Harushika Brewery — Imanishi Seibei Shōten

photo by tak.wing · CC BY-SA 2.0

It has been making sake since 1884: 700 yen to taste five different labels.

The Imanishi Seibei Shōten company has been making Harushika sake since 1884 (Meiji 17) in Naramachi, the historic district of Nara considered the birthplace of Japanese sake. It is the only remaining producer of arare-zake, a mirin-based liqueur traditional to the area. In the tasting room, 700 yen gives you five different types of sake, explained by the staff; if you buy a glass with the deer logo, you can do kikizake, the comparative tasting, of five seasonal labels.

Imanishi Seibei Shōten, founded in 1884, produces sake, mirin, liqueurs and pickles under the Harushika brand. The company has won several gold medals at the national new sake appraisal competition, as well as international awards, including at the International Wine Challenge. The shop in the historic premises is open to the public for sales and tastings; at weekends in February, by booking, you can visit the cellar and see the production process.

ℹ️ Open 10:00–17:00 (tastings accepted until 16:30), closed on Tuesdays (on Wednesday if Tuesday is a public holiday) and during Obon and the year-end period. Tasting 700 yen for 5 types. Guided cellar tour only at weekends in February, by booking (groups of 4–8 people recommended on weekdays). Book by phone, email or in person.

🚉 Kintetsu Nara · 15 min walk

Sources: harushika.com · harushika.com · ja.wikipedia.org

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