Moriki Shuzo

Sake brewed strictly using pure-rice methods

Nearby Ryokans

Located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, a region famous as the hometown of ninjas and the poet Matsuo Basho, Moriki Shuzo is a historic sake brewery founded in 1892. The brewery is widely recognized as a pure rice brewery, meaning every single sake they produce is brewed without any added distilled alcohol. Blessed with rich natural surroundings and high quality underground spring water, Moriki Shuzo preserves traditional hand-crafted brewing methods. Their flagship brands, Rumiko no Sake and Tae no Hana, earn glowing praise from local residents and sake lovers across Japan.

Features

The biggest appeal of Moriki Shuzo is its dedication to traditional sake brewing, choosing time-honored craftsmanship over modern mass production. The brewery actively utilizes classic methods like kimoto and yamahai brewing, where the yeast starter is nurtured carefully by hand. This process creates deep, complex flavor profiles where rich rice umami and vibrant acidity balance naturally. Additionally, the label for their famous Rumiko no Sake was created by Akira Oze, the author of the popular manga Natsuko no Sake, making it a beloved symbol of the brewery. Visiting gives you a firsthand feel for the history and passion behind hand-crafted sake.

Recommended Ways to Spend Time and Enjoy

Set against the peaceful countryside of Iga, a visit here starts with checking out the shop on the brewery grounds. The shop carries a wide lineup, ranging from the classic Rumiko no Sake to seasonal unpasteurized raw sakes and refreshing, slightly sparkling nigori cloudy sakes. If you share your flavor preferences with the staff, they will gladly recommend the right bottle for you, making it easy for beginners to find something they love.

The sakes from Moriki Shuzo are known for their rich rice umami, making them outstanding choices to pair with food. Heating the sake brings out its full potential, so enjoying it at home served warm or hot is a great way to appreciate its depth. It pairs wonderfully with rich meat dishes like sukiyaki, savory stews, and fermented foods like cheese. Stopping by to pick up a bottle for a souvenir pairs great with a day spent exploring the Iga castle town or visiting local ninja attractions.

Basic Information

・Spot Name: Moriki Shuzo
・Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM  
・Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
・Price:  Free entry (Products priced separately)
・Parking:  Available

Access

Address: 41-2 Chitose, Iga City, Mie Prefecture

Transportation

Public Transport: About a 15 minute walk from Nii Station on the Iga Railway, or about a 10 minute taxi ride from JR Iga-Ueno Station
By Car: About a 10 minute drive from Ueno-Higashi IC or Iga-Ichinomiya IC on the Meihan Expressway

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