Kanagawa’s Best Sake Brewery: Izumibashi Sake Since 1857

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Ebina heartland, Izumibashi Sake Brewery stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of sake craftsmanship. Founded in 1857, during Japan’s Edo era, this venerable brewery has deep roots that intertwine with the rich tapestry of its surroundings.

Izumibashi has long been a guardian of the area’s natural bounty. Situated amidst the illuvial plains carved by the majestic Sagami River, the brewery benefits from the fertile land, ideal for rice cultivation. Yet, it is not just the land that bestows its blessings; the pristine waters of Mt. Tanazawa flow naturally through this region, offering the purest essence for crafting exceptional sake.

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Over its storied history, Izumibashi underwent a transformative journey. Initially, the brewery primarily cultivated table rice, but in 1996, they shifted their focus to the cultivation of sake rice. Two years later, they established the Sagami Sake Rice Institute in collaboration with local producers, a testament to their commitment to the art of sake.

In 2006, Izumibashi made a significant decision to concentrate exclusively on junmai sake, marking a pivotal moment in their dedication to crafting exceptional sake. In 2016, they proudly registered as a cultivation brewery, solidifying their commitment to creating sake that pays homage to the unique characteristics of their local environment.

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The “Akatonbo,” Izumibashi’s official mark, pays tribute to the spirit of the dragonfly gracefully soaring over their rice fields. Gazing from the brewery, one can catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Oyama, a revered local landmark nestled within the Tanzawa mountain ranges. Beneath these mountains flows mineral-rich waters, a precious source of hard water in Japan. This water’s purity is integral to crafting sake that is crystal clear and bursting with umami, harmonizing exquisitely with a variety of dishes.

Red dragonflies are a common sight in the autumn skies of this close-knit community, and Izumibashi Sake Brewery proudly commits to continuing its tradition of crafting exceptional sake as a token of respect to their community and in gratitude for the natural splendor that surrounds them. In the heart of the Ebina heartland, Izumibashi Sake Brewery stands as a guardian of tradition, a custodian of nature’s gifts, and a beacon of excellence in the world of sake craftsmanship. With each bottle they produce, they continue to pass down their legacy to the generations yet to come.

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Izumibashi Sake Brewery takes pride in crafting authentic junmai sake, each batch meticulously made by hand, following time-honored traditions. Our commitment to authenticity shines through in every drop of our sake. We exclusively use our homegrown rice, cultivated using methods passed down through generations, preserving the essence of tradition in each sip.

To ensure the utmost quality, we mill our rice on-site, customizing the process to highlight the distinct characteristics of rice from various fields. A remarkable 90% of our rice hails from local farms, a testament to our strong bond with the community. Collaborating closely with local farmers, we delve deep into understanding the unique soil qualities, rice attributes, and the individuality of each farmer. This hands-on approach extends to our stringent inspection of milled grains, ensuring that every aspect of our sake reflects the dedication and precision that defines Izumibashi Sake Brewery.

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