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Known worldwide as the pinnacle of Japanese sake, Dassai 23 is a junmai daiginjo sake (ultra-refined premium sake) made using Yamada Nishiki rice polished down to a remarkable 23% polishing ratio. This masterpiece from Asahi Shuzo features a gorgeous aroma, honey-like sweetness, and elegant finish, making it incredibly popular as a gift thanks to its approachability even for those unfamiliar with sake. The Dassai 23 Kansai International Airport limited edition exclusively uses Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo and Shiga prefectures, presented in a wooden box made from Nara Prefecture's Yoshino cedar for that extra special touch. Priced at a tax-free 9,000 yen, Dassai 23 is highly regarded by international visitors as a premium sake representing Japanese drinking culture.
View Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Kansai International Airport Limited Edition 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportWhat is Dassai 23? The Appeal of This Ultra-Polished Junmai Daiginjo
Dassai 23 is the flagship junmai daiginjo sake produced by Asahi Shuzo in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The defining characteristic of this sake is that it uses Yamada Nishiki rice, known as the king of sake rice, polished down to an incredible 23% polishing ratio. This means that 77% of the rice grain's outer layer is removed, using only the innermost 23% for brewing.
From this extraordinarily polished rice comes Dassai 23, featuring remarkably little off-flavor and a gorgeous aroma. The scent is fruity, reminiscent of apples and muscat grapes, and when you taste it, you'll enjoy honey-like sweetness and an elegant finish. With an alcohol content of 15%, the typical alcoholic harshness of sake is subdued, making Dassai 23 approachable even for sake beginners.
View Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Kansai International Airport Limited Edition 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportView Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Centrifuge 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
The Ultimate Flavor Born from 23% Rice Polishing
A 23% polishing ratio represents one of the highest levels of polishing in the sake industry, and this technique is what supports the quality of Dassai 23. The polishing process removes the outer layers containing off-flavors, using only the center portion where starch is concentrated, achieving a pure and refined taste.
At Asahi Shuzo, they've achieved high-precision polishing that was impossible with traditional methods by combining years of experience with cutting-edge polishing technology. Through this technological innovation, Dassai has gained worldwide recognition as "DASSAI," establishing itself as a premium sake brand.
The Secret Behind the Fruity Aroma and Honey-Like Sweetness
The characteristic gorgeous aroma of Dassai 23 is created through low-temperature fermentation brewing techniques. By fermenting slowly at lower temperatures than typical sake, more fruity ester-based aromatic compounds are generated, forming the elegant aroma reminiscent of apples and muscat grapes.
The honey-like sweetness is achieved through a balance of natural sweet components from Yamada Nishiki and the pure sugars obtained by polishing to 23%. This sweetness isn't artificial at all, but rather a natural flavor that emerges from the concentrated umami of the rice itself.
View Dassai Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportDifferences Between the Kansai International Airport Limited Edition and Regular Dassai 23
The Kansai International Airport limited edition of Dassai 23, which went on sale at KIX DUTY FREE in February 2025, is produced with special specifications different from the regular version. The biggest difference is the origin of the rice used. The airport limited edition exclusively uses Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo and Shiga prefectures, emphasizing Kansai regional ingredients.
The packaging also has a special feel, with the decorative box featuring a wooden case made from Nara Prefecture's Yoshino cedar, unlike the regular product. This Yoshino cedar box expresses traditional Japanese aesthetics while elevating the value as a gift sake through the luxury feel and fragrance of the wood. The label features the text "Kansai International Airport Limited Edition," making it immediately recognizable as a limited product.
Special Features and Premium Feel of the Limited Edition
The Kansai International Airport limited edition is 720ml in volume and sold at a tax-free price of 9,000 yen. While the price range differs from the regular version, considering the special wooden box specifications and tax-free benefits, it's a highly valuable price point for gift-giving.
View Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Kansai International Airport Limited Edition 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportWhile the polishing ratio and basic brewing methods are the same as the regular version, using Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo and Shiga prefectures allows you to enjoy the unique flavor characteristics produced by the Kansai region's climate. Additionally, the Yoshino cedar box creates a sense of occasion even before opening, contributing to Dassai 23's gift popularity.
View Dassai Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportSpecific Differences from the Regular Version and How to Choose
The biggest difference between the regular and limited editions is the purchasing method and rarity. While the regular version can be purchased at liquor stores and department stores nationwide, the Kansai International Airport limited edition has the rarity of being available only at KIX DUTY FREE inside Kansai International Airport.
The wooden box of the limited edition makes it feel extra special as a gift, and the fact that it’s only sold at Kansai International Airport gives it an added story to tell. For personal consumption, the regular version is sufficient to fully appreciate Dassai 23's charms, so it's important to choose based on your purpose.
View Dassai Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportWhy Dassai 23 is Chosen as a Gift
Dassai 23 is highly regarded as a gift sake for its exceptional quality and universally appealing flavor. Its fruity aroma, honey-like sweetness, and refined finish make it approachable even for those new to sake, ensuring confidence when giving it as a gift.
With its strong global reputation, "DASSAI" is a trusted choice for gifts in international settings and makes an ideal souvenir for overseas visitors. The airport-exclusive edition, presented in a luxurious Yoshino cedar box, conveys a sense of specialness even before it’s opened.
View Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Kansai International Airport Limited Edition 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportView Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Centrifuge 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Versatility Suitable for a Wide Range of Celebrations
Dassai 23 has versatility suitable for various celebration occasions such as weddings, promotions, and longevity celebrations, aligning with Japanese celebratory sake culture. Despite being the highest grade of sake (junmai daiginjo), it balances approachability with elegance, which is why Dassai 23 is chosen by so many people.
The 720ml volume is a convenient size for both savoring alone or sharing among several people. While refrigerated storage is recommended for quality preservation, it's an easy size to finish, so it doesn't burden the recipient. It can also be combined with other brands as a tasting set, serving excellently as an introduction to convey the joy of sake.
Specific Benefits of Purchasing at KIX DUTY FREE
Purchasing Dassai 23 at KIX DUTY FREE has multiple clear benefits. First, as it's a Kansai International Airport exclusive product, it's a special item that cannot be purchased at any other stores.
Search for Products at Duty Free Shop | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportThe convenient location allowing purchase just before departure reduces luggage burden during travel, and the ability to carry it on board means high convenience from purchase to arrival at your destination. Operating hours from early morning to late night, flexibly accommodating flight schedules, is also one of its attractions.
Using the advance order site, you can secure inventory and pick it up smoothly at a dedicated counter.
View Pre-Order Site | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportView Dassai Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
How to Choose and Recommend Sake: KIX Duty Free Shop Guide
Key Points When Purchasing Dassai 23
Here’s a detailed guide to purchasing Dassai 23 at Kansai International Airport. Only passengers departing on international flights from Terminal 1 are eligible to buy it. The sake is available at KIX DUTY FREE, located in the international departure area on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1. Please remember to bring your passport and boarding pass when making your purchase.
Regarding quantity limits, you need to purchase within your destination country's duty-free allowance. In many countries, the duty-free allowance for alcohol is typically 1 to 2 bottles of 750ml, but this varies by destination, so checking in advance is reassuring. For purchased items, if taking a direct flight, you can simply carry them as carry-on luggage, but if using connecting flights, depending on the number of connections and final destination, they may need to be sealed in STEBs (Security Tamper Evident Bags).
Attention at Entry and Exit in Japan! Are You Checking the Duty-Free RulesWhat are the carry-on liquid limits for duty-free items such as perfume and alcohol?
Purchase Tips for International Visitors
For international visitors, Dassai 23 is a premium sake you can purchase with confidence thanks to its worldwide recognition as "DASSAI." The special feeling of being "Kansai International Airport Limited Edition" will surely provide exceptional value as a memento of your Japan trip.
The wooden box packaging and limited edition label design also express "Japanese" aesthetics, making Dassai 23 perfect as a souvenir. Payment methods include a wide range of options: Japanese yen, foreign currency cash (US dollars and euros in bills only), credit cards, electronic money, and QR payment (PayPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.).
Usage Scenarios and Smart Ways to Use for Japanese Travelers
For Japanese travelers, the Dassai 23 Kansai International Airport limited edition is an ideal choice as a gift to take overseas. The conversation starter of it being Kansai International Airport exclusive helps with local interactions and introducing Japanese culture. It's also greatly appreciated as a gift for Japanese people living abroad.
Many people purchase it as a personal reward or travel memento, and there's also the collection aspect of enjoying the display of the wooden box and bottle. Additionally, since you can use the advance order site, there's the convenience of completing purchase procedures reliably even during busy departure preparations.
| User Type | Main Purchase Purpose | Recommended Points |
|---|---|---|
| International Visitors | Japanese Souvenir/Memento | Global Recognition, Exclusivity, Luxury Packaging |
| Japanese (Overseas Travel) | Gift for Locals | Conversation Starter, Cultural Introduction, Tax-Free Price |
| Japanese (Homecoming/Domestic) | Gift/Celebration | Brand Power, Exclusivity, Quality Assurance |
| Sake Enthusiasts | Collection/Personal Use | Rarity, Special Specifications, Wooden Box Storage |
For recommended ways to enjoy Dassai 23, the optimal method is to chill it (around 8 to 10°C) and enjoy the aroma in a wine glass. For storage, keep it away from direct sunlight in a cool, dark place, and after opening, store in the refrigerator and finish it promptly to maintain quality.
View Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Kansai International Airport Limited Edition 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportView Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Centrifuge 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Dassai Beyond 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Asahi Shuzo Dassai To the Future With Farmers 15% 720ml | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Summary
Dassai 23 is a junmai daiginjo sake using Yamada Nishiki polished to 23%, characterized by gorgeous aroma, honey-like sweetness, and elegant finish. It's truly world-class sake. The Kansai International Airport limited edition provides even greater value as a gift sake through its special specifications of Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo and Shiga prefectures presented in a wooden box made from Nara Prefecture's Yoshino cedar.
The exclusivity of "only available at Kansai International Airport" becomes an attractive purchase reason for both international visitors and Japanese travelers. With the reliability of the globally recognized "DASSAI" brand and approachability that even sake beginners can enjoy, Dassai 23 has the versatility to suit any celebration or gift-giving occasion.
Purchasing at KIX DUTY FREE offers advance reservations, the convenient timing of purchasing just before departure, and accommodation for carry-on luggage, creating an ideal purchasing environment for travelers. Dassai 23 isn't just sake. It's a special product that continues to be loved by many as something that conveys Japanese brewing techniques and culture to the world.
Related Links
Attention at Entry and Exit in Japan! Are You Checking the Duty-Free RulesWhat are the carry-on liquid limits for duty-free items such as perfume and alcohol?
How to Choose and Recommend Sake: KIX Duty Free Shop Guide