Did you know Kyushu is famous for their liquors? Kyushu is an island located in the southern part of Japan and is the third largest island in the country. This island has a long history and great natural beauty. It is home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Today, Kyushu still has 17 active volcanoes. These volcanoes create nutrient-rich soil, and the mountains produce high-quality water, both of which are excellent for making Nihonshu (sake, alcoholic beverages made in japan). Therefore, it is well known in Japan that people from Kyushu have a tendency to love drinking.

Shochu in Kagoshima

Kagoshima is famous for producing Shochu in Japan. Shochu is a distilled spirit made from sake lees, rice, barley, and sweet potato. Each type of Shochu uses different base ingredients, so it is important to know what base they are using. This type of alcoholic beverage typically has 20°〜25° alcohol content. The most common ways to drink it are on the rocks, straight, with water(hot or cold), with tea (green tea or oolong tea), etc. The best food that goes perfectly with Shochu are tempura, carpaccio, salted squid, etc.

Different types of Shochu

ImoJochu

In Kagoshima, Imojochu (sweet potato shochu) is the major type. Kagoshima is south of Kyushu. This prefecture is the number one producer of satsumaimo (sweet potatoes) in Japan, accounting for over 25% of the country’s total sweet potato production. Over 100 shochu breweries are constantly working to improve taste and quality. There are around 2,000 brands in this area, each with its unique and distinct flavor. From this professional craftsmanship, the top three premium Imojochu brands were born: Maou, Murao, and Moriizou. Moriizou, in particular, is served in the first class of international flights. Former French President Jacques René Chirac declared it his favorite. These three Imojochu brands are almost never on the market because the demand for them is too high.

Kokutoshochu

Kokutoshochu is made from kokuto (brown sugar). This type doesn’t have the strong flavor typical of Shochu and has a refreshing sweetness from the sugarcane, the raw material for brown sugar. In addition, malted rice is one of its base ingredients, adding sweet and umami flavors. Kokutoshochu is only allowed to be produced in the Amami islands (southern Kagoshima archipelago).

Wine in Kyushu

Wineries in Miyazaki

Kyushu is not only home to Shochu but also wine in Miyazaki. Miyazaki prefecture is located east of Kyushu in the Northeast of Kagoshima. Miyazaki’s wine has been gaining recognition and fame in recent years. Originally, Miyazaki was not a suitable place to grow grapes due to its soil, which has good drainage but is poor in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. After extensive study and effort to improve the soil for grape cultivation, their wine won the Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2024. This award reviewed 4,023 wines from 23 countries, judged by 430 women.

Tsuno Winery

El viñedo Tsuno es el lugar que ganó el premio mencionado anteriormente. Venden una variedad de vinos, incluyendo rosado, blanco, tinto, espumoso, vino de frutas y licores destilados. La sabiduría convencional de Europa no se aplicaba a Japón, por lo que desarrollaron métodos únicos para cultivar uvas y producir vino. No es exagerado decir que crearon su vino desde cero. Además, ofrecen la experiencia de cosechar uvas. Ocasionalmente, también organizan eventos con música en vivo en el jardín, donde se sirve vino y comida.

Tsuno Winery is the place that won the above prize. They sell a variety of wines, including rosé, white, red, sparkling, fruit wine, and distilled spirits. The conventional wisdom of Europe did not apply to Japan, so they developed unique methods to cultivate grapes and produce wine. It is no exaggeration to say that they created their wine from scratch. In addition, they provide the experience of harvesting grapes. Occasionally, they also host events with live music outside in the garden serving wine and food. 

Try out various types of Shochu and wine while staying in Kyushu and find out your favorite one. Shochu from Kagoshima and wine from Miyazaki make great souvenirs for your friends and family. Share your experiences of the amazing things in Kyushu and your knowledge about them.Join us for a new experience.

By Yuki