Hidden Gem of Miyagi: Enjoy a Sake Brewery Tour in Nakaniida!

You might be wondering, "Where is Nakaniida?" This hidden gem in Miyagi Prefecture is a must-visit destination for sake lovers. Originally known as Nakaniida, this area became part of Kami Town after a merger in 2003. However, its renowned sake tradition lives on, with three historic breweries still producing exceptional Japanese sake. If you love sake or are looking for the perfect souvenir, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Nakaniida’s sake breweries when visiting Miyagi!

Nakanida and Sake Brewing

The former town of Nakanida, now part of Kami Town, is home to three historic sake breweries, each producing well-known Japanese sake brands: Tanaka Sake Brewery (makers of Manazuru), Yamawa Sake Brewery (Washiga Kuni), and Nakayu Sake Brewery (Mugen). These breweries, located just a few hundred meters apart, uphold the region’s deep-rooted tradition of sake craftsmanship.

Miyagi Prefecture is renowned for its award-winning sake, with many local breweries earning Gold Medals at the National New Sake Appraisal. Nakanida, in particular, benefits from the pristine snowmelt of the Ōu Mountains and the abundant waters of the Naruse River. It is also near the Ōsaki Plain, the birthplace of Sasanishiki rice, a premium variety known for its suitability in sake brewing. With a rich history in rice farming and sake production, Nakanida remains a hidden sake destination, home to top-quality, gold medal-winning brews cherished by sake connoisseurs.

Tanaka Shuzo in Manatsuru

Tanaka Shuzo, renowned for its sake brand Manatsuru, was founded in 1787 (Kansei 1) by Rinbei Tanaka, a kimono merchant of the Date clan. The brewery's prestigious Kinmon Manatsuru Daiginjo has won the Gold Award at the Japan Sake Awards three times.

Dedicated to preserving traditional brewing methods, Tanaka Shuzo revived the labor-intensive Kimoto method in 2009, the first time in 67 years. This method, based on Edo-period brewing records, produces rich, high-quality junmai sake. The brewery also embraces innovation by collaborating with inns to create specialty sake, aging sake with lullabies in a unique "music sake" project, and crafting wine-like sake from rice and yeast for international markets.

The Manatsuru lineup includes eight varieties, ranging from the aromatic pinnacle of dry daiginjo, a 12-year-aged vintage, daiginjo koshu (aged sake), and a crisp honjozo made with locally grown Toyonishiki rice, to a yamahai junmai perfect for both warm and chilled drinking.

Yamawa Sake Brewery

Yamawa Sake Brewery, known for its famous sake brand "Washiga Kuni," was founded in 1896 (Meiji 29) when Kazubei Ito left his pharmacy business to pursue sake brewing. The brewery follows the philosophy of creating sake that "flows down the throat like water." Although it has a team of young brewers, Yamawa remains committed to traditional brewing techniques.

The name "Washiga Kuni" originates from a folk song that praises Tanikaze, a Yokozuna (sumo champion) from the Sendai domain during the Edo period. The lyrics start with: "Washiga Kuni sa de misetai mono wa, mukasha Tanikaze, ima Date moyō," which means, "What I want to show in my homeland: in the past, there was Tanikaze, now the Date clan's designs." This sake has been crafted using traditional methods and has been cherished by the locals for generations.

In addition to "Washiga Kuni," Yamawa Sake Brewery also produces the "Yamawa" brand, which is available in limited distribution. The brewery has won multiple awards at the Japan Sake Awards, earning high praise not only from sake enthusiasts but also from historic sake breweries across Japan.

Nakayuu Sake Brewery

Nakayuu Sake Brewery, renowned for its signature sake "Mugen," has a deep historical connection to the region. Founded in 1906 (Meiji 39) by the Nakajima family, descendants of retainers who served the Osaki clan—rulers of the Nakanida area during the Muromachi to Sengoku periods—the brewery has faced closures in its past but remains a historic sake producer.

One of its most popular products, "Tenjo Mugen Ginjo Genshu Chokarakuchi", encountered challenges upon its release. As a rare ginjo genshu (undiluted sake) that could be enjoyed on the rocks, its unique combination of crisp dryness and fragrant ginjo aroma was not initially well received. However, after being showcased at Mitsukoshi Sendai, it gradually gained popularity among sake enthusiasts.

The president of Nakayuu Sake Brewery believes that promoting authentic sake culture is the responsibility of producers. The brewery is committed to crafting sake with locally sourced rice, using traditional handmade brewing techniques, while also expanding its reach to international markets. Their motto, "A locally cherished sake, a pride of the region," reflects their dedication to the community. Approximately 90% of their production is consumed within Miyagi Prefecture, making it a rare find outside the region—an excellent choice as a souvenir.

In 2019, Nakayuu Sake Brewery’s "Tenjo Mugen Daiginjo Yamada Nishiki" won 1st place in the Ginjo category at the SAKE COMPETITION 2019, the world’s largest sake competition for commercially available sake.

How to Get to Nakanida (Kami Town)

By Car from Sendai to Kami Town Hall

• Via Tohoku Expressway: From Sendai Station, take National Route 48 and enter the Tohoku Expressway at Sendai-Miyagi I.C. Exit at Sanbongi P.A., then take National Route 4 and Prefectural Route 157 to reach Kami Town Hall. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

• Via General Roads: From Sendai Station, take Prefectural Route 22, then connect to National Route 4 and follow National Route 457 to Kami Town Hall. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• From Other Cities:
○ From Tokyo/Sendai direction: Approx. 30 minutes from Taiwa I.C. or 25 minutes from Ōhira I.C.
○ From Aomori/Morioka direction: Approx. 25 minutes from Furukawa I.C. or Sanbongi Smart I.C.

By Train

• From Tokyo to Sendai, take the Hayabusa Shinkansen in as fast as 90 minutes.
• From Sendai, transfer to Yamabiko Shinkansen and reach Furukawa Station in 115 minutes.
• From Furukawa Station, take a taxi for 30 minutes, or from Sendai Station, the taxi ride takes about 60 minutes.

Taxi Services in Kami Town

For transportation from Furukawa Station or Sendai Station, the following taxis are available:

• Nakanida Taxi: 0229-63-2120
• Kami Kōtsū Taxi: 0229-63-2333
• Onoda Kankō Taxi: 0229-67-2841
• Onoda Taxi: 0229-67-2075
• Tōgei no Sato Taxi: 0229-69-5010

◎ Summary

This guide introduces a sake brewery tour in Nakashinden. Due to municipal mergers over time, Nakashinden is now part of Kami Town. However, its rich brewing heritage continues with three historic sake breweries: Tanaka Shuzo, Yamawa Shuzo, and Nakayu Shuzo. These breweries uphold traditional sake-making techniques using locally sourced rice and pristine water while embracing innovation and international markets.

Please note that brewery tours require prior inquiries, as sudden visits may not be accommodated. Even if you don’t join a tour, the brewery exteriors exude charm, making a leisurely stroll to admire their traditional architecture a worthwhile experience.

※ The information in this article is accurate as of December 13, 2019.

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Hidden Gem of Miyagi: Enjoy a Sake Brewery Tour in Nakaniida!