Inata Honten (Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture) ~ Founded in 1673—“Inatahime,” brewed with heart and inspired by the goddess of matchmaking~

■Building on Tradition While Embracing New Challenges—Aiming to Craft Sake That Will Be Cherished for 400, Even 500 Years to Come

Founded in 1673, Inata Honten is one of the region’s leading and most established breweries. Carrying on the tradition of “brewing with heart,” we remain united in our commitment to crafting sake of the highest quality.

Their flagship variety is “Inatahime.” It was named after the goddess of matchmaking who appears in ancient mythology.

The rice used for brewing is grown by farmers with whom they have direct contracts. They strive to secure high-quality rice with minimal off-flavors by using reduced pesticides and fertilizers. Blessed with the high-quality water provided by the rich natural environment at the foot of Mount Daisen, this region truly offers an ideal climate for sake brewing.

The reason Inata Honten has been beloved for so long is its unwavering passion, its commitment to building upon tradition step by step, and its willingness to embrace new challenges with flexibility. Having been in business for over 350 years, the brewery is determined to continue crafting sake with heart and soul so that it may be cherished for 400, 500 years, and beyond—and this steadfast belief, rooted in a vision for the future, truly moves us.

■“Weekend Liqueurs” Crafted with Fruits and Herbs—Captivating Women in Their 20s and 30s

One of the new initiatives this company has been focusing on in recent years is “INATA LABO.” To explore the possibilities of sake and the endless ways to enjoy it, they have formed a dedicated team to conduct experimental new product development.

“Weekend Liqueurs” is the flagship series of “INATA LABO.”

The main target group is women in their 20s and 30s. With the concept of offering a chance to take a breather and relax as a reward for a hard week’s work, the products feature a variety of flavors, including fruit and herbs.

They entered “Weekend Liqueur OIMO”—one of the most popular products in the series—into the “Food Paradise Tottori” Specialty Products Competition, which selects new products that best showcase the appeal of Tottori Prefecture’s local goods. After rigorous judging, it was awarded the Grand Prize in the Alcoholic Beverages category.

“Weekend Liqueur OIMO” is made with “Beni Azuma” sweet potatoes, known for their gentle, rich sweetness, with a touch of brown sugar added as a secret ingredient. While it's best enjoyed mixed with milk, try it over ice cream or mixed with tea—this soothing drink can be enjoyed in many different ways, depending on your preference or mood.

■Operating Multiple Izakayas in Tokyo Where Guests Can Compare Inata Honten’s Signature Sake Selection

Driven by a desire to let people enjoy their carefully crafted premium sake in a relaxed setting, Inata Honten has opened several “Inataya” izakaya locations, starting in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, and expanding to Tokyo. In Tokyo, the chain operates in easily accessible central locations such as Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, Marunouchi, and Nihonbashi-Muromachi, and is widely popular not only among Japanese locals but also among visitors from overseas.

The cuisine features ingredients sourced from the local regions of Tottori and Shimane Prefectures. In addition to the bountiful seafood of the Sea of Japan—including red snow crab—their top-tier chefs meticulously prepare mountain delicacies nurtured by the rich natural environment, such as carefully selected Kuroge Wagyu beef and herb-fed chicken.
This renowned restaurant offers a diverse selection of sake, including “Inatahime,” and allows you to fully savor exquisite cuisine.

▼ "Inataya" official site (Japanese/English):https://inataya.co.jp/

＜Recommended Items＞

Junmai Daiginjo Inatahime 30

Made from Yamada Nishiki—the pinnacle of sake rice—polished down to 30%, this sake is characterized by the gentle mouthfeel typical of Yamada Nishiki. It features a noble aroma and a light, refreshing flavor. Best served slightly chilled from the refrigerator, it pairs beautifully with dishes that highlight the delicate flavors of ingredients like sashimi.

Honjozo Inatahime

This is a signature sake from the Inata Honten. Its crisp, light flavor pairs perfectly with any dish. Another key feature is that it can be enjoyed at a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to hot. With its exquisite balance of flavor and aroma, it’s a versatile sake you’ll want to keep sipping.

Honjozo Hoki no Inadama

It enjoys overwhelming support from sake connoisseurs who prefer dry styles. With its rich umami and full-bodied character, it pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. It reveals different facets depending on the temperature—offering a crisp, clean flavor when chilled and a robust, full-bodied flavor when warmed.

Junmai Ginjo Inatahime

“Inatahime” is the name of a goddess from Japanese mythology who brings people together and invites happiness. Crafted with the wish that sharing food and drink will bring you joy, this sake is best served slightly chilled and paired with rich, oily dishes like tempura. Its light, crisp flavor cuts through the richness of the oil, leaving your palate feeling refreshed.

Junmai Daiginjo Inatahime 40

This luxurious Junmai Daiginjo is crafted from “Yamada Nishiki,” the pinnacle of sake rice, polished down to 40%. It features a clean, pure flavor with no off-notes, highlighting the rice-derived umami and smoothness. Enjoy it slightly chilled, paired with delicate dishes such as sashimi. Presented in an elegant gift box, it makes an ideal gift.

Chotokusen Daiginjo Inatahime 40

Made with “Yamada Nishiki,” one of the most popular sake rice varieties.This Daiginjo has a smooth mouthfeel and a light, aromatic profile. Its crispness and clean finish are particularly appealing. Enjoy it paired with Japanese cuisine and other lightly seasoned dishes. Best served chilled.

IKU'S SHIRO

IKU’S is a new-concept brand created with the goal of offering a drink that everyone can enjoy. By pursuing a new balance of sweetness and acidity, it achieves a perfect harmony of the rice’s natural sweetness, refreshing acidity, and vibrant aroma. With a low alcohol content of 9%, it’s easy to drink and makes the perfect gift for someone special.

[Inata Honten Company profile]

Address: 325-16 Yomi-cho, Yonago, Tottori
Access: About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Yonago Station
Phone number: 0859-29-1108
Official website:https://www.inata.co.jp/

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