Shirataki Shuzo was established in 1855 with the belief that the best sake is made using the finest locally sourced ingredients. The brewery is based in the town of Echigo Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture—an area renowned for its heavy snowfall, hot springs and plentiful skiing.

In the spring, the snow melts to provide an abundance of clear, natural mineral water, which is a prime ingredient for sake. The melted snow passes through a coal seam when running downhill from the mountain peaks, creating a natural filtration—resulting in the soft and clean “snow melt” character the sakes are known for.