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 City, Yamagata, 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 Two Sacred Mountains
Sagae City≈9,100 km from Sydney
Mt. Zao — East
Active and majestic. Winter brings deep snow that nourishes the land with pure meltwater.
Mt. Gassan — West
Sacred and enduring. A source of soft water and the spirit of Furusawa’s brewing tradition.
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
Low-mineral, ultra-soft water creates a gentle fermentation and refined balance.
190 Years of Terroir
Six generations of brewing 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.”
From father to son, the team works together in the kura, 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. A polished everyday sake.
Shop now
Junmai Ginjo
Sawa Masamune Dewanosato
A full, rounded sake with rice richness, gentle savoury depth, and a clean finish.
Shop now
Food & sake
Furusawa at the
Australian Table
Awards & recognition
From Paris to Sydney. Yamagata Wins.
2025Platinum
2025 & 2026Silver
Appraisal 2025Gold
Award 2026Supreme Gold
Awards 2023Gold + People’s Choice
Challenge 2022Double Gold
Discover Furusawa at Sake Ichiban
190 years of Yamagata mountain brewing.
