This ranking showcases the most popular sake brands chosen by Japanese sake enthusiasts and provides valuable insights for international markets.
Whether you're exploring sake for personal enjoyment or considering these brands for your business, this ranking offers a glimpse into current Japanese sake preferences.
Top 10 Sake Ranking
1st Rank: UGO NO TSUKI "Jusanya" Special Junmai
Taking the top spot in the first half of 2025 is "Ugonotsuki Tokubetsu Junmai Jūsanya" from Aihara Brewery in Hiroshima Prefecture. Despite its low alcohol content of 13%, this sake offers excellent depth and balance. This rare sake is available through only 8 selected retailers nationwide, making it a truly exclusive offering.
Customer Reviews:
- "Delicious at any temperature - you can enjoy three different flavor profiles from one bottle"
- "When well-chilled, it's crisp and very smooth on the palate"
- "Clean and very easy to drink"
2nd Rank: MII NO KOTOBUKI Junmai Ginjo +14 Extra Dry
Coming in second by just one bottle is Mii no Kotobuki Junmai Ginjo, famous for its Slam Dunk-inspired label that has gained international recognition. This sake offers sharp, edgy contours with refined yet playful flavors. It's particularly appreciated by fans of Japanese manga culture worldwide.
Customer Reviews:
- "Deep complexity within the dry taste - very interesting"
- "The sake that awakened my love for dry sake"
- "Highly recommended for both sake lovers and Slam Dunk fans"
3rd Rank: KANKOUBAI Junmai Ginjo Yamadanishiki 50%
A remarkable rise for Kankoubai, which won first place in the Junmai Ginjo category at SAKE COMPETITION 2025. This truly represents the sake of the moment. Kankoubai's characteristic gentle gasiness provides comfort, while offering the fresh taste of freshly picked fruit.
Customer Reviews:
- "Fruity aroma with just the right sweetness - very drinkable"
- "Seems like it would pair well with any cuisine"
4th Rank: HAKURAKUSEI Junmai Ginjo
Crafted with the concept of "ultimate food sake," HAKURAKUSEI Junmai Ginjo minimizes aroma and sweetness while delivering smooth texture and delicate, clean flavors. This sake pairs exceptionally well with cuisines from around the world, gradually revealing more umami from the third cup onwards.
Customer Reviews:
- "Convenient to have on hand as it pairs with any dish"
- "Very drinkable and doesn't interfere with food"
5th Rank: Yokoyama Junmai Ginjo SILVER7 Muroka Nama Genshu
The most popular nama-zake from Shigeka Brewery in Nagasaki Prefecture under the "Yokoyama" brand. This sake features muscat-like aromas with juicy sweetness that spreads instantly on the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity and pleasant gasiness.
Customer Reviews:
- "Smooth to drink yet rich in both sweetness and umami"
6th Rank: TOYO BIJIN Junmai Daiginjo Ichibanmatoi
From Yamaguchi Prefecture's "Toyo Bijin" comes the highly popular "Ichiban Matoi." With its refined taste and elegant aroma, this sake is perfect for special occasions and makes an excellent gift.
Customer Reviews:
- "Given as a wedding gift and was greatly appreciated"
- "More fruity and sweet than expected - truly impressive"
7th Rank: FUKUUMI Yamadanishiki
"Fukukai" from Fukuda Brewery in Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture. This sake features refreshing ginjo aromas reminiscent of apples and apricots with a clean attack. Its light, up-tempo body balanced by tightening acidity and gasiness represents the royal road of modern light-type sake.
Customer Reviews:
- "Though modern and light, it has solid flavor depth"
8th Rank: HAKURAKUSEI Junmai Daiginjo
The junmai daiginjo from the ultimate food sake series, HAKURAKUSEI. Using 40% polished Omachi rice, this sake achieves a wonderful balance where Omachi's richness coexists with HAKURAKUSEI's characteristic sharpness. This sake is served in JAL international first-class flights, enjoyed by travelers worldwide.
Customer Reviews:
- "An incredible sake - pairs perfectly not only with Japanese cuisine but also Italian and French dishes"
- "Always keep it stocked in my refrigerator"
- "Consistently delivers impressive deliciousness every time"
9th Rank: SHICHIHONYARI Junmai
A junmai sake using Tamae rice cultivated by local contract farmers. The No. 14 yeast creates a refreshing mouthfeel, while the body thickness characteristic of Tamae rice provides satisfying fullness. This food sake is particularly excellent when heated and shows its true value when paired with meat dishes.
10th Rank: KAMOKINSHU Special Junmai 13
"Kamo Kinshu" from Kanmitsu Brewery in Hiroshima Prefecture. Characterized by fresh, pear-like aroma and mouthfeel. Despite its low alcohol content of 13%, you can enjoy the effervescent sensation that bursts in your mouth and a core umami that runs through it all.
Customer Reasons for Choice:
- "Has umami but isn't too sweet, too dry, or too strong in alcohol - perfect when you just want to drink sake"
- "Already drinkable Kamo Kinshu became even more approachable and delicious at 13%"
Conclusion
The first half of 2025 showcased the rich diversity and exceptional quality of Japanese sake. These top-ranked brands demonstrate the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, each offering a unique taste experience that captivates sake enthusiasts worldwide.
For those interested in exploring these premium sakes or considering them for import, we offer a comprehensive selection from Japan's finest breweries. Contact us to discover the perfect sake for your palate or business needs.
