Tamagawa Time Machine / Yamahai Junmai

Tamagawa (Kinoshita Brewery) · Kyoto (Kyotango)
Alcohol Sake Alcohol Growing export

Tamagawa, brewed by Kinoshita Brewery in northern Kyoto under British-born master brewer Philip Harper, the first non-Japanese toji, makes bold, traditional yamahai and unusual styles like the Time Machine. The English-speaking toji and distinctive range give it standout appeal for Western markets. Its rich, full-bodied profile suits adventurous sake programs. It is export-active in the UK, US and Europe.

The supplierKinoshita Brewery in Kyotango, Kyoto, founded 1842, is led by Philip Harper, the first non-Japanese master brewer (toji), and is known for bold traditional yamahai and experimental sake.
Why it sells abroadFirst non-Japanese toji; bold, distinctive range with strong Western-market story

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHalal: not publicly verified. Organic-JAS: not publicly verified. Kosher: not publicly verified. HACCP/FSSC 22000: not publicly verified. (confirmed) Kinoshita Brewery (Kyotango, ~175+ yrs) makes Tamagawa; toji is Philip Harper, the first non-Japanese to hold the title. Time Machine 1712 brewed to a 1712-recorded method. Seishu license assumed.
Pack formats360ml, 720ml and 1800ml bottles (draft retained; 360ml confirmed for Time Machine)
Shelf life12 months pasteurized; nama 3-6 months chilled (draft retained)
StorageCool/cold storage; refrigerate nama and post-opening
Minimum orderTypical: from 1 mixed case
Lead timeTypical: 4-8 weeks
CapacityTypical: small-mid artisan output
Container loadTypical: LCL consolidation
PricingPremium
OEM / private labelNot publicly confirmed (artisan producer).
Wholesale & MOQSpecialist importers; MOQ by mixed case
Key exporters & distributorsJFC International, European sake specialists
Export regulationAlcohol import license; US TTB COLA + state; EU excise; UK alcohol duty; bilingual labeling; chilled for nama/genshu lots.
Market demandStrong in UK/EU specialist channel
How to source itKinoshita Brewery -> specialist sake importers/retail (True Sake US; London Sake UK)
Verified sourceshttps://www.originsake.com/post/tamagawa-the-jewel-river-of-kyoto; https://www.truesake.com/products/tamagawa-time-machine-vintage-amber-sake
MakerKinoshita Brewery Co., Ltd.
OriginKyoto (Kyotango)
CategoryAlcohol / Sake
Available inUnited Kingdom, United States, France +3 more
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.