Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery “Nishikigoi”

A sake inspired by Nishikigoi koi, now a major global trend as ornamental fish. The bottle, designed with a pattern of koi gracefully swimming through water, is especially striking and overwhelmingly popular as a gift.

The bottle’s crisp vermilion pattern against its white body makes a powerful impression. Display it in the included carton with a fish-shaped window, and it feels like you’re admiring a real Nishikigoi koi. Made using only Japanese rice and rice koji, plus natural spring water from Mt. Sugana in Niigata, it offers a clean, refreshing finish with a hint of elegance. Not only has it won numerous international design awards, it also earned a Silver medal in the SAKE division of the International Wine Challenge, widely regarded as one of the world’s top wine competitions—proving it’s highly acclaimed as sake as well.

The maker, Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, is a Niigata brewery committed to using locally grown rice and producing only junmai sake, with absolutely no added alcohol. At the brewery, located around a 15-minute walk from Niigata Station, you can take a tour and shop at the on-site direct sales store.