Niida Honke

Niida Honke is a historic sake brewery located in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, operating continuously since 1711. The brewery has passed through 18 generations of the Niida family, with current brewmaster Yasuhiko Niida leading operations. After celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2011, the brewery remains committed to traditional sake-making methods while embracing modern organic farming principles.

The brewery distinguishes itself as one of only two in Japan producing sake exclusively from 100% organically grown rice. Following the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster, Niida Honke intensified its sustainable practices, obtaining JAS Organic Certification in 2009. The brewery's flagship Shizenshu brand reflects its natural production philosophy, utilizing the traditional Kimoto fermentation method with natural yeast and water drawn from the property's own springs and wells. In 2025, the brewery achieved Japan's first Regenerative Organic Certified designation for its Yamamori sake produced with Patagonia.

Visitors can tour the brewery facilities to observe traditional sake production methods preserved over three centuries. The experience includes viewing the organic rice paddies surrounding the property, walking through the brewing areas including the heated koji fermentation room, and seeing hand-crafted cedar barrels made from the brewery's own forest timber. The on-site shop offers tastings of multiple sake varieties including Shizenshu, Odayaka Junmai Ginjo, and Hyakunen Kijoshu, plus koji-based products such as chocolates and fermented foods.

Niida Honke sits in Tamuramachi, approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Koriyama Station. Brewery tours require advance reservation at least one week prior and occur primarily during winter brewing season. Tour admission costs 1,000 yen with tastings or 500 yen without tastings for groups up to ten people. Tastings are restricted to visitors aged 20 or older.