Fukucho Moon on the Water Junmai Ginjo Sake 300ML

Description

Fukucho Moon on the Water Junmai Ginjo Sake 300ML is a junmai ginjo sake from Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, bottled at 15% ABV in a 300ml format. Rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and awarded Gold at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards in both 2023 and 2025, this expression from Imada Shuzo stands among the most critically acclaimed sakes available in its class.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15% | Origin: Akitsu, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan | Junmai Ginjo | Distillery: Imada Shuzo (est. 1868)

Production & Heritage

Imada Shuzo was founded in 1868 in Akitsu, a coastal town in Hiroshima Prefecturea region widely regarded as the birthplace of ginjo-style brewing. The brewery is led by Miho Imada, one of Japan’s very few female toji (master brewers) and brewery owners. Moon on the Water uses Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 55% seimaibuai and is brewed with Hiroshima’s remarkably soft water, which contributes a distinctive minerality and delicate texture. The sake is bottled immediately without charcoal filtering, preserving its aromatic complexity. Imada Shuzo is also the only brewery to cultivate and brew with Hattanso, an ancient Hiroshima rice variety that had fallen out of use for centuries before Miho Imada personally revived ita commitment to heritage that informs the entire range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh pear and honeydew melon, followed by yellow apple and a faint sweetness of rice. Deeper in the glass, subtle hints of lime, fennel, and white pepper emerge alongside a gentle allspice note.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-driven, with ripe cantaloupe and mango tones arriving on the mid-palate. Despite the fruity character, this is not a sweet sakethe mid-palate is clean and slightly sweet before turning decidedly dry. A thread of anise weaves through the broader stone-fruit and melon profile.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish reveals a quiet minerality drawn from Hiroshima’s soft water. It fades cleanly with lingering traces of melon rind and a dry, refreshing close.

How to Drink Moon on the Water

Serve chilled between 812C (4654F) in a white wine glass or traditional ochoko to allow the delicate aromatics to open fully. A slight warm-up toward room temperature will emphasize the rice-driven mid-palate. Sake Spritz: Top a measure of Moon on the Water with sparkling water and a thin slice of Asian pearthe melon notes play beautifully against the effervescence. Eastern Martini: Replace the vermouth in a classic Martini with chilled Moon on the Water for a clean, mineral-driven variation. Ginjo Highball: Combine with premium tonic water and a sprig of shiso; the fennel and herbal undertones in the sake align naturally with botanical tonics.

Best For

• Introducing a curious wine drinker to premium sake
• Pairing with an omakase or sushi dinner at home
• A thoughtful host gift in a convenient 300ml format
• Building a tasting flight alongside other regional ginjo expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moon on the Water taste like? It delivers ripe cantaloupe, pear, and mango fruit tones on a clean, slightly sweet mid-palate that finishes distinctly dry with soft minerality. Despite its aromatic fruitiness, the overall impression is restrained and refreshing rather than sweet.

How does Moon on the Water compare to Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo? Both are fruit-forward, internationally recognized premium sakes, but Moon on the Water is a junmai ginjo polished to 55% versus Dassai 45’s more aggressive 45% polish on Yamada Nishiki. Moon on the Water tends toward softer minerality from Hiroshima’s famously soft water, while Dassai 45 is often described as more structured and precise with a longer, drier finish.

Is Moon on the Water good for beginners? Its approachable fruit character, moderate 15% ABV, and clean dry finish make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring junmai ginjo sake for the first time. The 300ml bottle size also lowers the commitment for newcomers.

Where is Moon on the Water made? It is brewed at Imada Shuzo in Akitsu, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japana region historically recognized as the birthplace of ginjo-style sake brewing. The brewery has operated continuously since 1868.

What foods pair well with Moon on the Water? Sashimi and raw oysters benefit from the sake’s clean minerality. Grilled white fish like sea bass or branzino echoes its melon and pear notes. Tempura vegetables complement its dry finish, while soft-ripened cheeses like brie mirror the creamy mid-palate texture. Lightly seasoned edamame or ceviche also work well as the sake’s subtle herbal quality bridges fresh, bright flavors.

What sizes does Moon on the Water come in? This expression is commonly available in a 300ml bottle, which is a standard half-size format ideal for individual servings or sampling. A 720ml bottle is also produced.

Is Moon on the Water worth the price? It positions as a premium junmai ginjo that punches above its price tier, backed by a 93-point Wine Enthusiast rating and multiple Gold awards at TEXSOM. For a sake of this critical standing from a historic, family-run brewery, it represents strong value within the premium segment.

Why Moon on the Water?

Few sakes carry the personal imprint of their maker as clearly as this one. Miho Imada is among the rarest figures in the sake worlda female toji and brewery owner who has earned international recognition while preserving nearly-lost rice varieties and centuries-old Hiroshima brewing traditions. The 93-point Wine Enthusiast score and consecutive Gold medals at TEXSOM confirm that the quality in the bottle matches the story behind it. With its unfiltered bottling, soft-water minerality, and Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 55%, Moon on the Water delivers a ginjo experience that is distinctly Hiroshima and difficult to replicate elsewhere.