Shichiyo Sake Brewery: Discover a New Chapter of Sake Brewing in Okagaki

A Sake Brewery Rooted in a Long Brewing Tradition

Located in Utsura, Okagaki Town, in the Kitakyushu area of Fukuoka Prefecture, Shichiyo Sake Brewery carries on a brewing tradition that dates back to 1854.

The brewery originally began making sake in Setaka, in what is now Miyama City. In search of pure water suitable for sake brewing, the brewery moved its production facility to Utsura, Okagaki, in 2022. At that time, it adopted its current name, Shichiyo Sake Brewery, while carrying on the approximately 160-year history of its predecessor, Hoshikuma Sake Brewery.

The Story Behind Shichiyo

The name and identity of Shichiyo Sake Brewery are closely connected with Okagaki’s natural surroundings.

The brewery uses the Seven Stars, or Big Dipper, as part of its symbol. From the coast of Hatsu in Okagaki, the Big Dipper is said to appear in autumn as if its ladle were drawing water from the sea.

The brewery’s new identity also reflects its connection with the local landscape and its desire to create sake that carries the character of Okagaki.

Pure Water from Myoken-no-ido

One of the key elements of Shichiyo Sake Brewery’s brewing philosophy is water.

Myoken-no-ido, a well located on the brewery grounds at the foot of Mount Yugawayama, provides abundant soft water from an area surrounded by rich natural landscapes. This water is used as the brewing water for Shichiyo’s sake and is well suited to low-temperature, long-term fermentation.

The brewery also uses rice grown in Fukuoka Prefecture. Its signature sake, “Shichiyo White Label,” is a junmai sake made with 100% Yamada Nishiki rice. It is described by the brewery as a refined sake designed to complement meals and can be enjoyed both chilled and warmed.

A Selection of Sake with Distinctive Character

Shichiyo Sake Brewery offers several varieties of sake, each with its own character.

“Shichiyo White Label” is a balanced junmai sake suitable for both chilled and warm serving, while “Shichiyo Black Label” is brewed through low-temperature, long-term fermentation to develop a rich aroma and clean taste.

The brewery also produces “Yuuma,” an unfiltered nama-zake inspired by the legendary horse Surusumi, which is said to have been born and raised around Mount Yuwama, the former name of Mount Yugawayama. With a fresh, lightly sparkling character, Yuuma expresses the sense of speed and freshness associated with the legendary horse.

Other varieties, including “Shichiyo Pink Label” and “Shichiyo Tong,” offer visitors an opportunity to discover different expressions of the brewery’s sake.

A New Chapter of Sake Brewing in Okagaki

Shichiyo Sake Brewery carries on a brewing tradition that dates back to 1854 while embracing the natural environment and local character of Okagaki.

The brewery’s sake is shaped by the region’s carefully selected rice, pure local water, and the craftsmanship passed down through generations. At the same time, Shichiyo continues to explore new possibilities for sake, creating distinctive products inspired by the history, culture, and landscape of its new home.

For travelers interested in Japanese sake, Shichiyo offers an opportunity to discover a local brewery where a long brewing tradition meets the character of Okagaki.

Shichiyo Sake Brewery Official website

◆Address

Utsura715, Okagaki-Machi, Ongagun, Fukuoka, Japan