Yamagata mountain sake · Sake Ichiban
古澤酒造
Furusawa Shuzo — Since 1836
Yamagata’s mountain sake, since 1836.
Sagae,Yamagata
Founded1836
Snowmelt
Rice
GlobalAwardsIncluding Australia
SafflowerHeritage
Our story
The Safflower Road.
The Snow Mountain.
The Sake.
Founded in Tenpo 7 (1836) in Sagae, Yamagata, by a safflower merchant, Furusawa Shuzo has brewed with the bounty of the mountains and the wisdom of generations.
Safflower once travelled these roads as a symbol of prosperity. Today, the sake carries that heritage — pure water, pristine rice, and unwavering commitment.
From the heart of Yamagata to the world, Furusawa brews for those who appreciate honesty, balance, and time well spent.
Place & water
Between Snowy Zao and Sacred Gassan
Sagae City≈8,100 km from Sydney
Mt. Zao — East
Rising on the eastern horizon and deep in snow each winter. Majestic across every season.
Mt. Gassan — West
A sacred peak on the western horizon, watching over the clear Sagae River and the brewery on its banks.
Brewing philosophy
Snow Goddess Rice. Mountain Water. Honest Hands.
We brew with honesty.
Yukimegami — Snow Goddess Rice
Grown in Yamagata’s pure land and climate for clarity, elegance, and depth.
Yamagata — Soft water Brewing
Snowmelt filtered slowly through the mountains becomes soft, gentle water — ideal for brewing sake.
190 Years of Terroir
Brewing in Sagae since 1836, in harmony with nature, time, and tradition.
The Furusawa family
A Merchant’s Vision.
A Brewer’s Devotion.
“We brew honestly.
We serve with kindness.”
The brewery’s motto guides the kura today, where tradition lives in every detail and every decision.
Sake Ichiban selects
Why We Choose Furusawa
Junmai Daiginjo
Benibanaya Jubei Yukimegami
A graceful sake with floral aromas, gentle sweetness, and a clean, lingering finish.
Shop now
Junmai Daiginjo
Sawa Masamune Biden Bishu
Light and lively with notes of citrus and green apple. Gold and People’s Choice at the Australian Sake Awards 2023.
Shop now
Junmai Ginjo
Sawa Masamune Dewanosato
Gentle rice umami and a smooth body, finishing crisp, dry, and clean.
Shop now
Food & sake
Furusawa at the
Australian Table
Awards & recognition
From Paris to Sydney. Yamagata Wins.
2025PlatinumYukimegami
2025 & 2026SilverYukimegami 35%
Appraisal 2025GoldBiden Bishu
Award 2026Supreme GoldSuigin & Yukimegami 48
Awards 2023Gold +
People’s ChoiceBiden Bishu
Challenge 2022Double GoldBiden Bishu
Discover Furusawa at Sake Ichiban
190 years of Yamagata mountain brewing.
