Higashimurayama's proud sake brewery, Toshimaya Shuzo — “Kinkon” and “Okunokami”

✿Its roots are a 1596 sake shop in Kanda, Edo

Toshimaya's story begins in 1596 (Keicho 1). It is said to have started when the first-generation owner opened a sake shop and tavern at Kanda Kamakura-gashi in Edo. A long-established house beloved by Edo's people for its “shirozake” (white sake), its history spans more than 400 years. In time, to brew its own sake, it established a kura (brewery) in the Musashino land of Higashimurayama. That is the “Toshimaya Shuzo” that continues today. A brewery carrying the lineage of an old Edo establishment is right here in Higashimurayama.

✿“Kinkon,” a sake offered at shrines

Toshimaya's flagship label is “Kinkon.” The name is said to come from celebrating Emperor Meiji's silver wedding anniversary (25 years of marriage). In particular, “Kinkon Masamune” is a prestigious sake offered as omiki (sake presented to the gods) at two great shrines, Meiji Jingu and Kanda Myojin. Sake made in Higashimurayama, offered to the deities at shrines that represent Tokyo — that alone conveys this brewery's standing.

✿“Okunokami,” a popular local sake of today

Beyond the prestigious “Kinkon,” Toshimaya Shuzo also has a label popular with today's sake fans: “Okunokami.” Known for its fresh, vivid flavor, it has been highly regarded among lovers of local sake. The brewing uses fine groundwater stored in the Musashino plateau. Long-standing prestige and a new popular label — this is a brewery that keeps producing both, here in Higashimurayama.

Toshimaya Shuzo also offers chances to experience sake-making firsthand, such as a Saturday brewery tour and the brewery open-day festival “TOSHIMAYA FESTA.” We cover these in detail in separate columns.