Watanabe Shuzoten, founded in 1870 in Hida-Furukawa, Gifu Prefecture, is now in its ninth generation and is recognized as a leader of sake production in the Hida region. The historic brewery building is registered as an Important Tangible Cultural Property, and the word Hourai itself has long been used as a watchword for delight and good fortune in the area. Hourai's junmai ginjo was awarded three stars at an international competition in Belgium for its balanced aroma and flavor, and the brewery's lineup has accumulated wins at more than sixty contests in Japan and abroad.
