Our Story

Nestled in the verdant mountains of Nara, the birthplace of modern sake, our brewery, Kitaoka Honten, was founded in 1868 amidst forests of cherry trees and hydrangeas.

Our region, steeped in a rich tradition of mountain worship, is home to countless temples and shrines, earning UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2004.

While Nara’s beauty endures, our history has not always been tranquil. At the close of the Taisho period (1912–1926), a devastating fire consumed our wooden brewery and much of the warehouse. Rising from the ashes, a new structure was built, later designated a tangible cultural property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2023. Within these walls, we continue to craft sake with unwavering dedication, honoring over 150 years of meticulous craftsmanship. Rooted in the town of Yoshino, our spirit of resilience and innovation extends far beyond, carrying the essence of Nara to the world.

With SHEZEN, we offer a beverage unlike any other. Collaborating closely with farmers, we source fresh fruit that might otherwise be overlooked due to minor cosmetic imperfections. But our care extends far beyond selection. Each fruit is meticulously prepared by hand—from washing and peeling to dicing and seeding—ensuring that only the finest ingredients are blended into our premium sake.

We invite you to experience SHEZEN, a beverage crafted to delight and inspire. With each pour, new layers of flavor unfold, revealing countless extraordinary and unforgettable ways to savor her elegance. Let every moment with SHEZEN be a celebration of taste, artistry, and discovery. Kanpai!