Tasting and Pairing
It offers a clear, gentle sweetness, layered with the depth and character of buckwheat, followed by a clean, crisp finish. At room temperature, it shows an elegant and refined profile. When gently warmed, a soft, comforting richness emerges, reminiscent of soba-yu, the warm, cloudy broth enjoyed after eating soba, with its gentle grain sweetness and soothing texture. The expressive change across different serving temperatures is one of its key attractions.
Food Pairing
Chikuzen-ni (Simmered chicken and root vegetables in dashi), Oden (Japanese simmered dishes in dashi broth), Grilled eel with sweet soy glaze (Kabayaki), Teriyaki chicken, Warabi mochi (Bracken starch jelly), and Dashi-wari (Sake mixed with warm dashi broth).
Best served at
25℃, 50℃
Best served in
Large guinomi (a slightly larger sake cup)
Specifications
Alcohol
14
%
Polishing Ratio
60
%
Rice
Omachi (from Okayama) & Soba (buckwheat) koji
Water
Groundwater from Yao City
Retail Price
¥4,500 (500ml)
Prizes & Awards
The Brewery
Koshimeijo is located in Tochio, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
Founded in 1845, the brewery draws on the rich natural blessings of Tochio’s majestic mountains. Today, Koshimeijo produces three distinct brands—Koshi no Tsuru, Ichijo, and Yamashiroya—each with its own unique concept and philosophy.
Among them, Yamashiroya, launched in 2007, stands out as a rare presence in Niigata, as all of its sake is brewed exclusively using the traditional kimoto method.
The philosophy of Yamashiroya is what the brewery calls “the ultimate subtraction.”
Rather than relying on showy aromas, the sake quietly refines the natural power of rice and water. Gentle acidity born from kimoto brewing and a clear, focused umami come together to evoke the calm and stillness of the surrounding mountains.
The brewery is currently led by Masashi Yoshihara, who previously worked as a master fireworks craftsman. Having captivated audiences with the spectacular yonshakudama, the world’s largest firework shell, he now expresses his craftsmanship through sake—bringing a quiet, lasting sense of emotion to those who experience it.
Brewery Name
Koshimeijo
Founded
1846
Generation
Location
Omachi, Tochio, Nagaoka City, Niigata
Brewmaster
President
Masashi Yoshihara









