From the Vast Northern Land of Hokkaido
Hokkaido accounts for more than 20% of Japan' s
total land area. It is a rich and expansive land
blessed with unspoiled nature, pure water, and
powder snow that falls throughout the winter
—a place that restores both body and mind.
Hokkaido is also known as one of Japan' s
finest food treasures, thanks to its abundant vegetables,
seafood, and dairy products nurtured by the power of
nature. As one of Asia' s leading travel destinations,
it continues to captivate people from around the world.
Our brewery is located in Kuriyama, Hokkaido,
about one hour by car from Sapporo and
New Chitose Airport. Surrounded by peaceful rural
scenery, including rice paddies and wheat fields,
this is where we brew our sake each day.
In every cup you hold, you will find the clear air
of Hokkaido and the calm, unhurried passage of
time unique to this land.
A Frontier Brewery — A Story of Pioneering Spanning More Than 140 Years
Our story began when Yonesaburo, the first-generation
founder and the son of a rice merchant from Niigata,
crossed over to Hokkaido and established a sake brewing
company in Sapporo in 1878.
At that time, Sapporo stood at the heart of
Hokkaido' s frontier era, when the spirit of development
and ambition was at its height. Many of the pioneers
who came to this new land were challengers
with great aspirations. Within just a few years,
the foundations of a modern
Western-style city began to take shape.
It was a dynamic period of transformation.
Our brewery, which has walked alongside the
history of Hokkaido' s development, also entered a time of
change. In 1900, seeking demand from the coal mining
industry as well as a more favorable brewing environment,
we relocated to our present home in Kuriyama.
There, we began constructing brick brewery buildings
that incorporated Western architectural elements—something
rare among sake breweries of the time. Today,
these historic buildings are registered as
Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.
They are not only cultural heritage sites that preserve
the history of sake brewing in Hokkaido, but also
enduring symbols of who we are: a
frontier brewery rooted in the spirit of pioneering.
Tasting Hokkaido — A Pioneer in Sake Brewing with Hokkaido-Grown Rice Tasting Hokkaido — A Pioneer in Sake Brewing with Hokkaido-Grown Rice
What we strive to create is sake that allows you to taste Hokkaido itself.
To achieve this, we make no compromises in our ingredients or brewing methods.
Sake Brewed with 100% Hokkaido-Grown Rice
There was once a time when people said that good sake
could not be made with Hokkaido rice. Even then,
we continued to take on the challenge of brewing
sake with locally grown rice for nearly 60 years.
Today, we use 100% Hokkaido-grown rice in
all of our sake. By working closely with local
production areas, we bring out the full strength
and character of Hokkaido' s land.
Long, Low-Temperature Fermentation — The Art of Ginjo Brewing
Our sake is brewed by making the most of Hokkaido' s
cold climate and soft water. We carefully polish the rice to
remove excess fats, then ferment it slowly at low
temperatures over a longer period than usual.
Through this traditional method, we bring out the rice' s
natural umami to the fullest while keeping unwanted flavors in check.
The result is a refreshing aroma that opens up the
moment it touches the palate, followed by a crisp, clean finish.
An Extraordinary "Pioneering Experience" in Your Everyday Life
Our sake is not made to boast flamboyance. Rather,
it is sake that stays close to the dining experience
—enhancing the natural flavors of ingredients and
bringing out their deliciousness even more.
With a single sip, you may feel as though
you are tasting Hokkaido itself: a refreshing sweetness
and a clear, pure umami.
We believe that a true "pioneering experience" is
not simply about visiting an unknown place,
but about encountering unknown value.
Within each cup lives the climate and spirit of Hokkaido,
along with a philosophy passed down through generations.
Each time you touch that story, there is a new discovery.
With every sip, we offer an experience
that expands your senses.
The Wish Embodied in the Brand KITA no NISHIKI
Our flagship brand, KITA no NISHIKI,
carries the strong determination of our ancestors:
to make their mark in the northern land and return in glory.
This brand is the backbone of Kobayashi Shuzo and the very essence of our identity.
No matter how times may change, our pioneering spirit
—to continue taking on challenges here in the northern land—
will be passed down together with this name.