Takizawa Sake Brewery (Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture) ～Releases the World’s First Authentic Rosé-Style Sparkling Sake～

Sparkling sake's leading brand, winner of the Platinum Award at a French competition

Takizawa Sake Brewery was founded in 1863. With its brick chimney, standing over 20 meters tall, as its symbol, it is well-loved as a long-established brewery producing the signature local sake of Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture.

The signature brand is “Kikuizumi” (Chrysanthemum Spring), which is crafted using traditional, handmade methods and is distinguished by its crisp, light flavor. The name was chosen to reflect the idea that it is “as fragrant as a chrysanthemum and as pure as a spring.”

Highly regarded for its elegant and refined palate, it has frequently won gold medals at prestigious international competitions, including the “International Wine Challenge,” the world’s most authoritative blind tasting competition held in the UK.

Building on its long-standing traditions while incorporating new technologies and values, Takizawa Sake Brewery has been placing particular emphasis in recent years on authentic sparkling sake.
Their challenge began in 2007, when President Takizawa assumed the role of toji (master brewer). Initially, due in part to unstable gas pressure, they received numerous complaints from customers and faced one difficulty after another. Through repeated improvements and the application of the champagne method, they were able to complete “Kikuizumi Hitosuji,” a clear sparkling junmai sake produced by secondary fermentation in the bottle, in 2016.

In 2018, they successfully developed “Kikuizumi Hitosuji Rosé” using red yeast. As the world's first authentic rosé-style sparkling sake, it delighted sake enthusiasts.

In addition, in 2023, the series' premium product, “Hitosuji Rei,” was released.
Countless bubbles rise like sparkling rays of light, and a sweet aroma reminiscent of honey-rich apples and perfectly ripe pears fills the mouth.

“Hitosuji Rei” has won Platinum and Gold Awards at “Kura Master,” a sake competition judged by France's top sommeliers.

In the “Japanese modern” brewery renovated for the first time in about 170 years, AI assists customers in selecting sake in multiple languages

In the fall of 2025, they carried out the first major renovation in approximately 170 years.
Guided by the concept of “Japanese Modern,” this renovation project incorporated modern construction techniques while preserving as much as possible the pillars, beams, and architectural fixtures that have remained since the Edo period.

The first floor features a retail shop and a tasting corner where you can try four different types of sake at any time.
For those who aren't sure which one to choose, they've also introduced an AI system.
When you select your desired mood or preferred flavor on the touchscreen, the AI analyzes how well it matches the products available in-store and suggests recommendations.

The AI system supports foreign languages such as English and Chinese. This allows international visitors to use the service with confidence and ease, helping them discover the perfect sake for their taste.

Located in Saitama Prefecture, right next to Tokyo, Takizawa Sake Brewery is easily accessible from the city center. You can enjoy sake tastings and shopping on a day trip.

Fukaya City has deep ties to brickmaking and is known as the “Town of Bricks.” In 1887, Japan’s first large-scale mechanized brick factory was established there, and many modern buildings—including Tokyo Station—were constructed using bricks produced at this factory.

The city is still home to many beautiful brick buildings, such as Fukaya Station—modeled after Tokyo Station—and a former brick-making facility (a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property). After visiting Takizawa Sake Brewery, take a stroll while feeling pleasantly tipsy to soak up a nostalgic atmosphere you won’t find in other towns.

＜Recommended Items＞

Kikuizumi Hitosuji Rosé

This is the world’s first rosé-style sparkling junmai sake made through natural fermentation without the addition of carbon dioxide, resulting in a crystal-clear finish. It features a sweet, strawberry-like aroma perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity. Its elegant, rose-gold hue is a delight to behold, and it’s sure to elevate the festive mood on special occasions like birthdays.

Australian Sake Awards 2024 Platinum Award
Kura Master 2019 Gold Medal
IWC 2021 Trophy

Kikuizumi Hitosuji

This clear sparkling junmai sake, developed over eight years using the champagne method, undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle. With its fruity aroma, refreshing effervescence, and pleasant acidity, it complements not only Japanese cuisine but also French and Italian dishes.
In 2019, they obtained a process patent for the “Method for Producing Sparkling Sake” (Patent No. 6611181).

Kura Master 2025 Platinum Award
Australian Sake Awards 2025 Gold Awards

Kikuizumi Daiginjo

This Daiginjo is crafted from “Yamada Nishiki,” the king of sake rice, polished to 40% of its original size and fermented slowly at low temperatures, resulting in a clear, elegant flavor. Its refreshing aroma, reminiscent of green apples, whets the appetite, and a deep, mellow flavor spreads across the palate, followed by a sharp, clean finish. Serving it well-chilled brings out its full flavor.

International Wine Challenge: Gold Medal (2013 & 2017), Silver Medal (2021), and Saitama Daiginjo Trophy (2025) in the Daiginjo category

Kikuizumi Daiginjo Secret Sake

This sake is a daiginjo brewed with meticulous care and aged for over five years at a low temperature of 5°C.
Setting itself apart from typical aged sake, this sake boasts a clear, nearly colorless appearance and the distinctive elegance characteristic of daiginjo. Its rich, refined aroma and smooth, full-bodied flavor leave a deep, lingering finish with every sip. Best enjoyed chilled.

International Wine Challenge 2014: Gold Medal; 2016: Silver Medal

[Takizawa Sake Brewery Company profile]

Address: 9-20 Tadokoro-cho, Fukaya-city, Saitama
Access: 10-minute walk from Fukaya Station on the JR Takasaki Line
Phone number: 048-571-0267
Official website:https://kikuizumi.jp/
Shop opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00 (closed on Sundays and holidays)

* This article is machine translated from Japanese to other foreign languages