This time, we had the pleasure of joining “Aoi Ringo Brewery Tour ‘APPLE SEED’ — Training Division: Small Seeds Sown for the Future”, and visited Yamano Shuzo in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture.
To actually step into a brewery, hear directly from the makers, and feel the air of the place—
it was a moment that reminded us once again of the true charm of sake.
1. About Yamano Shuzo
Yamano Shuzo is a sake brewery located in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture.
Their flagship brand is “Katano Sakura” (片野桜).
While making the most of local water and rice,
they value traditional brewing methods,
and at the same time craft sake that resonates with modern sensibilities.
With a calm umami and an easy-to-drink character,
their sake is loved by many as a bottle to enjoy alongside meals.
The quality of this sake is both calm and delicious and easy to drink.
It is popular with many people as a sake that can be enjoyed with meals.
2. About the Brewery Tour
What we helped with this time was a brewery tour held exclusively for people in their 20s and 30s:
“Aoi Ringo Brewery Tour APPLE SEED”
“APPLE SEED,” as the name suggests, means “a seed of an apple.”
The idea is to plant a “seed” of opportunity for a generation that may not yet know much about sake—
a chance to discover its appeal.
Touring the brewery,
learning the brewing process,
and then tasting the sake itself—
it was time to enjoy sake not as “knowledge,” but as a lived experience.
3. Recommended Sake
Here are two bottles that left a particularly strong impression during our visit.
Katano Sakura Yamahai Junmai Omachi Muroka Nama Genshu
A bottle that lets you fully feel the rich, rounded umami of Omachi rice.
The depth unique to the Yamahai method is layered with the power of an unfiltered nama genshu.
It has satisfying presence, yet keeps a great balance for enjoying with food.
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4. In Closing
When you visit a brewery,
the way you see sake on the shelf changes—just a little.
The brewer’s intent,
the local climate and culture,
and the story behind how the sake is born.
Knowing those things makes each sip feel richer.
At Sakōjin, we’ll continue sharing the appeal of breweries and the joy of sake—
and bringing those stories to you.