Shochikubai Shirakabegura brewery "Mio" | Review by Gina C

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Shochikubai Shirakabegura brewery "Mio"

Enjoy a new kind of sparkling sake with a gentle, fruity sweetness born from rice!

20 Oct 2026 See More

“Mio” is quite different from the traditional image of Japanese sake. It has fine bubbles, a crisp and smooth taste, and subtle fruity notes and sweetness, without too much of a strong alcohol burn. When served chilled, the sensation of the bubbles spreading across your palate is especially pleasant. It pairs well with Japanese food or can be enjoyed as a light after-dinner drink.

If you don’t usually drink sake but want to try something different, “Mio” is a sparkling sake that’s well worth getting to know.

Other Reviews by Gina C

KOKO HOTEL Osaka Namba

Located in the Nipponbashi district, known as the heart of Osaka's subculture scene, you'll find shops selling anime merchandise, figurines, model kits, and IT gadgets. While the area offers easy access to Namba and Shinsaibashi, the hotel's interior has become a talking point, thanks to its refined design, which underwent a complete overhaul during its rebranding in 2021.
- Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
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For accommodations, I chose KOKO HOTEL Osaka Dotonbori!
There are lots of must-try Osaka foods around Dotonbori, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, so you never have to worry about finding something to eat when you go out at night! Walking along the lively streets, you can see the familiar Glico Running Man sign and experience Osaka's vibrant atmosphere. There are also plenty of drugstores, souvenir shops, and shopping malls nearby, making it a great location for people who enjoy browsing and shopping.

The biggest advantage of staying near Dotonbori is that you don't have to rush to catch a train back to the hotel at night. After eating, you can keep walking around and shopping while enjoying Osaka's nightlife.
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.
- Yamaguchi
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The name “Junmai Daiginjo 45” means that the sake rice is polished down by removing 55% of the outer layer, leaving the remaining 45% for brewing. This process gives the sake a delicate flavor with a fresh, fruity aroma. It goes down smoothly, with subtle notes of rice and natural sweetness. Overall, it tastes crisp and elegant without being too heavy.

If you’re not very familiar with sake, this classic Dassai is a good place to start. It pairs well with sashimi, sushi, or light Japanese dishes. Besides buying snacks and souvenirs when visiting Japan, you can also pick up a bottle of representative Japanese sake to take home and enjoy at your leisure.
Yokohama Landmark Tower

Standing 296 meters tall with 70 floors, Yokohama Landmark Tower is the famed symbol of the Minato Mirai district where you’ll find offices, a hotel, and full-scale shopping mall. Inside the Landmark Plaza shopping mall, you’ll find around 160 stores, including popular domestic and international fashion brands, lifestyle goods shops, anime character stores, and even a post office.
- Yokohama
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When traveling in Yokohama, besides enjoying the beautiful scenery of Minato Mirai, you also shouldn’t miss HARBS, a hugely popular dessert shop in Japan! Since I was visiting Yokohama Landmark Tower this time, of course I had to find a chance to try it. HARBS is known for its fresh fruit cakes, especially its signature fruit mille crêpe. Every time I see it, I can’t resist ordering a slice!

HARBS cakes are a little larger than those at typical cake shops, with layers of cream, fruit, and thin crêpes. Every bite has a rich variety of textures. The cream is smooth and delicate, and the sweet-and-tart flavor of the fresh fruit keeps it from feeling too rich overall. If you like fruit cakes, it’s really worth trying!