Tenshin: A Masterpiece of Tradition and Innovation from Kitakyushu

Where Legacy Meets the Art of Craftsmanship

Mizokami Sake Brewery was founded in 1844, during the Kōka era of the Edo period, and has more than 180 years of history. Originally based in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, the brewery produced sake under the brand name “Tsurutenshin,” inspired by the auspicious image of a crane soaring through the sky.

In 1931, the brewery discovered a source of clean spring water at the foot of Mt. Sarakura in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. The area's cool valley environment was also well suited to kanzukuri, the traditional winter brewing method. For these reasons, the brewery moved to its present location in Kitakyushu.

At the same time, the brand name was changed to “Tenshin,” which has since become a well-known local sake of Kitakyushu.

The Essence of “Tenshin” – Crafted for the Culinary Table

Tenshin is a sake created with food pairing in mind. Mizokami Sake Brewery uses the clear groundwater flowing from the Mt. Sarakura area, and some Tenshin products are made with rice grown in Kitakyushu, including locally grown Yamada Nishiki.

The brewery describes its ideal sake as one with rich flavor and a clean finish that complements food, making Tenshin a natural companion to a wide range of dishes. Individual products offer different characteristics: for example, Tenshin Junmai Ginjo has a clean, refined profile, while Tenshin Daiginjo is described as having aromas reminiscent of fresh fruit and a rich, well-balanced flavor.

With a range of sake styles, from junmai and junmai ginjo to daiginjo and seasonal varieties, Tenshin offers visitors an opportunity to discover the diversity of sake produced by a long-established Kitakyushu brewery.

Brewery Visits & Annual Events

Visitors interested in seeing the brewery can contact Mizokami Sake Brewery in advance to inquire about a brewery visit. The brewery notes that visits may not be possible during busy periods, particularly during the sake-making season.

Another highlight is the brewery’s Kura-biraki, or brewery opening event, held in spring. The event offers opportunities to sample sake and discover seasonal and limited-edition products, along with sake lees and other local offerings. It is a chance to experience the atmosphere of a traditional sake brewery and discover the seasonal character of Tenshin.

Getting There – A Local Sake Tradition in Kitakyushu

Located at the foot of Mt. Sarakura on the way toward Kawachi Reservoir, Mizokami Sake Brewery offers visitors a chance to discover a long-established local brewery in a scenic part of Kitakyushu.

The brewery is about 10 minutes by car from JR Yahata Station or approximately 3 minutes on foot from the Nishitetsu Katsuyama bus stop. A customer parking area is also available, and a shop is attached to the brewery where visitors can purchase its sake.

For travelers interested in Japanese sake, local ingredients, and the traditions of regional brewing, Mizokami Sake Brewery offers an authentic glimpse into the history and craftsmanship behind Tenshin, one of Kitakyushu's representative local sake brands.

Mizokami Sake Brewery Official website

◆Address

1-10 Keishomachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0047