Table of Contents
With more than 130 years of history as a long-established sake brewery in Nara, Umenoyado is attracting attention both in Japan and overseas not only for its traditional sake brewing, but also for products such as its pulp-filled "Aragoshi" series. The brand is enjoyed in over 25 countries and regions worldwide and has become a popular choice for Japanese souvenirs and gifts.
This article explains Umenoyado's history, its main product lineup, easy and delicious ways to enjoy its drinks at home, and why buying them at a duty-free shop is recommended. (The information in this article is based on information available as of June 2026.)
What You'll Learn in This Article
- The history of Umenoyado Brewery in Nara and what makes the brand distinctive
- The characteristics of popular Umenoyado products, including the "Aragoshi" series and Japanese sake
- Delicious ways to enjoy Umenoyado, from serving it on the rocks or with soda to dessert-style variations
- How to get a better deal on Umenoyado at the duty-free shop at Kansai International Airport
Popular Overseas, Too! What Is Umenoyado, the Long-Established Nara Brewery?
First, let's take a look at Umenoyado's history and the characteristics of this long-established brewery.
A Brewery with Over 130 Years of History in the Birthplace of Refined Sake
Umenoyado Brewery was founded in Nara Prefecture in 1893. Nara is considered the birthplace of refined sake, and Umenoyado has continued brewing sake in this historic region for more than 130 years.
Today, the brewery is located in Katsuragi City at the foot of Mount Katsuragi in the Nara Basin, where it makes use of high-quality local water in its brewing. Its traditional brewing techniques, cultivated over many years, and commitment to authenticity continue to attract fans around the world who are interested in Japanese culture.
View Umenoyado Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
More Than Sake: A Pioneer of Fruit Liqueurs
Tradition is only one reason Umenoyado has gained fans around the world. Guided by its philosophy of "creating a new sake culture," the brewery developed Japanese sake-based fruit liqueurs ahead of other companies. Although the brewery received criticism from other sake breweries when the products were first being developed, the "Aragoshi" series became a major hit and created a new market that many breweries now follow.
Innovative products such as the hugely popular "Aragoshi" series, designed to bring out the natural flavor of fruit, have helped Umenoyado grow into a global brand enjoyed in 25 or more countries and regions.
What Kinds of Drinks Does Umenoyado Make? A Look at the Lineup
Next, let's look at some of Umenoyado's best-known products. From fruit liqueurs to Japanese sake and plum liqueurs, each category offers something different to enjoy.
Fruit Liqueurs Packed with Real Fruit Flavor
One of Umenoyado's signature products is the "Aragoshi" series, made generously with fruit for a rich, pulpy texture. With varieties such as "Aragoshi Ringo (Apple)," "Aragoshi Mikan (Mandarin Orange)," "Aragoshi Momo (Peach)," "Aragoshi Yuzu," and "Aragoshi Ginger," the series offers a rich fruit flavor that can feel almost like eating the fruit itself. Their approachable flavor makes them easy to enjoy even for people who are not used to alcohol, and the series is also popular with people overseas and very well received as a gift.
More recently, Umenoyado has continued introducing innovative products, including vegetable-based liqueurs such as the "Amakute Oishii" series featuring tomato, the refreshing "Hare no Hi" series, and "Kahonshu," which combines fruit juice with Junmai Daiginjo sake. Keep an eye out for them while traveling in Japan.
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Yuzu | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Peach | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Ginger | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Sweet and Delicious Tomato | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Traditional Sake Showcasing Umenoyado's Blending Expertise
Don't overlook Japanese sake, which is at the roots of Umenoyado. Its sake, including Junmai Daiginjo, is characterized by a careful balance of aroma and flavor created through the brewery's blending expertise, and can be enjoyed chilled. At Kansai International Airport, an airport-exclusive Junmai Daiginjo presented in a paulownia wooden box is also available, making it an attractive option if you are looking for a particularly special souvenir.
Rich and Distinctive Plum Liqueurs Crafted by the Brewery
Umenoyado's plum liqueurs are made with carefully selected ume plums. The lineup ranges from premium plum liqueurs aged for many years to the pulpy Aragoshi Umeshu and Green-tea Plum Liqueur, which combines a refreshing green tea aroma with a subtle bitterness. With several distinctive styles to choose from, they make an excellent introduction to Japan's umeshu culture and are also well suited as gifts for people overseas.
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Umeshu | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Umenoyado Green-tea Plum Liqueur | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Make It Your Own: Delicious Ways to Enjoy Umenoyado
Umenoyado drinks are delicious on their own, but a few simple variations can open up even more ways to enjoy them. Here are some suggestions divided into three categories: classic serving styles, unusual combinations, and dessert-inspired ideas.
Enjoy Plum Wine & Fruit Liqueurs | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Start Here: Simple Ways to Enjoy the Drinks as They Are
The easiest place to start is with simple serving styles that let the original flavor of each drink shine. Enjoy Umenoyado's Aragoshi series on the rocks for its rich, pulpy texture, or mixed with soda for a refreshing taste.
With Japanese sake, the temperature can noticeably change the way it tastes. Served chilled at around 5–15°C, it has a tighter, crisper character. At room temperature, around 20°C, you can better appreciate the natural umami of the rice. Gently warmed to around 30–40°C, its aroma and umami become softer and rounder, while hotter sake at around 40–60°C brings out more distinctive flavors. Plum liqueur is commonly enjoyed on the rocks or with soda, while mixing it with hot water is another good option during the colder months.
| Drink | Recommended Serving Style |
|---|---|
| Aragoshi series | On the rocks or with soda |
| Plum liqueur | On the rocks, with soda, or with hot water |
| Japanese sake | Chilled, room temperature, gently warmed, or hot |
View GOKUNOU 18 UMESHU | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Unexpectedly Good Pairings: Cocktail-Style Variations
The Aragoshi series can also be combined with everyday drinks to create a variety of simple cocktails. For example, mix Aragoshi Peach and orange juice at a 2:1 ratio for a fruity drink reminiscent of a Fuzzy Navel. Mix it with milk at a 3:1 ratio for a mellow combination of sweetness and creaminess. Mix Aragoshi Yuzu with tonic water at a 1:2 ratio for a slightly bitter, more grown-up taste, while mixing it with tea at a 1:3 ratio turns it into a grown-up yuzu tea.
Plum liqueur is equally versatile. Mixing cola and plum liqueur at a 4:1 ratio creates a surprisingly good plum-and-cola combination, while adding orange juice gives it a more tropical character. Trying different combinations is part of the fun, so experiment until you find your favorite.
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Peach | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Umenoyado Aragoshi Yuzu | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
A Special Treat: Desserts Made with Umenoyado
Put Aragoshi Peach or Aragoshi Yuzu in a freezer bag and freeze it overnight to make a grown-up frozen treat with an icy texture. Another easy option is to drizzle a small amount of Aragoshi Umeshu over vanilla ice cream. The sweet ice cream pairs especially well with the sweet-and-tart flavor of the plum liqueur.
During the colder months, mix Aragoshi Ginger with hot water at a 1:2 ratio for a warming dessert drink that will leave you feeling warm and cozy. Desserts and drinks made with Umenoyado can turn the end of a meal or a relaxing evening into something a little more special.
Enjoy Plum Wine & Fruit Liqueurs | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Umenoyado Products | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
3 Reasons to Buy Umenoyado at Kansai International Airport Duty-Free
Umenoyado is available at liquor stores and online, but the duty-free shop at Kansai International Airport is an especially convenient place to buy it. Here are three advantages of purchasing it at the airport: price, convenience, and access to special products.
No Need to Carry Heavy Bottles Around
Bottles containing 720ml or 1,800ml can be surprisingly heavy, making them inconvenient to carry while sightseeing. When you buy Umenoyado at an airport duty-free shop, you can purchase it in the departure area where the boarding gates are on the day of your flight and take it directly onto the aircraft, minimizing the burden of carrying heavy bottles.
Another advantage is that duty-free prices can often be lower than prices in the city. From November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free shopping system for eligible purchases at stores in the city will shift to a refund method. Travelers will need customs confirmation at departure before the consumption-tax-equivalent amount can be refunded. This is different from shopping at an airport duty-free shop in the departure area, making airport duty-free shopping a convenient option for last-minute purchases. You can also make effective use of your travel time by choosing souvenirs while waiting before boarding.
Special Products Available Only at the Airport
The duty-free shops at Kansai International Airport may also offer airport-exclusive sets and gift packaging.
For Umenoyado, a duty-free-exclusive Junmai Daiginjo in a paulownia wooden box is available, along with a set that lets you compare Aragoshi Yuzu and Aragoshi Peach. Both are ideal for yourself or as gifts.
Make Shopping Even Easier with the Pre-Order Site
If you want to buy Umenoyado at a better price and make sure you can get the products you want, we recommend using the Kansai International Airport pre-order site. For regular flights, you can place a multilingual pre-order from your smartphone from 25 days before departure until 5:00 p.m. on the day before your flight, and significantly reduce your waiting time by using the dedicated pickup counter.
Limited-time sales and members-only coupons may also be available. Pre-ordering also gives you the peace of mind of securing popular products in advance without worrying that they may sell out before your departure.
View Pickup Method and Location | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View New Member Registration Discount | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
View Campaigns | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Umenoyado's "Aragoshi" series taste like?
A. The Aragoshi series is known for its rich fruit flavor, thick texture, and noticeable fruit pulp. There are many varieties, including plum, apple, mandarin orange, peach, and yuzu. Even people who are not accustomed to drinking alcohol can enjoy them almost like a dessert.
Q. Is the Kansai International Airport pre-order site available in languages other than Japanese?
A. Yes. In addition to Japanese, the site is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, and orders can easily be placed from a smartphone.
Q. Is there anything I should be aware of when buying Umenoyado at an airport duty-free shop?
A. Alcohol purchased at an airport duty-free shop after departure procedures can generally be carried onto your flight. If you have a connecting flight, you may need a STEBs bag for liquids such as alcohol. Acceptance of STEBs and liquid carry-on restrictions vary by transit point and destination, so check with staff when making your purchase.
Summary
Umenoyado is a long-established sake brewery founded in Nara in 1893 that continues to create innovative products, including its fruit-filled "Aragoshi" series. From traditional Japanese sake to easy-to-drink fruit liqueurs, its lineup offers something for everyone.
Umenoyado drinks can be enjoyed in your preferred style, from on the rocks or mixed with soda to cocktail-style variations with tea or milk, frozen drinks, and hot drinks. This variety also makes Umenoyado easy to recommend as a Japanese souvenir or gift.
At the duty-free shop at Kansai International Airport, you can purchase Umenoyado at duty-free prices, and using the pre-order site can make the process even smoother. At the end of your trip, why not pick up a bottle of Umenoyado, one of Nara's celebrated drinks, and take a taste of Japan home with you?
Enjoy Plum Wine & Fruit Liqueurs | 【Official】KIX DUTY FREE Shop of Kansai International Airport
Article Summary
- ✓Umenoyado is a long-established Nara sake brewery whose appeal lies in its traditional Japanese sake and innovative liqueurs
- ✓The "Aragoshi" series can be enjoyed in many ways, including on the rocks, with soda, or in cocktail-style variations
- ✓Buying Umenoyado at the duty-free shop at Kansai International Airport lets you take advantage of duty-free prices
- ✓Use the pre-order site to make sure you can secure popular Umenoyado products
References:
https://www.umenoyado.com/
https://shop.umenoyado.com/