Kamenoi Shuzo (Koikawa)

Operating Tohoku/Niigata
Years Active 1725 – present
Region Tohoku/Niigata
Country Japan
Japanese Name 亀井酒造 (鯉川)
Prefecture Yamagata
Status Operating
Owner Family
Water Source Gassan mountain snowmelt water (very soft water)
Rice Varieties Dewasansan; Miyamanishiki; Yamadanishiki; Kamenoo
Toji School Local Yamagata
Production Size Small
Key Brands Koikawa; Koikawa Junmai Daiginjo
Famous Brands Junmai Daiginjo; Junmai Ginjo; Junmai; Yamahai; Kimoto
Website Unknown
Coordinates 38.8469, 139.9036

About Kamenoi Shuzo (Koikawa)

Historic Shonai brewery dating to 1725. Koikawa means Carp River. Known for reviving the ancient Kamenoo rice variety for sake brewing. Part of the movement to preserve heritage rice varieties. The Shonai plain where it’s located is one of Japan’s great rice bowls.