“Mio” is an extremely popular sparkling sake in Japan. Even the bottle itself looks refreshing and stylish! It has subtle grape- and apple-like aromas, with a sweet taste, mild acidity, and fine bubbles that make it refreshing, smooth, and not too heavy. At around 5% alcohol, it’s easier to drink than regular sake, so even people who don’t usually drink much can enjoy it easily. It tastes even better chilled, like a slightly boozy sparkling fruit drink. It’s great for yourself or as a gift!
Shochikubai Shirakabegura brewery "Mio" | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Saru Kani Gassen
This furikake is made with the luxe, high-quality flavor of seasoned nori that could only come from a nori merchant. If you sprinkle it on to white rice, you won’t need any side dishes to enjoy your rice.
This extremely popular Japanese nori furikake is the perfect match for white rice! Sprinkle it over a bowl of piping-hot rice, and the aroma of nori immediately fills the air. It's savory and keeps you coming back for more, making even a simple meal satisfying. It's especially good in the summer when you don't have much of an appetite, helping you eat a few more bites. For a different way to enjoy it, you can add hot dashi to make Japanese-style chazuke. It's light yet full of flavor, and the price is very affordable.
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Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 45
Dassai Shuzo is a brewery in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, that continues to defy the norms of sake brewing. Rather than relying solely on the intuition and experience of a single master brewer, the brand has a penchant for team effort, involving all employees in the brewing process.
Dassai “Junmai Daiginjo 45” is a sake that many older relatives specifically ask people to buy for them in Japan! It has subtle apple and melon aromas, with a smooth taste and a touch of natural sweetness, without being too harsh. It’s made with Yamada Nishiki, known as the king of Japanese sake rice, polished down to 45%, giving it a delicate aroma and texture. It’s also relatively affordable and consistently high in quality, so whether you drink it yourself or give it as a gift, it makes a great impression. No wonder it’s so popular!
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Ondo no Seto Townscape
It is said that the strait between Kegoya-cho, Kure City, and Kurahashi Island was cultivated as a new shipping route over 800 years ago in 1162 by Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful man of the time, over a period of about ten months.
On the way to Hiroshima by jet ferry, you pass through the scenic Ondo no Seto. Boats travel back and forth through the narrow strait, with views of the islands and mountains of the Seto Inland Sea along the way. Two bright red bridges span the water, creating a striking contrast with the blue seascape. As the boat moves forward, the scenery constantly changes, and seeing it from the water has a charm all its own.
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