Land of ”umasake”
There are 3 regions in Okayama Prefecture; Bizen, Bicchu, and Mimasaka. Of the three, Mimasaka is said to be a variation of the word “Umasaka” meaning good ”sake”. This is mentioned in the book “Harima Fudoki” from the 700s, which is an indication that ”sake” from Mimasaka was recognized for its great flavor from very early on. Gozenshu Kuramoto Tsuji Honten is a ”sake” brewery producing ”sake” since 1804 in Mimasaka, the land of good ”sake”.
Their ”sake” has been very reputable since its foundation. Many famous figures who love ”sake” such as husband and wife Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, writer Junichiro Tanizaki from over 100 years ago, and actors Kiyoshi Atsumi and Rokusuke Ei have paid a visit here.
Prepared using Omachimai
Tsuji Honten uses the largest quantity of high quality ”sake” rice “Omachimai” compared to any other sake brewers in the prefecture. They have carried on the tradition of using Omachimai which is soft in texture, making it difficult to produce ”sake”. To this day, they continue to pass on the tradition while making improvements.
They now have a restaurant in the renovated storage chamber called “Nishikura” where guests can casually enjoy the food and ”sake” culture of Mimasaka.
