Harushika Sake Brewery Store

Harushika Brewery (Imanishi Seibei Shoten) was founded in 1884 (Meiji 17) in Naramachi, Nara City. The Imanishi family had long served as Shinto priests of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and brewed sake to offer to the deities, but they resigned due to Meiji government policies and began brewing in Nara, a place associated with the origins of sake. The sake name "Harushika" comes from Kasuga Taisha and the sacred deer regarded as messengers of the Kasuga deities. Today, Harushika is a well-loved premium sake in Japan and around the world. The brewery is located in the historic Naramachi district and is about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, making it easy to visit while sightseeing. Their sake tasting is especially popular: for 500 yen (one coin), you can purchase a tasting glass and sample five varieties of their sake. The lineup of sake and even the glass color change by season, adding to the enjoyment of repeat visits. Baumkuchen and confiture are also popular items—collaboration products made with carefully selected ingredients, including sake lees—making them notable Nara sweets as well.