Ibaraki Shuzo

Ibaraki Shuzo (茨木酒造), located in Akashi City (明石市), Hyogo Prefecture, was founded in 1848. It is one of the six remaining sake breweries in Nishinada (西灘), a historic sake-producing area. The brewery has been recognized as a tangible cultural property of Hyogo Prefecture, preserving the architectural style and brewing conditions that were once common in the region.

The brewery is built in the traditional kitanagare (北流れ) style, designed to optimize sake brewing with its long, east-to-west layout, offering natural temperature control and airflow. The south side is shielded by earthen walls to block harsh summer sunlight, while the north side is exposed to cold winter winds, creating an ideal environment for fermentation.

Ibaraki Shuzo’s flagship sake brand, Rairaku (来楽), is crafted using Yamadanishiki (山田錦), a premium sake rice variety from Hyogo, and pure spring water. The sake is known for its subtle aroma and crisp, refreshing taste, which perfectly complements the seafood of the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海), a hallmark of the Akashi region.

Despite its modest annual production of just 200 koku (石), equivalent to 20,000 bottles, Ibaraki Shuzo employs a fully integrated management system. From rice washing to koji (麹) making, fermentation control, and even labeling, every step is handled by just two people, ensuring meticulous craftsmanship in each bottle.

Currently, Ibaraki Shuzo is committed to maintaining its small-scale, high-quality production, focusing on continuing its time-honored methods while exploring the potential for limited-edition releases to showcase their technical prowess and regional identity.