Takahashi Sake Brewery Okushimizu

On the Eastern side of Akita Prefecture, the Ou Mountain Range serves as the source for spring waters that flow from the mountains to the Yokote Basin where numerous natural springs emerge on the alluvial fan. In Rokugo within Misato Town, Takahashi Shuzo sources its water used for sake brewing from one of the more than 60 Rokugo Springs that emerge throughout the town with cold filtered groundwater.

The Rokugo Springs is recognized as one of the top 100 famous water sources in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment. Takahashi’s main sake brand “Okushimizu” originates from the combination of the Ou Mountain Range and Shimizu, meaning clean water.

Also unique to Takahashi Shuzo is the use of yeast from rare Misato Sekka white lavender blossoms, an original lavender variety registered in 2013. The name Misato Sekka signifies the “snow crystals of Misato.” The brewery is the only brewery using this yeast which was cultivated by Takahashi’s master brewer, Mr. Furuuchi.

The brewery also uses yeast cultivated by Furuuchi Toji from a Yoshino Sakura tree planted in commemoration of the inauguration of Mr. Takeshi Sasaki, the current President of the University of Tokyo, who was originally from Misato.

Locally Sourced, Expertly Brewed

Takahashi Shuzo was originally established in 1885 in Senhata Village and moved to Rokugo in 1955 closer to the source of the pristine Rokugo Springs. The brewery prides itself in using locally-sourced ingredients, designing creative package designs and working hard to produce sake with new flavors.