An Illustrated Japan / Kagoshima / Culture & Tradition

Shochu Distilling

Also written: 焼酎造り · 烧酒酿造

Known as the birthplace of Japanese shochu, this area is popular for distillery tours and tastings of sweet potato (imo) shochu.

Kagoshima Kyushu-Okinawa Culture & Tradition

About this place

Shochu regarded origin Kagoshima with oldest record 1559 munafuda Koriyama Hachiman Shrine Isa. Sangu Meisho Zue says method came China via Ryukyu to Satsuma. Sweet potato arrived 1705 from Ryukyu to Yamagawa spread quickly on well-drained shirasu unsuitable rice. By early 18th imo shochu called karai-moon shochu appeared 350 makers town 3700 domain by Tenmei era note most drink shochu lacking good sake. Mid 19th Shimazu Nariakira encouraged potato shifting staple rice to imo. After ban self-brewing 1898 cooperative emerged. Modern black koji two-stage mash prevented decay citrus acid improved yield 20 to 30 percent.