English
The Attractiveness of Japanese Sake
Have you ever had Japanese liquor?
There are various Japanese alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and whiskey, but sake is the most representative of them all.It is a liquor made from rice, but its taste, aroma, and texture differ depending on the production method.Sake comes in a variety of flavors, including fruity, sweet, and spicy, making it suitable not only for Japanese cuisine but a variety of other cuisines as well. You will surely find your favorite brand.In this column, we will introduce Japanese sake from Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, which boasts one of the largest production quantities of sake in Japan.
Niigata is the prefecture with the largest number of sake breweries in Japan, and Nagaoka City boasts the largest number of sake breweries inside the prefecture.Niigata Prefecture has the greatest yield of rice, the main ingredient of sake, in Japan (*1), and rice is grown not only for food but also for sake.Niigata Prefecture is also a region with a large amount of snowfall. The low temperatures caused by the snow purify the air, creating an ideal environment for koji mold, yeast, and other microorganisms necessary to produce sake.In addition, Niigata's natural water, which contains a large amount of melted snow, is soft, which makes it possible to produce sake with a smooth, light flavor.[THE NIIGATA SAKE BOOK]
"Shu＊Kura", a train based on the concept of sake, is in operation in Niigata Prefecture.In Nagaoka City, both those who know and don't know the appeal of sake can enjoy it, such as at sake events and breweries where visitors can tour and taste sake.
Introduction of Japanese Sake from Nagaoka City, Niigata
Selected Dry, Yoshinogawa (Yoshinogawa)
With a history of 470 years, Yoshinogawa is the oldest sake brewery in Niigata Prefecture.Yoshinogawa is made from 100% Niigata rice, and is refreshingly dry, which is characteristic of Niigata sake.In the Settaya District of Nagaoka, where the brewery is located, you can find "the Yoshinogawa Sake Museum Joh-gura".Visitors can learn about the history of sake in the exhibition space and enjoy limited edition sake at the bar.
Product URL：https://item.rakuten.co.jp/nagaokashi/102219/
Other Sake from Yoshionogawa：https://item.rakuten.co.jp/echigo/c/0000000991/
Sparkling Sake, Hakurohanabi（Hakuro Shuzo）
Hakuro Hanabi has a low alcohol content of 8%, making it easy to drink for those who are not accustomed to drinking sake.It is characterized by an elegant sweetness produced by the moderate acidity and delicious taste of rice.The package is modern and cute, making it a perfect gift for family and friends.
Product URL: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/nagaokashi/103771/
Other Sake from Hakuro Shuzo: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/echigo/c/0000000203/
Shipping Method for Japanese Sake
Rakuten Global Express can also ship sake. However, there are various restrictions depending on the country and shipping method, so please refer to the table below.
| Countries/Regions | Super Express | Standard Express | Economy Air | Surface | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | × | ○ | ○ | ○ | ・We can only deliver products with an alcohol content of less than 24%. ・Using Standard Express or Surface: Depending on the type of alcohol, alcoholic products may be subject to import clearance documentation requirements, and must have a labelled attached displaying the alcohol percentage. |
| Taiwan | × | ○ | ○ | ○ | ・We can only deliver products with an alcohol content of less than 24%. |
| Republic of Korea | × | ○ | ○ | ○ | ・We can only deliver products with an alcohol content of less than 24%. ・Using Standard Express or Surface: We offer shipping for quantities up to 1 liter. ・Using Economy Air: We offer shipping for quantities up to 750 Milliliter. |
| Singapore | × | ○ | ○ | ○ | ・We can only deliver products with an alcohol content of less than 24%. |
| United Kingdom | × | ○ | - *Service currently suspended as of May 2024 | ○ | ・We can only deliver products with an alcohol content of less than 24%. ・We offer shipping for quantities up to 1 liter. |
| the United States | × | × | × | × | ・Unavailable |
*Please refer Available Countries/Regions page for availability of other areas or details.
Rakuten Global Express also offers the option of using a reinforced box exclusively for international shipping. (*An additional fee is required.)By using an outer box specially designed for international shipping and packing materials specially designed for bottles, sake bottles, which can break if subjected to strong impact, can be securely packed and protected.For fees and details, please refer to the Rakuten Global Express Packing Methods page.
[Example of packing]
The sake bottles are covered with cushioning and placed in a double box to dampen vibration.
The top is also covered with cushioning, and the lid is tightly closed.
Japanese Sake available on Rakuten Ichiba can be delivered to you via Rakuten Global Express.Also with Rakuten Global Express, you can combine items purchased from multiple shops and ship them in one box.*Depending on the product, overseas delivery may not be available.If you have any questions or concerns, please look into our FAQ, or feel free to contact Customer Support for further assistant. (Supported languages: Japanese, English, simplified and traditional Chinese)
We carefully package the items our customers purchase and deliver them to you all over the world!
