ZAKU from Mie: A Global Sake Journey of Flavor, Craft, and Recognition

2025.06.29

By Chef Yuuki Tanaka, owner of Ise Sueyoshi — Tripadvisor Best of the Best: Japan #1, World #2.

The menu for June, 2025

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• What ZAKU sake is and where it’s made
• Why it has become a favorite among top chefs in Japan
• The unique brewing philosophy behind ZAKU
• How it pairs with traditional kaiseki cuisine
• Why Ise Sueyoshi features it on their exclusive sake pairing menu

Award-Winning Excellence

Did you know that ZAKU, a premium sake brand, has garnered numerous prestigious awards both in Japan and around the world? Rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation, ZAKU is now capturing global attention as “Sake of the World.”

In 2025, ZAKU received the coveted Gold Prize at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, one of the most respected competitions in the country. This honor reflects its exceptional quality—balance, aroma, and flavor that place it firmly among Japan’s top-tier sakes.
https://jp.sake-times.com/special/news/sake_kanpyokai-r6by

But ZAKU’s appeal extends beyond taste. In 2025, its Naguwashi series won the Golden A’ Design Award in Italy, a globally renowned design competition. Following its recognition by the Good Design Award in Japan, this achievement underscores how ZAKU’s aesthetic sensibility resonates on the world stage.
https://competition.adesignaward.com/gooddesign.php?ID=164565

That same year, ZAKU was also awarded the Grand Gold Prize at the Fine Sake Award Japan 2025, a competition that focuses on sake served in wine glasses—highlighting the importance of aroma and presentation. This further reinforces ZAKU’s growing reputation among international sommeliers and gourmet enthusiasts.
https://www.finesakeawards.jp/#grandGoldPremium

These accolades represent more than fame—they are a testament to ZAKU’s multidimensional appeal: rich aroma, delicate flavor, lingering finish, refined design, and a compelling philosophy. They are proof that ZAKU speaks to the hearts and palates of professionals around the globe.

For those seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience during their travels, ZAKU offers more than just a drink—it invites you to taste the atmosphere and the passage of time itself. When enjoyed alongside a seasonal kaiseki course at Ise Sueyoshi, ZAKU reveals the depth of Japanese sake and the soul of the artisans behind it—a true once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Mie’s Liquid Gem

Nestled in the historic town of Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten has been brewing sake since 1869. For over 150 years, this renowned brewery has honored the land, crafting sake that reflects the richness of its environment. The Wakamatsu district of Suzuka, blessed with abundant nature, has long been celebrated as Umasake Suzuka-no-Kuni—“The Land of Fine Sake.” True to this name, ZAKU is born from the region’s pristine subterranean water and rice nurtured by the fertile plains of Ise.

The brewery’s philosophy is unwavering: small-batch brewing and uncompromising quality. Each batch is limited to just 600–800 kilograms, allowing the artisans to closely monitor every stage of fermentation with precision and care. This meticulous process gives ZAKU its signature clarity and delicacy. From the first sip’s vivid freshness to the clean finish that follows, the experience captivates and lingers.

One of ZAKU’s greatest appeals lies in its diverse lineup. By employing different strains of yeast and innovative brewing methods, the series offers a wide spectrum—from full-bodied and aromatic to crisp and dry. Yet, despite their individuality, every bottle of ZAKU shares a common thread: a graceful sense of balance, elegant aroma, and pure, refined harmony. It’s like a stroke of ink gently spreading across handmade washi paper—delicate, beautiful, and quietly unforgettable.

In recent years, ZAKU has also drawn attention for its forward-thinking innovations. Labels equipped with NFT and NFC technology enhance the story and trust behind each bottle, adding new dimensions to the sake-drinking experience. With its adoption of seasonal brewing, the brewery ensures that freshly brewed sake, embodying the flavors of each season, is available throughout the year.

For travelers, ZAKU is far more than just local sake. It is a crafted work of art, encapsulating the air, rhythm, and philosophy of Mie’s landscape and its people. Each drop tells a story of craftsmanship and cultural reverence that spans a century and a half. We invite you to discover Japan’s aesthetic spirit—through your senses, one exquisite sip at a time.

ZAKU Lineup Guide

What sets ZAKU apart is not only its refined aesthetic but also the remarkable breadth of its expressions. At Ise Sueyoshi, guests are often surprised at the first sip—not just by the elegance of the sake, but by the realization that ZAKU is not a single flavor, but an entire world of personalities.

“Geno-no-Tomo” and “Hono-no-Tomo” offer a refreshing, fruit-like aroma—cool notes of green apple and grapefruit shine when chilled, while their umami deepens when served at room temperature or gently warmed. “Megumi-no-Tomo” and “Kanade-no-Tomo” evoke the softness of white peach and acacia honey, pairing exquisitely with shellfish such as lobster or spiny lobster. The iconic “Miyabi-no-Tomo” series is known for its floral bouquet and silk-like mouthfeel—an ideal companion to delicate citrus-accented dishes in a traditional kaiseki course.

For a pure, crystalline finish, “Yozan Ittekisui” and “Kaisan Ittekisui” are perfect digestifs, leaving a clean, serene aftertaste. Limited-edition labels like “Aiyama”, “Omachi”, and “Kami-no-ho” offer deep complexity and are suited for momentous occasions. Meanwhile, “ZAKU Z” and “Impression” represent the more experimental side of the brand—sparkling, bold, and pushing the boundaries of traditional sake. The visually stunning “Naguwashi” and “KIZUI” combine elegant design with balanced flavor, making them ideal for gifting.

ZAKU is more than sake—it’s an experience. Served in a wine glass to highlight its aroma, ZAKU has earned international acclaim among gourmet travelers and sommeliers alike. Celebrated as “Sake as Wine,” it offers a new dimension to Japanese hospitality. It invites conversation with cuisine, enhances the senses, and elevates every moment into something beautifully refined.

ZAKU Hono-no-Tomo
When served chilled, this sake releases a delicate, fruit-forward aroma reminiscent of lychee—crisp, transparent, and elegantly fragrant. On the palate, a sharp yet pleasant acidity echoes through, followed by a clean, refined finish. Even at room temperature or gently warmed, the gentle umami and soft aroma of rice harmonize beautifully, evoking the refreshing clarity of morning dew.

ZAKU Gen-no-Tomo
A sake of simplicity and purity—with quiet strength at its core. Delicate notes of green apple and a crystal-clear texture define its character. When chilled, its clarity becomes more pronounced, making it an exceptional match for early spring vegetables and mountain herbs. Even at room temperature, it offers smooth drinkability, gently complementing everyday dining moments with ease and elegance.

ZAKU Megumi-no-Tomo / Kanade-no-Tomo
These expressions offer sweet, inviting aromas reminiscent of melon and white peach, with a soft, honeyed depth akin to acacia honey. Whether served chilled or gently warmed, their well-balanced richness remains intact. Especially harmonious with shellfish such as spiny lobster, they leave behind a lingering sense of happiness with every sip.

ZAKU Miyabi-no-Tomo Series
Elegant and expressive, this series evokes notes of muscat grapes, crisp apples, and delicate white flowers, all carried on a smooth, refined texture. When served in a wine glass, its nuanced aromas are beautifully accentuated. Paired with a light citrus-accented clear soup, it transforms into a moment of artistry—where sake becomes a form of Japanese aesthetic expression.

ZAKU Yozan Ittekisui / Kaizan Ittekisui
The moment the bottle is opened, the room is enveloped in a gentle, fruity aroma. These sake expressions are defined by their crystal-clear transparency and a clean finish that fades like water on the tongue. Perfect as a digestif, they quietly bring closure to a meal and complement the subtle sweetness of desserts. Ideal for late-night moments of calm, offering a soothing companion to end the day.

ZAKU Aiyama, Omachi, and Kami-no-Ho (Limited Rice Series)
Crafted from rare and prized sake rice varieties, each bottle in this limited series showcases a distinct character, yet all share one enchanting trait: a rich, lingering finish.

Aiyama offers a luscious sweetness with a silky depth, reminiscent of white wine. It pairs beautifully with buttery shellfish dishes such as grilled lobster or scallops.
Omachi delivers bold, earthy undertones and a full-bodied umami, making it a perfect companion to meats like duck or tender beef fillet.
Kami-no-Ho expresses a gentle, layered flavor profile that enhances the natural goodness of seasonal vegetables like simmered bamboo shoots or mountain greens.

These are sake selections worthy of unforgettable evenings — bottles to be remembered long after the last sip.

ZAKU Daichi & Satori
Among the rarest and most prestigious bottles in the ZAKU lineup, these high-end selections are seldom seen but deeply memorable. Each offers quiet elegance and exquisite balance — refined companions to elevate any dining experience.

Daichi is a true all-rounder for food pairing, showing remarkable harmony with a wide range of dishes. It shines especially when served alongside simmered vegetables in dashi or grilled white fish.
Satori achieves a beautiful interplay between umami and crispness, making it the perfect closing glass to end the evening. Reserved yet unforgettable — a “quiet protagonist” in every sense.

ZAKU Z
An experimental and playful expression of sake, ZAKU Z features a delicate effervescence and a juicy aroma reminiscent of green apple and white peach. Light and refreshing, yet memorable in character, it is best enjoyed in a wine glass. This modern sake pairs beautifully with French cuisine or innovative contemporary dishes. A truly distinctive discovery — an unforgettable sake experience on your culinary journey.

ZAKU Impression Series
Based on “ZAKU Megumi-no-Tomo (恵乃智),” the Impression series is a limited-edition collection that explores unique expressions created by varying the pressing methods and brewing conditions. Each release is marked with an alphabetic label—such as “N,” “G,” or “M”—inviting a sense of collectibility and discovery.

For example, Impression G offers a rich, full-bodied depth, while Impression N showcases a refreshing citrus-like brightness.
Surprisingly versatile, these sake also pair wonderfully with fried dishes.

A series that awakens the curiosity of true sake lovers, Impression is modern-day “kikizake” (sake tasting) at its finest.

ZAKU MONAD
Named after the philosophical term meaning “the essence of existence,” ZAKU MONAD is a sake of profound complexity. Layers of umami, sweetness, and acidity intertwine, evolving with each sip and leaving a lasting impression.

Best enjoyed on a quiet evening when you can focus entirely on the sake itself, without distraction. While minimalist in pairing, it shines beautifully alongside aged cheeses or black truffle, creating a refined and contemplative tasting experience.

ZAKU Naguwashi
Named after an ancient Japanese word meaning “graceful flora,” ZAKU Naguwashi evokes the gentle beauty of nature in spring. Delicate floral aromas mingle with the natural sweetness of rice, making it a perfect match for seasonal spring ingredients.

Ideal for cherry blossom viewings or celebrations that mark the turning of the seasons, this sake brings a touch of elegance to any occasion.

ZAKU KIZUI
The name KIZUI signifies a rare and auspicious omen—an elegant prelude to good fortune. Adorned with a golden label, this premium sake lives up to its appearance, both in flavor and presence. Hints of vanilla and white peach rise gently from the glass, unfolding into a soft yet lingering finish with each sip.

A perfect choice for life’s celebratory moments—weddings, New Year’s toasts, or any day that deserves to be remembered with grace.

ZAKU Concentration
As its name suggests, this is one of the most intensely expressive sakes in the ZAKU lineup—where aroma, umami, and acidity are all richly concentrated.
Its bold character makes it an ideal match for richly seasoned dishes or aged meats, delivering deep satisfaction with just a single glass.
A powerful yet elegant sake that resonates with lovers of mature, full-bodied flavors.

Sueyoshi × ZAKU

In 2022, when Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten unveiled their new brewery building, Ise Sueyoshi had the honor of overseeing and providing all cuisine for the commemorative event. On this special one-day celebration, we undertook an unprecedented challenge: serving a full-course kaiseki menu with sake pairings to all 200 VIP guests who gathered from across Japan. But our role extended far beyond simply serving food. From the early stages of architectural planning, we were deeply involved—designing the kitchen layout, planning the counter space, optimizing workflows, selecting tableware, and even arranging the perfect wine glasses. The entire venue was treated as a single theatrical production, brought to life through the synergy of space, craftsmanship, and cuisine.

In harmony with the venue’s central concept—“Orize” (Mayu-bako), or cocoon-like enclosure—we created an environment where the artisanal spirit of ZAKU was expressed not just in the bottle, but through every detail of the dining experience.
This collaboration was the fruit of a relationship built over more than a decade. When Ise Sueyoshi was just starting out, Chef Yuuki Tanaka sent a direct email to the brewery, expressing his wish to host a “maker’s dinner” featuring ZAKU sake. Though we were then a completely unknown restaurant, President Shinichiro Shimizu responded warmly to our earnest request. Since then, we have walked together—refining the expression of sake and kaiseki cuisine, side by side. Today, we stand as partners at the forefront of a cultural movement that unites traditional Japanese cuisine with premium sake.
At this landmark brewery opening, the Ise Sueyoshi team was joined by local high school students. It became a true embodiment of kokoro no ryūtsū—the “flow of heart”—a moment when generations and roles merged in seamless teamwork. Together, we highlighted the richness of Mie’s local ingredients and created a deeply human experience where cuisine, sake, space, and people came together.
This unforgettable project was the living embodiment of the philosophy behind the name ZAKU—“to create together.” A philosophy that links chefs and brewers, local communities and the world.

Kaiseki × ZAKU

Kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality—a seasonal culinary journey where each dish tells a story through carefully prepared ingredients and thoughtful presentation. Within this poetic flow, ZAKU sake from Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten finds its natural place, enhancing and harmonizing with the flavors of every course.

Read more: What is Kaiseki cuisine?

At Ise Sueyoshi, we serve ZAKU in the “Usuhari Daiginjo” glass by Shotoku Glassware, designed to bring out the full aromatic and textural experience of premium sake. With a delicate rim just 0.9mm thin, the glass softly releases the aroma and delivers a silky mouthfeel. As you gently tilt and swirl the glass, its inner protrusion acts like a stirrer, helping to fully express the sake’s complex bouquet. Through this vessel, the fruity notes, citrus nuances, and crisp acidity that define ZAKU come alive with remarkable clarity.

[SHOTOKU GLASS]

For example, pairing the citrusy, herb-scented suimono (clear broth) with ZAKU “Miyabi no Tomo” results in a beautiful interplay of aromas, elevating the dish to a new level of depth. Match “Kanade no Tomo” or “Megumi no Tomo” with grilled Ise lobster, and the sake’s rich umami and gentle sweetness complement the depth of the shellfish while maintaining a refined balance.

We also offer ZAKU pairings with our vegan and gluten-free kaiseki courses. Whether tofu, seaweed, or seasonal vegetables take center stage, ZAKU’s delicate flavors enhance each dish’s individuality, weaving a subtle dialogue between sake and cuisine.

“To enhance the food, and to converse with the dish”—this is the trust we place in ZAKU. We invite you to experience the quiet passion born of this union between kaiseki and sake, through all five senses.

For more about our vegan or vegetarian please visit this page.

For more about our gluten-free please visit this page.

Chef × ZAKU

At Ise Sueyoshi, ZAKU sake is more than just a pairing companion—it has become an integral part of the cooking process itself. Chef Yuuki incorporates ZAKU directly into the preparation of his kaiseki courses, unlocking new layers of depth and harmony in each dish.

For example, when simmering seasonal fruits like green plums or kumquats, ZAKU is used in place of white wine. While the alcohol evaporates during cooking, what remains is a refined aroma and delicate umami that blend beautifully with the fruits’ natural sweet-sour character, resulting in a gentle, soul-soothing flavor.

One of Ise Sueyoshi’s signature desserts is a ZAKU-based sorbet. Served at the end of the meal, its faint yet lingering ginjo aroma leaves a refreshing and elegant aftertaste—as if you’ve just enjoyed one last, exquisite sip of sake.

These ideas stem from Chef Yuuki’s core philosophy: “Heart to Table.” He doesn’t simply present dishes; he seeks to convey the story behind every ingredient, the spirit of the land, and the character of the sake—delivering an experience that speaks to both the senses and the heart.

ZAKU, in particular, inspires the chef’s creativity. Its vibrant acidity and floral fragrance pair seamlessly not only with seafood and vegetables, but also with delicate elements like soy milk broth—making it ideal for gluten-free or vegan menus as well.

At Ise Sueyoshi, every dish carries the quiet presence of ZAKU—not just as a drink, but as an essence infused into the cuisine itself. We invite you to discover the untapped potential of “sake within the dish,” a dimension of flavor beyond the glass.

Read More about Chef Yuuki

The Story of Tokyo’s Best Chef, Yuuki Tanaka: Bringing the Blessings of His Hometown to the World

We are proud to continue delivering an exceptional dining experience that earned us the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024 award, ranking among the Best Restaurants in Tokyo. Our commitment to excellence in service and our dedication to offering the finest kaiseki dining experience in Tokyo remain unwavering. Discover more about our journey to becoming one of the best restaurants in the city[here].

Visit Ise Sueyoshi

Location: Conveniently located 12 minutes from Roppongi Station and 8 minutes from Hiroo Station.
Hours: Open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, reservations only. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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Reservation Page

Reservation Information

In response to many requests from our guests, Ise Sueyoshi now accepts reservations up to 180 days in advance of your preferred dining date.
With only 10 seats available, we are committed to providing a smooth and personalized reservation experience.
To ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate your important anniversaries or special occasions with us, we highly recommend making your reservation as soon as your plans are set.

If you are planning a trip to Japan, we warmly invite you to include a special moment at Ise Sueyoshi in your itinerary.
Many of our guests also choose us for their final evening in Japan, as a beautiful and memorable way to conclude their journey.

Please note that our reservation policies may change without prior notice. For the latest updates, please refer to our reservation page.

Conclusion

At Ise Sueyoshi, we humbly invite you to experience a dining journey that caters to all dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, halal, or have specific preferences, we are here to create a memorable and inclusive dining experience for you, especially for special occasions like a honeymoon.

ZAKU from Mie: A Global Sake Journey of Flavor, Craft, and Recognition | 伊勢すえよし

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