In 1790, Seizaburo Yoshikubo founded Yoshikubo Sake Brewery in Mito Kokucho. Originally a prosperous rice merchant, he recognized the potential of brewing exceptional sake using the pristine waters of the Kasahara aqueduct—built by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the famed lord of Mito—and the region’s high-quality rice. More than 200 years later, the brewery continues this legacy, with master brewers and passionate young artisans using the same underground water for brewing. Combining time-honored techniques with the keen intuition and analytical skills of Nanbu Toji master Katsuo Sasaki, Yoshikubo crafts sake that is smooth, refined, and delicately fruity. This dedication to excellence has earned the brewery numerous gold medals at prestigious competitions, solidifying its reputation as one of Ibaraki’s finest sake producers.