Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Northern Alps, Hida Takayama has long been recognized as ideal territory for sake brewing. One of the main reasons is the pristine spring water that flows from these mountains.
In winter, heavy snow blankets the mountains around Takayama. As it melts, this soft water makes its way down to the breweries below, giving Takayama-made sake a gentle mouthfeel and refined flavor that’s clean and light on the palate while still preserving the rich taste of rice. It pairs beautifully with local specialties like Hida beef, hoba miso, and mountain vegetable dishes. You can enjoy it warm in winter to chase away the cold, or chilled in summer for a refreshing finish.
Takayama is home to several historic sake breweries, some dating back to the Edo period. Brands like Kusudama, Horai, Yatai, and Shiramayu have earned national recognition for their quality. While each brewery honors tradition, they’re also constantly innovating with seasonal and limited releases. We recommend sampling sake from different breweries and comparing their distinct characteristics in Old Town. If you’re not much of a drinker, don’t worry. You’ll also find sake-flavored sweets and soft-serve ice cream that offer a gentler introduction to these flavors!
