1. What is Sake Day?
October 1st is known as “Sake Day.” This originates from the fact that the sake brewing year in Japan traditionally begins in October, and also because the zodiac sign for “酉 (tori)” symbolizes a sake jar. It is truly a day to celebrate the start of a new year for sake.
2. Endless Ways to Enjoy Sake
The beauty of sake lies in how its character changes depending on the temperature or vessel:
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Chilled: The aroma shines, light and refreshing.
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Room temperature: You can savor the natural umami of rice.
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Warm (nurukan): A gentle richness unfolds, perfect for long autumn nights.
Sake vessels also matter—glass, ceramic, or tin each create a different sensation on the palate and aroma, making it fun to discover your favorite pairing.
3. The Deep Connection Between Sake and Local Cuisine
Sake is not just an alcoholic drink—it is deeply tied to the food culture of each region. Brewed from local rice, water, and yeast, it naturally pairs beautifully with the cuisine of its area. As the saying goes, “Local sake is made to match local food.”
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Tohoku Region — With seafood and hot pots
Crisp and clean sake from the colder Tohoku area pairs well with salty dishes and hearty hot pots, such as Akita’s kiritanpo nabe or Aomori’s kaiyaki miso. -
Hokuriku Region — With fresh seafood
Balanced, umami-rich sake from Hokuriku, facing the Sea of Japan, is a perfect partner for sashimi, crab, or buri daikon. Sake from Echizen Misaki is especially well-suited to the seafood of Fukui. -
Kansai Region — With dashi-based cuisine
Kansai cuisine is known for its delicate use of dashi (kelp and bonito stock). Sake here is often light and gentle, harmonizing beautifully with simmered dishes or clear soups.
4. Recommended Sake for Sake Day
Echizen Misaki Daiginjo Shizuku “Gin no Shizuku” 1800ml (Fukui / Tanabe Shuzo)
Brewed with the finest Hyogo Yamadanishiki and bottled using the luxurious shizuku drip method. Elegant aroma and refined taste—Echizen Misaki’s pinnacle sake.
300th Anniversary Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo “Urakasumi” 720ml (Miyagi / Saura Co., Ltd.)
A sake that embodies tradition and craftsmanship. Brewed with the kimoto method, it offers deep umami and graceful aroma, honoring over three centuries of history.
Echizen Misaki Long-Aged Daiginjo “Fukufuku” 720ml (Fukui / Tanabe Shuzo)
Aged for over 10 years, this sake delivers mature, rounded notes and profound richness. A truly luxurious bottle for a special toast.
5. Conclusion
“Sake Day” marks not only the beginning of a new brewing year but also a chance to rediscover the depth of sake. Try different temperatures, vessels, or local food pairings to find your own favorite way to enjoy it.
This October 1st, let’s raise a glass with a truly special bottle of sake.