Kanagawa Prefecture's local sake. 8 rankings from sake, Kamakura Shonan craft beer to wine

Although it is simply called alcohol, there are many different flavors and types. The types and characteristics of alcohol made in each area vary, so if you like alcohol, you should definitely learn about the alcohol in each region.
This time, we will be talking about the alcohol situation in Kanagawa Prefecture. We will also introduce the characteristics of the alcohol made in Kanagawa and popular brands.

Kanagawa Prefecture, where a wide variety of alcoholic beverages are produced

The sake scene in Kanagawa Prefecture! There are few sake breweries, but the history is long!

When you hear Kanagawa Prefecture, few people may think of sake. In fact, compared to prefectures known as "sake producing regions" such as Niigata and Hyogo, Kanagawa Prefecture has only about 15 sake breweries, which is quite a small number .
However, Kanagawa Prefecture is by no means an area where alcohol culture is not prevalent . Kanagawa Prefecture, which is close to Edo and has ports such as Yokohama and Yokosuka, has a long history of alcohol, with sake brewing having been carried out there since the Kamakura period .
Kanagawa sake is characterized by its ease of drinking, as many of the sake are made using the clean water from the Tanzawa Mountains. Many of the sakes have a light, dry, refreshing taste, and many brands are easy to drink with meals . There are also many brands of Kanagawa sake that are delicious when served warm or hot. If you are looking for a drink that will go well with your daily life, be sure to check out Kanagawa sake.

Many major breweries and high production volume

Speaking of alcohol in Kanagawa Prefecture, a lot of things other than sake are produced there. Beer is especially famous, and Kanagawa Prefecture is home to major factories such as the Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory, which ranks highly in terms of production volume.
By the way, you can also take a tour of the Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory. Not only can you see the beer manufacturing process, but you can also enjoy beer with a meal at the restaurant next door, and there are many other enjoyable activities you can take part in.
If you like alcohol or beer, be sure to take a tour of the brewery while sightseeing in Kanagawa Prefecture. You'll definitely be able to enjoy beer even more by deepening your knowledge about alcohol.

Many craft beer breweries

Kanagawa Prefecture is home to not only major beer factories, but also many craft beer factories and breweries . Beers such as Shonan Beer, Kamakura Beer, and Hakone Beer are produced in various parts of Kanagawa Prefecture.
The characteristics of craft beer vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. There are many beers that express flavors that cannot be found in major manufacturers, so you can enjoy tasting and comparing them.
Kanagawa craft beer is also popular as a souvenir or gift. Some beers are not only delicious, but also come in stylish packaging, so be sure to give them a try.

Major wines are also produced here

According to the data, Kanagawa Prefecture is ranked number one among all prefectures in terms of wine production . It also ranks first in terms of shipping volume, which shows that wine production is actually more thriving there than in areas known for their wine production, such as Yamanashi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture.
This is because Kanagawa Prefecture is home to the major "Mercian Fujisawa Factory ." Mercian owns several factories in Japan, one of which is located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Mercian also has a factory in Yamanashi, but unlike the high-end wines produced at the Yamanashi factory, the Fujisawa factory produces many wines for daily use. It is thanks to the Kanagawa factory that we can enjoy wine at reasonable prices.

Kanagawa Prefecture has many liquor stores, restaurants, and bars that sell rare alcohol.

Kanagawa Prefecture is not only known for producing a lot of alcohol, but also for the large number of establishments where you can buy and drink alcohol . There are liquor stores with a good selection, restaurants that handle high-end liquor, and bars with a large lineup of overseas whiskeys , making it an irresistible region for alcohol lovers. At liquor stores and restaurants in Kanagawa, you can enjoy a wide range of alcohol from all over Japan and the world, not just Kanagawa Prefecture.
For example, if you go to an "authorized dealer" that has contracts with sake breweries across the country, you may be able to buy rare alcohol from outside Kanagawa . Also, in department stores and liquor stores in the city center, you may be able to buy high-end alcohol such as rare whiskey at list price through lottery sales . Furthermore, if you go to Yokohama's Chinatown, you may have the opportunity to find rare Chinese alcohol such as Shaoxing wine or Baijiu . There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy alcohol in a different environment than usual, such as restaurants with sea views or hotel bars on high floors .

From beer to wine! 8 popular alcoholic drinks in Kanagawa Prefecture

1. Shonan Beer

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Kumazawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
• Alcohol content: 5% and up *Varies depending on the type
• Price: 3-bottle set of Pilsners for ¥1,650 (tax included)

Shonan Beer is a craft beer made in Kanagawa Prefecture by Kumazawa Brewery, which was founded in 1872.
Kumazawa Sake Brewery is the only sake brewery left in Chigasaki, Shonan . The brewery is committed to preserving its history while also taking on new challenges, and produces a variety of alcoholic beverages, from sake to beer and spirits.
Shonan Beer is unfiltered and unheated, so it's extremely fresh . In addition to standard products such as Pilsner, Schwarz, Alt, Golden Ale, and IPA, there is also a wide lineup of limited editions such as Chocolate Porter and Weizen. Each beer has a different, stylish label design that is also worth checking out.

2. The Japanese Craft GIN Koganai

• Type of alcohol: Spirits
• Manufacturer: Koganei Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 43%
• Price: 500ml ¥4,950 (tax included)

The Japanese Craft GIN Koganei is a spirit (gin) made by Koganei Shuzo, a brewery with a 200-year history .
It is characterized by the use of botanicals such as kabosu and Japanese pepper harvested in Kanagawa , and the appeal of the original flavor is that it is made by soaking the lees produced in-house in shochu. The spice flavor is accentuated, but the rice shochu also leaves behind the umami flavor of the rice, which is impressive.
This is a citrus-flavored craft gin that is delicious when mixed with soda or tonic water.

3. Tensei Fururo Special Honjozo

• Type of alcohol: Sake (specially brewed sake)
• Manufacturer: Kumazawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 1,800ml ¥2,530 (tax included)

Tensei is a popular sake brand from Kumazawa Sake Brewery, the company behind Shonan Beer. It is a limited distribution product and is a rare drink that is only sold to authorized dealers.
The name comes from a Chinese proverb that goes, "After the rain, the clear blue clouds break through the sky." This sake is made with the aim of providing a "penetrating coolness," and you can enjoy its smart flavor.
Tensei Furyo is the standard bottle of the Tensei series. It is a perfect bottle to drink with meals and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from cold to hot .

4. Junmai Ginjo Hakoneyama Blue Bottle

• Type of alcohol: Japanese sake (junmai ginjo)
• Manufacturer: Inoue Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 15.5%
• Price: 720ml ¥2,050 (tax included)

Hakoneyama is a brand of sake produced by Inoue Sake Brewery. Inoue Sake Brewery is a long-established sake brewery with a history dating back to 1789. Among the many sakes they produce, they released "Hakoneyama" as a brand that is known worldwide.
Hakoneyama is a brand that has won awards at the National New Sake Tasting Competition, and is popular not only in Kanagawa Prefecture but throughout the country. It is known for its full-bodied flavor and is a very satisfying sake .
Among the Hakoneyama series, Junmai Ginjo Hakoneyama Blue Bottle is a light and refreshing bottle with a citrus-like freshness. It is also recommended as a souvenir or gift as it is available in a presentation box.

5. Matsumidori Freshly squeezed

• Type of alcohol: Sake (pure rice sake)
• Manufacturer: Nakazawa Sake Brewery
• Alcohol content: 17-18%
• Price: 1,800ml ¥3,190 (tax included)

Matsumidori is a local sake brand from Tanzawa. It is a brand created by Nakazawa Sake Brewery, which was founded in 1825, and is a sake that is entirely handmade , a long-standing commitment.
Matsumidori has a wide lineup, from year-round products to limited-time products. "Matsumidori Freshly Squeezed" is a freshly squeezed sake that is only available in winter, the season for new sake , and is bottled as is without any heat treatment.
The fresh and fruity taste is best served chilled.

6. Hakone Beer

Hakone beer and soba pic.twitter.com/CZTNBX0uF5

— Kagura (@neko_funjyatta) August 14, 2023

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Suzuhiro Kamaboko Co., Ltd.
• Alcohol content: 5% and up *Varies depending on the type
• Price: 330ml ¥660 (tax included)

Hakone Beer is a craft beer made using the famous Hakone Hyakunen-sui water . It is made by Suzuhiro Kamaboko , a specialty of Hakone and Odawara, and is well-known for its taste that is in line with the food culture. The beer is made from the high-quality water that is essential for making kamaboko, and is characterized by its fresh, delicious taste and minimal unpleasant flavors.
The lineup includes standard items such as "Hakone Pils" and "Odawara Ale," and limited edition items are also available depending on the season. In addition to being able to purchase them as souvenirs, you can also drink them at the restaurant next to the Suzuhiro Kamaboko facility.

7. Yokohama Beer

• Type of alcohol: Beer
• Manufacturer: Yokohama Beer
• Alcohol content: 4.5% and up *Varies depending on the type
• Price: Set of 6 Pilsners: ¥5,210 (tax included)

Yokohama Beer is a craft beer brewed in Yokohama. It is a highly renowned and talented brewer that has won multiple awards, including the International Beer Awards and the Japan Great Beer Awards.
In addition to the regular lineup of pilsner, weizen, alt, pale ale, etc., there are also fruit beers such as Tsunashima Peach Ale and Yokohama Maioka Strawberry Wheat, which are made using fruit from local producers. There are many bottles that are recommended for those who don't like bitter beer and for women, and they are popular as souvenirs and gifts.

8. Mercian Delicious wine with no added antioxidants, made with carefully selected ingredients

• Type of alcohol: Wine
• Manufacturer: Mercian
• Alcohol content: 12%

Mercian is one of the major wine makers in Japan. Many of the wines that Mercian produces for home and daily consumption are produced at its Fujisawa plant in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Delicious wine made with no added antioxidants. Carefully selected ingredients premium is a full-bodied wine for daily use, yet has a satisfying finish . The red wine has a strong berry flavor, and the white wine is fresh yet rich and delicious to drink. The packaging is a plastic bottle, so it's easy to drink at home.

Recommended snacks to go with Kanagawa sake

Kanagawa Prefecture, where you can enjoy a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, also has a wide variety of delicious gourmet foods. It might be fun to discover for yourself what snacks go well with what types of alcohol.
From here on, we will introduce some popular Kanagawa gourmet foods that go well with alcohol.

Kiyoken Shumai

I bought a Kiyoken Shumai bento from the basement of a department store. It's only called a bento, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks it's the best snack set. pic.twitter.com/z68mdrgMau

— Sake and Me (@noideanoplan) February 13, 2023

Kiyoken's shumai has long been a popular Yokohama souvenir. It is characterized by the dried scallops inside, and has the advantage of being delicious even when cooled .
Kiyoken's shumai, which can be purchased at stations near Yokohama, is popular as a souvenir or travel companion. They are just the right size, so they are also recommended as a quick snack.

Suzuhiro Kamaboko Fried Kama

Suzuhiro Kamaboko's fried kama is so delicious 😋 #Suzuhiro Kamaboko #Yokohama FC pic.twitter.com/XgR0VDodts

— NAO (@naofff) February 9, 2023

Suzuhiro Kamaboko is a popular souvenir from the Odawara and Hakone areas. Agekama is a product made by deep-frying kamaboko, and is delicious whether eaten as is or warmed up. It is also delicious grilled over a fire, and is recommended as a side dish for alcohol or as a meal. Be sure to try it with a local beer.

If you have any leftover alcohol in Kanagawa, go to a specialty alcohol store

Many people who like alcohol tend to buy too much. There may also be cases where you receive a large amount of alcohol unexpectedly as a gift or present. Alcohol is a nice thing to have, but if the amount is too large, it can be hard to finish it all. In such cases, we recommend using a "liquor purchase specialty store."
If you go to a liquor store, you can turn unopened liquor into cash. Even if you don't know the value of the liquor yourself or how to sell it, you can rest assured that there are professional appraisers at liquor stores . Some bottles of alcohol can be sold for a high price, so if you have liquor that you don't drink, please try using the appraisal service of a liquor store before you let it go to waste.
Linkusus, a liquor purchase specialty store , also purchases and assesses various alcoholic products, including alcohol from Kanagawa Prefecture. Linkusus purchases are accepted in-store, on-site, and by mail, so please feel free to contact us.
Linkus Kanagawa alcohol purchase here

summary

Kanagawa Prefecture produces a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including craft beer. The genres vary from popular drinks that you see every day to rare drinks, making it an area where you can enjoy a wide variety of alcoholic drinks.
Kanagawa Prefecture also has many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy alcohol. There are also sake breweries and beer factories that accept tours, so you can not only drink alcohol but also experience the culture.
Kanagawa Prefecture is a must-see area for alcohol lovers. If you have never tried alcohol from Kanagawa before, this is your chance to check it out.