Kanagawa is both a glittering metropolis and a treasure trove of nature — sea, mountains and fertile fields. Hidden within the prefecture are many delicious, little-known drinks. Here we introduce the local sake, craft beer and wine worth trying in Kanagawa, all of which also make great souvenirs.

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Sake: Brewed with Tanzawa's Renowned Spring Water

Kanagawa is home to 14 sake breweries producing exquisite sake through traditional methods. The region uses the underground water of the Tanzawa mountain range — counted among Japan's three famous waters — as brewing water, along with ginjo sake known for its distinctive aroma, letting you enjoy high-quality brews.

A standout is the "Miyagase Dam Storage Sake", aged in an inspection gallery 80 metres below the dam. Made with the premium sake rice "Miyamanishiki" and matured slowly in the dam gallery at a steady 10°C year-round, it delivers a mellow, well-rounded flavour.

Savour Kanagawa's sake, carefully crafted with pure water, the ideal temperature and flavourful rice.

Column: "Traditional Sake Brewing" Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

At the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, the inscription of "traditional sake brewing" on the Representative List was decided on 4 December 2024 (5 December JST). Be sure to taste these brews in Kanagawa, made with techniques refined to suit Japan's diverse climates.

Beer: Yokohama is the Birthplace of Japan's Beer Industry

From major domestic brewers to community-focused craft breweries, Kanagawa is rich in beer. In fact, beer was first brewed in Japan by foreigners in Yokohama, which is why the city is known as the birthplace of Japan's beer industry.

Another charm of Kanagawa beer is the many craft brews named after local places — Kamakura, Shonan, Yokohama, Hakone and Enoshima. The pioneering microbrewery Sankt Gallen, a leader in Japan's craft-beer scene, also hails from Atsugi City. Discovering your favourite craft beer while travelling is part of the fun.

In summer, beer gardens pop up across the prefecture, from Yokohama to Kawasaki. Enjoy an ice-cold beer amid the lively atmosphere.

Column: Visit the Kirin Beer Factory

At Kirin Beer's Yokohama factory, you can join a tour experiencing the craftsmanship behind "Kirin Ichiban Shibori". Touch real malt and hops, learn about fermentation, and compare the "first-press" and "second-press" wort — a wealth of fun experiences, capped off with a tasting. For beer lovers, it is an irresistible treat.

Wine: Japan's No.1 in Domestic Wine Shipments

Mercian, Japan's largest wine maker — familiar from its wines found in supermarkets and convenience stores — produces "Daily Wine" with a consistent, easy-drinking taste loved for years. Its factory is in Fujisawa City, making Kanagawa the top prefecture in Japan for domestic wine shipments.

Prefectural Wineries with Their Own Vineyards

Urban wineries typically only run a brewery using grapes bought from producers, but in recent years Kanagawa has seen a rise in wineries with their own local vineyards. Here are some authentic Kanagawa wines, grown and brewed entirely within the prefecture.

Yokohama Winery (横濱ワイナリー): a small winery with its own wine-grape vineyard in Yokohama, producing fruity, gentle "Hama Wine". Reservation-only tours are available.
Kuratei Winery (蔵邸ワイナリー): a small hillside winery growing mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, housed in a renovated 130-year-old storehouse, with a wine school and an on-site farm restaurant serving wine by the glass.
Kamakura Winery (鎌倉ワイナリー): its owner is Kamakura's first "vigneron" (grape grower and winemaker), cultivating wine grapes in the city and offering a stylish wine shop and cafe.
KENTOKU Winery (ケントクワイナリー): with a farm in Sagamihara, it sells "Sagamihara Wine" brewed from 100% locally grown grapes, pioneering various grape varieties under the motto of bringing wine culture to Kanagawa.

Column: Try the "Shonan Gold" Fruit Liqueur

Born in Kanagawa, "Shonan Gold" is a citrus variety crossed between mandarin and golden orange — sweet and easy to eat like a mandarin, yet refreshing, juicy and fragrant like an orange. Craft beer, sours, wine and liqueurs made from Shonan Gold are highly recommended, and their light, easy-drinking character is popular even among non-drinkers.

Summary

Blessed with sea, rivers and mountains and a rich food culture built on history, Kanagawa is full of drinks that reflect their makers' dedication — from sake to distinctive wineries and historic breweries. Pair them with tasty snacks that bring out the ingredients' flavours, and set off to discover the drinks, food and side dishes of each Kanagawa region.

※Drinking is only for those aged 20 and over. Drinking during pregnancy or breastfeeding may harm fetal and infant development. Please drink in moderation and never drink and drive.