🕓 2025/4/8
#Japanese sake
A thousand years of prayers and a glass of fine wine. Enjoy quiet luxury in Nara
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table of contents
- Recommended sake breweries at Todaiji Temple
- Recommended selection of sake around Todaiji Temple
- History and highlights of Todaiji Temple
- Model course visiting Todaiji Temple and sake breweries
Introduction
Todaiji is a world heritage site that represents Nara. Its magnificent Great Buddha Hall and buildings with a long history leave a deep impression on visitors.
On the other hand, the ancient capital of Nara is dotted with sake breweries with a long history, offering a variety of unique local sake that has been nurtured by the local climate and culture.
In this article, we will explain the history and highlights of Todaiji Temple, as well as introduce you to tours of sake breweries and recommended local sake that you can enjoy in the surrounding area.
We will take you on a special journey where you can enjoy the “fusion of history and taste” that is unique to Nara.
- 1. Recommended sake breweries around Todaiji Temple
- 1. Imanishi Seibei Shoten | An ultra-dry, prestigious brewery that harmonizes tradition and innovation
- 2. Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery | A long-established sake brewery with deep ties to temples and shrines
- 3. Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery | Craft sake nurtured by the sacred waters of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 2. Recommended selection of sake around Todaiji Temple
1. Recommended sake breweries around Todaiji Temple
The area around Nara City, where Todaiji Temple is located, is an area where the culture of sake brewing has been deeply rooted for a long time, so much so that it is considered the birthplace of Japanese sake. In particular, the Naramachi area to the south of Todaiji Temple is dotted with historic sake breweries and local sake specialty shops, making it a popular stopover spot after visiting the temple.
Here, we will pick up recommended sake breweries in Nara that are easily accessible from Todaiji Temple, and introduce the characteristics of each sake brewery and how to enjoy them.
1. Imanishi Seibei Shoten | An ultra-dry, prestigious brewery that harmonizes tradition and innovation
source:https://harushika.com
Imanishi Seibei Shoten, founded in 1884 and located in the center of Naramachi, is a sake brewery known for Nara’s representative brand, Harushika. Inheriting the traditional Nara manufacturing method called “Nanto Morohaku,” we focus on producing sharp, ultra-dry sake. In particular, “Haruka Super Dry” is extremely popular among sake fans both domestically and internationally.
Inside the sake brewery, you can enjoy a paid tasting experience where you can sample five types of sake, which is popular with tourists. Narazuke and amazake soft serve ice cream are also on sale, allowing you to enjoy both sightseeing and taste experiences at the same time.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Imanishi Seibei Shoten Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1884 (Meiji 17) |
| Main brands | Haruka (super dry, Junmai Ginjo, nigori sake, etc.) |
| Features | Inheriting the tradition of “Nanto Morohaku”. Super dry is popular. |
| visit | Tasting experience available (5 types, 500 yen charge/no reservation required) |
| Tasting | Possible (from Haruka products to seasonal sake) |
| Direct sales office | Yes (store attached to sake brewery) |
| access | About 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, about 10 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple |
2. Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery | A long-established sake brewery with deep ties to temples and shrines
source:http://www.nara-toyosawa.jp/
Founded in 1868, Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery is a long-established brewery with a history of dedicating sacred sake to Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Their representative brand, “Hoshuku,” is characterized by its soft and plump flavor, and they continue to produce sake that is rooted in the natural climate of Nara.
There is also a directly managed store and sake tasting corner inside Kintetsu Nara Station, so feel free to stop by and enjoy local sake during your trip.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. |
| Founding year | 1868 (first year of Meiji) |
| Main brands | Toyonori, Yoshisuke, etc. |
| Features | There is a history of dedication to temples and shrines. A plump and easy-drinking taste. |
| visit | Please inquire for on-site tours/Tastings available inside the station |
| Tasting | Available at Kintetsu Nara Station shop |
| Direct sales office | Available (sold at station shops and head office) |
| access | Inside Kintetsu Nara Station (head office is approximately 10 minutes by car from the station) |
3. Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery | Craft sake nurtured by the sacred waters of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
source:https://narakasugayama-shuzo.co.jp
Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery is a small-scale sake brewery that uses fresh spring water from the sacred area of Kasuga Taisha Shrine for brewing. Originally, the parent company was Yagi Sake Brewery, which has been in business since the Edo period, producing brands such as “Shohei”.
Brewery tours are currently suspended, but sake tasting and sales are continuing. It is easily accessible from Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple, and you can experience sake surrounded by the blessings of history and nature.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Official name | Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery (formerly Yagi Sake Brewery) |
| Founding year | Edo period (founding year unknown) |
| Main brands | Masuhira et al. |
| Features | Uses divine water from Kasuga Taisha Shrine. We are particular about handmade sake produced in small quantities. |
| visit | Currently suspended (possible to resume in the future) |
| Tasting | Possible (at stores/event spaces) |
| Direct sales office | Yes (in-house and online) |
| access | Approximately 10-15 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
2. Recommended selection of sake around Todaiji Temple
The local sake produced by Nara’s historic sake breweries has a deep flavor that reflects the local climate and culture. Here, we will introduce some of the most famous sakes that can be enjoyed around Todaiji Temple, focusing on their taste, how to drink them, and their compatibility with food. This selection is recommended for a drink while sightseeing or as a souvenir.
1. Haruka Super Dry｜Imanishi Seibei Shoten
Among Nara’s representative brands, Harushika, the particularly popular “Chou Dry” is a bottle with an exquisite balance of sharp dryness and mellow flavor. It is easy to drink even for sake beginners, and goes well with fish dishes and tempura. You can also try tasting sake at the brewery in Naramachi.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Imanishi Seibei Shoten (Haruka) |
| type | Special Honjozo / Super Dry |
| taste | Sharp, clear and dry with a slight umami flavor |
| How to drink | Cold sake or room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | Tempura, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, etc. |
2. Toyosawa Junmai Sake | Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery
“Toyosho” is a pure rice sake that is characterized by its plump and gentle flavor. It has a somewhat comforting rice flavor that goes well with all Japanese cuisine. Another great thing about it is that you can easily purchase and sample it at the store inside Nara Station.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Nara Toyosawa Sake Brewery (Toyoshi) |
| type | Pure rice sake |
| taste | Soft and mellow. You won’t get tired of drinking it because of its umami flavor |
| How to drink | Room temperature to lukewarm |
| Compatible dishes | Meat and potatoes, stews, and all dishes with dashi soup |
3. Masuhira Junmai Ginjo｜Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery
Masuhei, a craft sake made from Kasuga Taisha’s divine water, is characterized by its clear, refreshing taste and elegant aroma. Produced in small quantities and carefully brewed, it goes perfectly with food. It can be purchased at breweries and select liquor stores in Naramachi.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| Brewery | Nara Kasugayama Sake Brewery (Masudaira) |
| type | Junmai Ginjo |
| taste | Fruity, refreshing and smooth taste |
| How to drink | Cold sake to room temperature |
| Compatible dishes | White fish with kelp, cold tofu, persimmon leaf sushi, etc. |
[Supplementary information: Where can I drink it? Can I buy it? ]
| Store name | Features | Location/Access |
|---|---|---|
| Imanishi Seibei Shoten | Sake brewery tours and tastings (charges apply) available. Super dry is popular | Approximately 10 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple (Naracho area) |
| Toyogi Kintetsu Nara Station Shop | Tasting and sales available. Easy access as it is inside the station | Inside Kintetsu Nara Station |
| Nara Izumi Yusai | Over 120 types of local sake from Nara Prefecture. Paid tasting available | Approximately 15 minutes walk from Todaiji Temple (inside Naramachi Shopping District) |
| Brewery direct sales store (each brewery) | Purchase and some tasting available at the direct sales space attached to each sake brewery. | Each sake brewery (within walking distance or conveniently by taxi) |
