Founded in 1793 (Kansei 5), Sawasa Shuzo has long upheld the philosophy of crafting sake by hand without sparing time or effort. Their signature label, Sangu, takes its name from the historical Sangu Kaido road in Nabari, where the brewery is located—a path once frequently traveled by pilgrims on their way to Ise Grand Shrine. The sake has been cherished locally and is even offered to the shrine annually. For steaming the rice, they insist on using wooden koshiki (steaming vats), which naturally absorb excess steam. The brewing water is drawn from the underground springs of Kaochidani, a valley also known for its beautiful autumn foliage. These details reflect their dedication to traditional methods. This commitment to quality has been recognized nationally: from 1998 to 2004, Sawasa Shuzo won the Gold Prize at the Japan Sake Awards for seven consecutive years.