Although relatively young compared to other traditional breweries, Kizakura quickly rose to prominence through innovative steps such as the first television commercial for sake and the use of paper cartons instead of glass bottles.
The Kizakura Brewery was founded in 1925 in Fushimi, Kyoto. The name “Kizakura” refers to a rare yellow-blossomed cherry tree variety and symbolizes the brewery’s unique origins. From the very beginning, the pure “Fushimizu” spring water played a key role in the quality of the sake, giving the drink its smooth and well-balanced character. Although relatively young compared to other traditional breweries, Kizakura quickly rose to prominence through innovative steps such as the first television commercial for sake and the use of paper cartons instead of glass bottles.
Today, Kizakura is much more than a sake producer. In addition to its classic varieties, the company also makes craft beer, whisky, shochu, and liqueurs. As early as 1995, it began brewing beer with local ingredients such as matcha, yuzu, sake yeast, and rice, making it one of the pioneers of Japan’s craft beer movement. Tourism is another important pillar: at “Fushimi-gura,” a facility combining brewery, museum, and restaurant, visitors can experience the production of sake and beer up close. The brand has long been associated with the Kappa, a mythical water creature that has featured prominently in its advertising and marketing for decades.
In recent years, Kizakura has continued to embrace innovation. In 2018, the company obtained a whisky production license and since 2022 has been marketing its own Single Malt and Blended Malt whiskies. In this way, Kizakura has evolved from a young sake brewery into a versatile beverage producer that successfully combines tradition and modernity and is recognized far beyond Kyoto.
