Shusen Kurano | 酒千蔵野 - Sake Online

About Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Japanese Alps. Its name, meaning "long field," reflects its vast valleys and mountainous terrain. The region is home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, including Kamikochi, the Kiso Valley, and Jigokudani, where snow monkeys bathe in hot springs.

Nagano is famous for its local specialties, such as Shinshu soba, oyaki dumplings, and crisp, juicy apples. The region's pure mountain water makes it ideal for sake brewing, with a history dating back to the Edo period. With over 80 sake breweries, Nagano produces a diverse range of flavors, from rich and full-bodied to light and aromatic.

The prefecture is divided into several distinct areas, each offering unique cultural and natural attractions. Matsumoto, home to the historic Matsumoto Castle, preserves samurai-era charm, while the Suwa region is known for its ancient shrines and vibrant festivals. Nagano City, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, remains a hub for skiing and outdoor activities, attracting visitors year-round.

As a land of deep history and natural beauty, Nagano continues to embrace its traditions while thriving as a premier destination for outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and cultural heritage.

About Shusen Kurano

Founded in 1540 in Kawanakajima, Nagano, Shusen-Kurano is one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries, with a history spanning over 460 years. Nestled in a region known for its pristine natural surroundings and pure spring water, the brewery has remained dedicated to traditional brewing methods, producing sake of the highest quality in limited quantities (50,000 bottles per year).

Steeped in history, Shusen-Kurano was present during the Battle of Kawanakajima, one of Japan’s most famous feudal conflicts, where legendary warlords Shingen Takeda and Kenshin Uesugi are said to have enjoyed its sake. Originally a small farm-based sake house brewing with surplus rice for the local community, the brewery expanded to full-scale production during the mid-Edo period, maintaining its historic facilities and dedication to craftsmanship to this day.

A unique feature of Shusen-Kurano is its matriarchal lineage, defying Edo-period customs that excluded women from sake brewing. Despite societal norms, women in the family have long played a crucial role in preserving the brewery’s techniques and traditions. Today, Mariko Chino, the brewery’s female toji (master brewer), carries on this legacy. After studying brewing and microbiology in Tokyo, she returned to Nagano to lead the family business, blending scientific expertise with time-honored sake-making traditions.

Under her leadership, Shusen-Kurano continues to craft exceptional sake while honoring the resilience, heritage, and innovation that define its storied past.

Brewery Toji

Chino Mariko, Master Brewer of Shusen Kurano.

As the only daughter of the brewery owner, Mariko Chino pursued a degree in Brewing and Microbiology at Tokyo University of the Agriculture. Drawn to the fascinating world of microorganisms, she honed her skills during a two-year training at the National Tax Agency’s Brewing Laboratory.

Mariko returned to her hometown of Kawakami, where she developed a deep passion for sake. Originally set to apprentice under the previous master brewer for ten years, her journey took an unexpected turn in the spring of her eighth year when the former master brewer fell ill, and she stepped into the role.

Through determination and an exceptional sense of craftsmanship, she has since earned numerous prestigious awards.