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All About Akita
Located in northwestern Japan, the coastal region of Akita is surrounded on all sides by mountains.e relative
isolation caused by this distinctive geography allowed Akita to develop a unique culture and cuisine that can
still be experienced today. e region is famous in Japan for having lively local festivals, delicate handicrafts,
soothing hot springs, tranquil winters, delicious rice and of course top quality sake. In fact, Akita is so well
known for its sake that it is often referred to as bishu okoku, the “empire of beautiful sake”.is is not lost on
the locals either, who are said to have the highest per-capita consumption of sake in all of Japan!
e sake of Akita is a true expression of the region. Brewers strive to use only locally grown rice, ensuring that
the essence of Akita can be found in every bottle.ey also make sake that matches beautifully with the local
cuisine. In a region that is historically mountainous and snow-covered in winter, food had always needed to be
salted or pickled for preservation.And the sake served alongside such heavy flavors needed to be rich and expressive.
ese characteristics can still be found in Akita sake, and allow it to pair well with savory dishes from all cuisines.
With over 50 active brewers and ranking 4th in total production, Akita is an important sake producing region
with a unique style that should not be missed!
秋田
Sake Stats
• Total Production: 4th
• Consumption per capita: 1st
• Local Rices: Akita Sake
Komachi, Menkoina, Akinosei
• Toji Guild: Sannai
• Regional Style: smooth, full
bodied, food-friendly
Prefecture
at a Glance
• Population: 1,107,828 (45th)
• Area: 11,612 km2 (6th)
• Industries: Agriculture,
Rice Growing, Sake
• Largest City: Akita City