Hououbiden Junmai Ginjo

Hououbiden (Kobayashi Shuzo) · Tochigi (Oyama)
Alcohol Sake Alcohol Growing export

Hououbiden is the cult brand of Kobayashi Shuzo in Oyama, Tochigi, brewing since 1872 with groundwater from the Nikko mountains. Known for vivid, fruity junmai sake and a 'born in open flames' brewing ethos, it is one of Japan's most sought-after modern sake brands. It is carried by US-facing retailers and importers and is distributed through a nationwide special-contract liquor-store network. The brewery also produces liqueurs and spirits from Japanese fruits.

The supplierTochigi brewery founded 1872; allocation-driven premium brand also making fruit liqueurs.
Why it sells abroadHigh-demand allocated modern junmai; Nikko groundwater; cult collector status overseas.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsNone publicly listed
Pack formats720ml, 1800ml bottles
Shelf lifeBest within 12 months; many releases are nama (refrigerated)
StorageRefrigerated for nama releases; cool/dark otherwise
Minimum orderTypical: allocation-based; small importer lots
Lead timeTypical: 6-10 weeks ocean freight; allocation timing varies
CapacitySmall-to-mid craft brewery
Container loadTypical: LCL / mixed reefer
PricingTypical: premium allocated junmai tier
OEM / private labelNot indicated
Wholesale & MOQVia specialty sake importers and contract liquor stores (B2B)
Key exporters & distributorsImadeya (export arm), specialty sake importers
Export regulationUS/EU alcohol import licensing; COLA/label registration; rice-wine classification.
Market demandHigh scarcity-driven demand
How to source itSpecial-contract liquor store / specialty importer (Imadeya)
Verified sourceshttps://hououbiden.jp/en/shop/; https://en.imadeya.co.jp/collections/maker_kanto_koshinetsu_tochigi_kobayashi_shuzo; https://www.sakenomy.jp/en/search/brand/list/B01N090016/
MakerKobayashi Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kobayashi Shuzo)
OriginTochigi (Oyama)
CategoryAlcohol / Sake
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code2206.00
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.