Toyobijin Junmai Daiginjo Tokugin Aiyama 16% 720ml (Bag)

Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama Junmai Daiginjo (東洋美人 特吟 愛山 純米大吟醸) is a premium limited sake from Sumikawa Shuzojo in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is made from 100% Aiyama sake rice from Hyogo, polished to an exceptional 35%, creating a luxurious Junmai Daiginjo with brilliant fruit aroma, transparent sweetness and a silky, elegant texture.

This expression is presented in Toyobijin’s distinctive white leather-style presentation bag with gold branding, making it particularly suitable as a premium gift or celebration bottle. The bag is part of the product presentation rather than a conventional gift box.

What Does Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama Taste Like?

Expect an elegant but distinctly luxurious fruit-forward profile.

Aroma: Lychee • Apple • Strawberry • Floral • Vanilla
Palate: Juicy Aiyama Sweetness • Silky Texture • Rich Umami • Ripe Fruit
Finish: Smooth • Refined • Clean • Lingering

Different specialists highlight lychee, apple, strawberry and vanilla-like aromas, but they consistently describe the sake as aromatic, juicy, elegant and remarkably smooth. Aiyama’s sweetness and umami are balanced by the transparent, polished character associated with Toyobijin.

Why Is Aiyama Special?

Aiyama (愛山) is a highly prized sake rice sometimes nicknamed the “diamond of sake rice.” It has lineage connected to both Yamada Nishiki and Omachi and is particularly appreciated for producing sake with rich sweetness, depth and generous umami.

Toyobijin uses 100% Aiyama for this expression and polishes it all the way down to 35%, meaning approximately 65% of each rice grain is removed before brewing.

The result combines Aiyama’s naturally generous character with the clarity and finesse expected from a high-end Junmai Daiginjo.

What Does “Tokugin” Mean?

Tokugin (特吟) indicates this is a special premium expression within the Toyobijin range.

The current version represents an upgraded specification: specialist documentation notes that the polishing ratio was changed from 40% to 35%, creating the newer Tokugin Aiyama expression.

Food Pairing

Because this sake combines pronounced fruit, sweetness and umami with an elegant finish, it can work with richer dishes than an extremely delicate Daiginjo.

Recommended pairings:

Sashimi • Fatty tuna • Scallops • Lobster • Crab • Foie gras • Roast duck • Teriyaki • Wagyu • Mild creamy cheese

It can also be enjoyed by itself as a celebration or after-dinner sake.

Recommended Serving Temperature

Best: 8–12°C

Serve chilled, but avoid making it excessively cold. At around 8–12°C, its fruit aromatics, Aiyama sweetness and silky texture have room to develop.

A white-wine glass is particularly suitable for this bottle.

Special White Presentation Bag

The bottle is supplied in a special white leather-style presentation bag featuring Toyobijin branding in gold. It creates a premium presentation appropriate for birthdays, business gifts, celebrations and special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama?

Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama is a premium Junmai Daiginjo from Sumikawa Shuzojo in Yamaguchi, Japan. It is made from 100% Aiyama sake rice polished to 35%.

What does Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama taste like?

It is aromatic, fruity and silky, with notes described as lychee, apple, strawberry and vanilla, accompanied by juicy sweetness, rich umami and an elegant finish.

Is Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama sweet or dry?

It leans toward the sweet and juicy side rather than distinctly dry. The established P35/16% specification has been listed at SMV -5, although specifications can vary by brewing year.

What rice is used?

It uses 100% Aiyama sake rice, with current specialist listings identifying the rice as Aiyama from Hyogo/Banshu.

What is the rice polishing ratio?

Aiyama is polished to 35%, leaving only 35% of the original rice grain for brewing. The product previously existed at P40 before moving to the newer P35 specification.

What is the alcohol content?

Your Sake.sg SKU is 16% ABV, which matches multiple listings for the P35 expression. However, a newer 2025 specification is documented at 14%, so the physical bottle should determine the specification used on your page.

Does Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama come with a gift box?

This version comes in a special white leather-style presentation bag, rather than a standard box.

How should Toyobijin Tokugin Aiyama be served?

Serve it chilled at approximately 8–12°C, preferably in a wine glass so its elegant fruit aromas can develop.

Where is Toyobijin made?

Toyobijin is produced by Sumikawa Shuzojo in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.