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Are you having trouble choosing sake at the duty-free shops in Kansai International Airport? Choosing the right bottle can be easier than you think, as you can base your selection on the region or your purpose. This guide will help you find the perfect bottle from a wide variety of unique sakes from all over Japan.
Additionally, we provide detailed information on the best gift sets for souvenirs, how to make the most of the tasting service, and smart purchasing strategies. By reading this guide, you'll be on your way to becoming an expert in selecting sake. Shopping for sake at Kansai International Airport will be even more enjoyable and rewarding.
Japanese SAKE(prefecture of origin )| 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportHow to Choose Sake

By understanding the characteristics of the flavor, the ingredients, and the meaning of the numbers, you can find a bottle that suits your taste even better. Let's enjoy selecting delicious Sake using the information on the labels as clues.
Types of Sake
Sake can be classified into two main categories: "Special-designation Sake" and "Ordinary Sake." Special-designation Sake meets strict quality standards and is of high quality, while Ordinary Sake is commonly enjoyed in everyday situations. Special-designation Sake is further divided into three types based on ingredients and brewing methods.
Category | Main Characteristics |
---|---|
Pure Rice Sake Series | Traditional brewing method using only rice, rice koji, and water. |
Ginjo Sake Series | Brewed with a rice polishing ratio of 60% or less, with added brewing alcohol. |
Honjozo Sake Series | Brewed with a rice polishing ratio of 70% or less, with added brewing alcohol. |
Each category has distinct qualities based on the brewing method and rice polishing ratio. Here are the characteristics of each type:
Characteristics of the Pure Rice Sake Series
- Pure Rice Sake: Easy to drink with a natural richness in flavor, recommended for sake beginners.
- Special Pure Rice Sake: Unique flavor due to a special brewing process.
- Pure Rice Ginjo Sake: Elegant aroma and delicate flavor.
- Pure Rice Daiginjo Sake: Refined aroma and luxurious flavor, made with high-quality pure rice.
Characteristics of the Ginjo Sake Series
- Ginjo Sake: Fragrant aroma with a clean, sharp taste.
- Daiginjo Sake: Rich aroma and delicate taste with a refreshing finish.
Characteristics of the Honjozo Sake Series
- Honjozo Sake: Well-balanced and clean taste.
- Special Honjozo Sake: Deep flavor due to a meticulous brewing process.
The lower the rice polishing ratio, the higher the quality of the sake, which is also reflected in its price. Prices may vary depending on the brewery or brand, so choose according to your preferred taste and budget.
Beginner’s Guide to Buying Alcohol at Airport Duty Free |【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportSelecting by Rice Polishing Ratio
The rice polishing ratio indicates how much the rice used for making sake has been polished. Daiginjo sake refers to those with a rice polishing ratio of 50% or less, and Ginjo sake refers to those with a rice polishing ratio of 60% or less. The more the rice is polished, the fewer impurities remain, resulting in a clearer and more refined flavor.
Type | Rice Polishing Ratio | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Daiginjo Sake | 50% or less | Elegant aroma and refined taste with a refreshing finish. |
Junmai Daiginjo Sake | 50% or less | Easy to appreciate the richness and umami of rice, offering a clean taste. |
Ginjo Sake | 60% or less | Fruity aroma with a sharp taste. |
Junmai Ginjo Sake | 60% or less | Slowly fermented at low temperatures, featuring a vibrant aroma and clear taste. |
Junmai Sake | No specific regulations | Strong, natural rice flavor is prominently noticeable. |
Selecting Sake Rice by Type
Sake rice, also known as brewing rice or Ginkei, is a special variety of rice suited for sake brewing. It features large grains with a high content of white starch in the core, known as shinpaku, which enhances the flavor the more it is polished.
- Yamadanishiki: The pinnacle of sake rice from Hyogo Prefecture, known for its excellent water absorption and solubility.
- Gohyakumangoku: A representative sake rice from Niigata Prefecture, second only in popularity to Yamadanishiki.
- Miyamanishiki: Sake rice from Nagano Prefecture, known for its clean and crisp taste without any peculiarities.
- Omachi: Sake rice from Okayama Prefecture, characterized by its robust flavor and richness.
In addition to these, do not overlook the local sake made with locally grown sake rice from various regions. We highly encourage you to compare both local and nationally recognized sake brands.
Choosing Between Sweet and Dry
The Sake Meter Value is an indicator of the sweetness or dryness of sake. Negative values indicate a sweet flavor, while positive values indicate a dry flavor.
Label | Sake Meter Value | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Very Sweet | -6 or below | Characteristic dessert-like sweetness. Suitable as an aperitif or dessert sake |
Sweet | -3 to -5 | Moderately strong sweetness. Suitable for drinking with meals |
Slightly Sweet | -1 to -3 | Subtle sweetness. Pairs well with a wide variety of dishes |
Slightly Dry | +1 to +3 | Subtle dryness. Enhances the flavor of dishes |
Dry | +4 to +6 | Distinct dryness. Ideal for drinking with meals |
Very Dry | +7 or above | Sharp and strong dryness. Popular among sake enthusiasts |
Depending on the dish, we recommend using either sweet or dry sake. Sweet sake has a smooth taste, perfect for aperitifs and dessert sake, while dry sake has an exceptional sharpness, making it ideal for drinking during meals.
Recommended Gifts by Recipient
Choosing sake based on the recipient's preferences and the occasion is a crucial point.
- For sake beginners: A friendly and sweet Junmai sake is recommended for its easy drinkability.
- For anniversaries or bosses: Famous brands of Daiginjo or aged sake, elegantly packaged in a paulownia box, are recommended. Choose a special bottle for a special day.
- For cooking enthusiasts: Dry Junmai or Honjozo sake is recommended. Enjoy finding the perfect pairing with meals.
- For sake aficionados: A bottle suited for connoisseurs, such as sake made from rare rice or through unique brewing processes, or aged sake. Choose a distinguished sake that will be appreciated on special occasions.
Please choose from a variety of options that suit your budget and preferences. You are sure to find a bottle that will be greatly appreciated.
View Liquors|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportGuide to Purchasing Sake by Purpose

At the KIX DUTY FREE shops in Kansai International Airport, you can purchase sake suitable for various purposes. Please refer to the following guide to select the sake that best meets your needs.
Suitable Sake Gifts for Foreigners
When choosing sake as a gift for foreigners, it is important to find a balance between ease of drinking and Japanese authenticity. At KIX DUTY FREE in Kansai International Airport, we recommend ginjo and daiginjo sakes, which are known for their fruity aromas and are friendly to international palates.
Additionally, pay attention to the package design. Bottles decorated with traditional Japanese patterns or seasonal designs make wonderful gifts that convey the essence of Japanese culture. Choosing products with English labels will also help the recipient understand the drinking methods and characteristics of the sake more easily.
View Best Sellers|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportSake Perfectly Paired with Cuisine
Sake pairing with food is also very important. At KIX DUTY FREE in Kansai International Airport, you can find a variety of sake flavors, allowing you to choose the perfect one to complement your favorite dishes.
Type of Dish | Recommended Sake |
---|---|
Simmered appetizers, meat dishes | Junmai sake with a rich aroma of rice |
Sashimi, Carpaccio | Ginjo sake with a fruity aroma and a light, refreshing taste |
Steamed egg custard, grilled ayu | Ordinary and Honjozo sake with a crisp, dry taste and a refreshing feel |
Grilled eel, beef steak | Aged or vintage sake |
Choosing sake based on its compatibility with food can make your meal even more enjoyable. If you are unsure of what to choose, consult the staff at the duty-free shop to help you find the perfect combination to suit your taste.
Collector's Edition Brands
For Japanese sake collectors, we recommend exploring the airport-exclusive and rare brands at KIX DUTY FREE in Kansai International Airport. Purchasing at duty-free shops means no taxes are added, making it cheaper than usual. Additionally, by reserving online, you can secure your desired items without having to search around.
View Duty Free Exlusive products|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportCharacteristics of Japanese Sake by Region

Japanese sake offers a rich regional flavor, created from local rice, water, and traditional techniques. Understanding the diverse personalities brewed by the local climates can enhance your enjoyment of Japanese sake. We will introduce the distinctive features of each area along with popular brands that are cherished locally.
Hokkaido & Tohoku Regions
Region | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Hokkaido | Cool summers and cold winters. Sharp, dry taste is predominant. | Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo |
Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima | Fertile rice-producing area. Characterized by a crisp, dry taste enriched by snowmelt water. | |
Aomori | Cool climate produces predominantly clear and lightly sweet flavors. | |
Iwate | The expertise of Nanbu Toji masters (brewmasters) produces rich, sweet flavors. |
The Hokkaido and Tohoku regions are characterized by their utilization of the cold climate to produce predominantly crisp, dry flavors.
Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportKanto & Koshinetsu Regions
Area | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa | Abundant water and suitable rice for sake brewing produce a light and dry flavor | |
Gunma | The severe cold of winter creates a crisp, light, and slightly sweet flavor | |
Tochigi, Tokyo | Historical sake brewing areas known for their rich and sweet flavor | |
Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata | Cool, clean water yields a crisp and light dry flavor | KUBOTA , Hakkaisan , Kikusui |
The Kanto region experiences significant climatic variations from north to south, each bringing out distinct characteristics.
KUBOTA|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Hakkaisan|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Kikusui|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportChubu & Hokuriku Regions
Region | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Fukui, Shizuoka, Gifu | Light and dry sake born from pure water and fine sake rice | |
Toyama | Known for its "Usuragi," a dry sake with deep, rich flavor | |
Ishikawa, Aichi | Traditional sake areas known for their rich and sweet sake | Tengumai , Kuheiji Hinokishi |
The Chubu region offers a variety of flavors, thanks to its diverse climate between the Sea of Japan side and the inland areas.
Tengumai|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Kuheiji Hinokishi|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportKinki Region
Area | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Osaka | Sharp and dry taste | Sou no Sato , Akishika |
Hyogo | Famous brewing area of Nada Gogo with rich and dry flavor | Tatsuriki , Fukujyu , Nihon Sakari , Sawa no Tsuru , Hakutaka |
Kyoto, Shiga, Mie, Nara, Wakayama | Ancient city ambiance with rich and sweet flavor | Gekkeikan , Shinsei , Umenoyado , Jurakudai ,Tama no Hikari |
The Kinki region, hosting renowned brewing areas such as Nada Gogo and Fushimi, is a major production area for Japanese sake.
Sou no Sato|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Tatsuriki |【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Sawa no Tsuru|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Shinsei|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Umenoyado|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportChugoku Region
Area | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Tottori | Light and dry, perfect for special occasions | |
Hiroshima | Rich and sweet, blessed by the Seto Inland Sea | Suishin , Senpuku , Kamotsuru |
Shimane, Yamaguchi, Okayama | Rich and sweet, with a deep heritage | Dassai |
The Chugoku region, including Shimane known as the birthplace, has a long history of sake brewing.
Suishin|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Senpuku|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Kamotsuru|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport Dassai|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportShikoku Region
Area | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Kochi | Strong and dry sake that impresses even the heavy drinkers of Tosa | |
Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime | Light and sweet sake that brings out the flavor of rice | Kinryo |
The interesting part about the Shikoku region is that each prefecture has different taste tendencies.
Kinryo|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportKyushu & Okinawa Regions
Area | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
---|---|---|
Fukuoka, Okinawa | Crisp and dry taste unique to warm regions | |
Oita, Nagasaki, Kagoshima | Gentle sweetness typical of tropical areas | |
Saga, Miyazaki, Kumamoto | Unexpectedly strong performers from the shochu kingdom, rich and sweet | Tsubomi |
The Kyushu & Okinawa region is well-known for its authentic shochu, but it is also a treasure trove of distinctively unique Japanese sake.
Tsubomi|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportSmart Shopping Tips at Kansai International Airport Duty-Free Shops

At the duty-free shops in Kansai International Airport, there are efficient ways to purchase a variety of products, including Japanese sake. Below, we will explain the key points for smooth shopping.
Kansai International Airport Duty-Free Shops Online Preorder Service
At Kansai International Airport Duty-Free Shops, we offer an online preorder service through our online shop. By utilizing this service, you can prepare your souvenirs efficiently before your trip and make effective use of your time at the airport.
Ordering online in advance and picking up at the airport has the following advantages:
- Avoids the risk of popular items being out of stock
- Allows you to compare products at your leisure
- Helps you use your time at the airport efficiently
Furthermore, by registering as a new member, you can access an exclusive 3% off coupon for online orders (as of October 2024).
When using the online reservation service, it is reassuring to check the collection time and location in advance.
The collection point is located near the entrance of KIX DUTY FREE, just past the immigration checkpoints. For detailed store information, please visit the official KIX DUTY FREE website at the link below.
Official: Kansai International Airport Duty-Free Shops
Moreover, by regularly checking the Kansai International Airport Duty-Free Shops website, you can stay updated with the latest information and special offers, ensuring a delightful shopping experience.
By frequently checking for limited products and promotional information and planning your purchases, you can select souvenirs that will greatly enhance your satisfaction. Enjoy a memorable trip with attractive souvenirs from Osaka.
View Sale/Campaign|【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportDuty-Free Procedure and Points of Attention
Shopping at duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport may require the presentation of both your passport and boarding pass. Having your passport and boarding pass ready to show at the time of purchase will allow for a smooth shopping experience.
Additionally, it is important to note that the duty-free procedures differ before and after immigration checks. Shops before immigration require standard duty-free procedures, while the KIX DUTY FREE shops after immigration sell goods at prices already tax-deducted. Therefore, no additional duty-free procedures are necessary, regardless of the purchase amount, allowing for a seamless buying process.
What are the carry-on liquid limits for duty-free items such as perfume and alcohol? |【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International AirportConclusion
The duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport are a treasure trove for Sake enthusiasts. They offer a broad range of regional specialties and gift sets. By using the preorder system, you can easily acquire the bottle you desire.
Furthermore, you can sample a variety of Sakes at the tasting area and seek advice from the duty-free shop staff to find a Sake that suits your taste. Unlike city stores, no extra steps are required at the duty-free shops, making the purchase process easier and more enjoyable. Enjoy shopping for Sake at Kansai International Airport, and bring home wonderful memories of your trip.