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Limited Edition Junmai Daiginjo – "Hakutsuru Shoun"

Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Company proudly announces the launch of a limited edition Junmai Daiginjo sake, "Hakutsuru Shoun Junmai Daiginjo Ginza Tenkuen Hakutsuru Nishiki," grown entirely from sake rice cultivated in their unique rooftop garden in Ginza, Tokyo. Slated for release on June 18, 2026, this exclusive sake will only be available in a select few stores in the Ginza area, with an impressively limited production run of just 40 bottles.

The Story of Ginza Tenkuen

In 2007, the Ginza Tenkuen project was initiated with the vision of promoting Japanese sake culture from one of the country’s most metropolitan regions. Located atop their Tokyo branch in the heart of Ginza, the company began developing and cultivating its own sake rice variety, "Hakutsuru Nishiki." This innovative rooftop farm not only aims at nurturing high-quality sake rice but also engages in urban greening efforts and offers educational programs for local school children about food production.

Despite skepticism over the feasibility of farming rice in such an urban environment, the initiative has thrived. After successfully cultivating rice in planters, the company constructed paddies in 2008 to enhance rice quality. Since 2013, they have produced limited edition products from the Ginza Tenkuen farm, exclusively sold in Ginza.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Hakutsuru Shoun Junmai Daiginjo Ginza Tenkuen Hakutsuru Nishiki
• - Type: Junmai Daiginjo
• - Volume: 500ml
• - Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice Koji (domestic rice)
• - Rice Source: Hakutsuru Nishiki grown in Ginza Tenkuen
• - Polishing Ratio: 50%
• - Alcohol Content: Between 15% and 16%
• - Sake Meter Value: ±0
• - Acidity: 1.2
• - Amino Acid Content: 1.1
• - Tasting Notes: A bright and fruity aroma, reminiscent of pineapple and peach, blends elegantly with a rich sweetness, followed by a mild acidity that harmonizes beautifully, culminating in a richly layered aftertaste akin to mature fruit.
• - Retail Price: ¥12,000 (excluding tax)
• - Availability: 40 bottles only

Release Information

The release will be limited to select stores, including:

• - IMADEYA GINZA SIX
• - Ginza Mitsukoshi
• - Koizumi Trading
• - Matsuzaki Ginza Main Store

Cultivation Journey – Led by Ayumi Yamada

Ayumi Yamada, team leader for the rice cultivation project, shared insights into the rice-growing operations. From planting to harvesting, much of the work was done by employees by hand. To maximize sunlight exposure and improve rice quality, planting was done early on May 22, ahead of the typical schedule for late-maturing varieties. While initial cool weather raised concerns about growth, June brought sunny days that allowed the plants to thrive, eventually reaching over 50 cm in height.

The summer months presented challenges with intense heat and weed growth, but careful management helped ensure strong growth. By August 22, the first ears of rice emerged, signaling the success of their efforts amid the rigorous conditions. 2025 saw the introduction of new practices, such as installing a drainage layer in the fields, allowing them to tackle heat challenges effectively, while methanol-utilizing bacteria were introduced to aid plant resilience.

Brewing at HAKUTSURU SAKE CRAFT

The harvested rice was polished down to 50% before brewing commenced at the HAKUTSURU SAKE CRAFT microbrewery, which opened in September 2024. With an emphasis on attention to detail, the precious yield was carefully brewed in small batches, producing an aromatic sake rich in flavor. This heartfelt collaboration from cultivation to brewing has resulted in an outstanding product for all to savor.

You can check out more activities and initiatives from the Ginza Tenkuen team on their official Instagram and Facebook pages. Make sure to experience the unique taste of this special sake once it launches in 2026!