, dry finish.
"Miwatari," named after the sacred ice formations that appear on Lake Suwa each winter. This sake, crafted with passion and expertise by the brewery's young brewers, showcases the terroir of Nagano, with a balance of umami, acidity, and a refreshing finish.
Toshimaya's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a place among the premier sake producers of Japan. Each bottle of Toshimaya sake is a testament to the brewery's deep connection to its heritage and its unwavering pursuit of excellence.
