They are already blooming in Tokyo: the first sakura!
In Japan, this marks the start of hanami – the festival whose name literally translates as «looking at blossoms».
Friends, family and colleagues gather under the blossoming cherry trees to eat, drink and celebrate the beauty and transience of life together – with bento boxes, beer and sake.

HANAMI CITY - The picnic under Zurich's cherry trees
As spring awakens, Zurich's more than 1000 Japanese cherry trees begin to blossom - and a beautiful activity blossoms with them!
The Harubaru Copy Club - an association that explores the diversity of Japanese cuisine through various events and projects - has mapped out all the Japanese cherry trees in the city of Zurich on an online, interactive Zurich Hanami Map in 2021. This helps you find the perfect spot for your personal hanami picnic.

And in keeping with this, the makers of HANAMI CITY are preparing bulging Bento boxes for you for the sixth time this year, which can be picked up from April 10 to 19, 2026.
Back again, of course, is shizuku's small Cup Sake Yuki Otoko - a round, powdery, fresh as well as vivid Junmai for on-the-go enjoyment.

Be on time!
The picnic boxes are produced only on pre-order and in limited numbers. Order deadline is on Monday, March 30, 2026.

March 5, 2026

If you think sake is just 'Japanese schnapps', you're not alone - and that's where we come in. Because sake has nothing to do with distilled spirits...

Nihonshu is a fermented beverage with an alcohol content of about 15% or less. Sake is therefore drunk as a nice aperitif, with food or with dessert – just like wine.
And to help you relax and enjoy this taste adventure as a newcomer, we are happy to recommend a fine selection of nihonshu, all of which are delicious and ideal for sake newbies.

The premium drop for spring fever
With its fruity aromas, The Shunnouten immediately evokes spring feelings. An elegant and fresh Junmai Daiginjo, creamy, smooth and round on the palate, with a crisp and pure umami flavour - a nice, drinkable aperitif, even for sake beginners.

The floral explosion of taste
White tulips, lime blossom... and then boom: Gekkeikan Daiginjo! Let yourself be pleasantly surprised by this powerful and complex taste explosion. Fresh, mild, with a wonderful acidity - a tangy experience. Also available as a mini.

The hint of lilac on the nose
Goriki Junmai Ginjo is flattering with its pronounced acidity, fruity, bitter-sweet and exotically tangy. A racy, lively and expressive sake with a velvety, yeasty melt and a tangy finish. Also available as a mini.

The lively nihonshu with the kick
Noble and tasty? Then kanpai with the elegant and fruity-sweet Karaku Amakuchi. With notes of lychee and strawberries, combined with a balanced acidity and a long finish, it is guaranteed to bring life to your glass. An ideal drop, even for sake beginners.

The successful premiere in the sake glass
Still new to our range, the Tsuki no Katsura Junmai Ginjo is already proving very popular with our connoisseurs. A complex, floral, fresh, fruity, and extremely lively sake. Creamy on the palate, with a long finish and pronounced acidity, it is a distinctive, stimulating aperitif.

The round classic from cool to hot
Slightly salty, even leathery on the nose, the rather dry Inatahime Ryokan convinces with aromas of lime blossom, soy, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg. And this true classic scores particularly well from 10-50°C with hearty dishes and cheese dishes such as fondue and raclette.

As you can see, sake is not a mystery. It is a journey.
We hope you enjoy your first kanpai and would be happy to advise you personally in the shizuku Store. Because we make sake understandable, tangible and hopefully your personal newbie on the menu!

February 6, 2026

The racing experience with sake in pole position!

When the engines roar at the Japanese Grand Prix, it's all about precision, respect and absolute concentration - values that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Racing Unleashed and shizuku combine the fascination of racing at the legendary Suzuka Circuit with the relaxing enjoyment of sake. Between the sound of racing and Japanese craftsmanship, we invite you to a unique experience that picks up speed and creates depth at the same time.

Welcome to the Japanese pole position
At Racing Unleashed, speed is not only experienced, but shared: virtual and astonishingly real, professionally staged and accessible to all. Take a seat in the cockpit and step on the gas in state-of-the-art high-end racing simulators at the Racing Lounge Zurich City.

And after the adrenaline rush, slow down with culinary delights during an enjoyable pit stop at the integrated Ascari Bar. Arrive together, take a deep breath and kanpai.
Sake becomes the connecting element between performance, action and pause, between racing spirit, team spirit and Japanese brewing culture.

Let's step on the gas for the premium experience
Whether you're getting in for the first time or chasing the best times, thrills, fun and maximum enjoyment are guaranteed.
Book your ride now - as a Single Racer, Speed Duo or strong Suzuka Crew - and experience with us how motorsport, team spirit and conscious enjoyment unfold a new dynamic.

February 3, 2026

A fixed date in the shizuku event calendar – so save the date!

Because this year we will once again be at the Japan Basar in Worb and we are really looking forward to welcoming you in person and inspiring you with something new.
The fine drops are already well chilled – all that's missing is you. Will you be there?

Stroll, discover & enjoy Japanese culture
Small but particularly fine: the Japan Basar in Worb has plenty of charm. In addition to numerous stands, culinary highlights, demonstrations and workshops, we will once again be offering selected sake specialties and fruity Japanese liqueurs.

Spend your Sunday afternoon in the centrally located Bärensaal, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and discover the surprising variety of high-quality Japanese flavours.

shizuku looks forward to welcoming you, advising and inspiring you – for what we hope will be a perfect start to your sake summer (including direct sales).

January 31, 2026

Over 11'000 enthusiastic guests, 30 booths and an all-day program of events over three days – the Japan Food Fest marks a new chapter this Easter and shizuku will join this highlight with you!

After record attendance last year, the festival is celebrating its 5th anniversary this Easter weekend. Preparations are in full swing in Zurich-Oerlikon. As the largest Japanese festival in Zurich and the only Japan Food Fest in Switzerland, it will be even more diverse, enjoyable and inspiring in 2026.
Celebrate, share and connect with Japanese flavours on a culinary journey of discovery full of taste, culture and encounters.

shizuku at Japan Food Fest Zurich 2026
Whether you're a foodie, a culture lover or looking for a special Easter highlight, the Japan Food Fest is growing and offers Japanese food, cultural performances and workshops on a bigger space. With 30 unique booths and a three-day cultural and show program, we bring the Japanese street food scene to life.

And, of course, the perfect drink is also provided: shizuku is back for the anniversary and is serving up everything from exciting sake tastings to refreshing cocktails.

Find more information about this event right here.

January 30, 2026

Shochu - The distilled drop of Japan.

Shochu is Japan's second traditional drink besides sake (nihonshu). Sake, the Japanese rice wine, is often mistakenly understood as a distillate. But this is where Shochu comes in, which is actually distilled and, depending on the main ingredient, has a completely different basic taste.

From mugi (barley) to imo (sweet potato), kome (rice) to goma (sesame) - Shochu is extremely diverse in its aromatic facets and, depending on the basic ingredient and drinking method, is suitable as an aperitif, digestive or as an excellent accompaniment to a meal.

10 years in the barrel
The Toki no Choetsu Superiore is a mild, sweet and very rounded barley shochu. Aged for 10 years in French oak barrels, the ideal drop for whisky and rum lovers.

Tasty and lots of umami
The Takeyama Gensui as well as the Kurozaru are two intensive, round sweet potato shochu. Matured in clay pots, both have a great umami taste and a long lasting finish.

Elegance and power
The Mellowed Kozuru Limited (Single Cask) as well as the Mellowed Kozuru Excellence are two incredibly elegant, velvety rice shochu, strong in taste and balanced on the palate.

Gold in the tumbler
The Beniotome Gold - the king with a maturation period of about 8 years - as well as the Beniotome Maru are both extremely mild and elegant barley shochu with a pleasant touch of sesame.

Let yourself be surprised once again by Japan's art - this time with a fine drop of shochu.

January 23, 2026

Is it cooler, we too turn up the heat....

Because drinking a nihonshu warmed up and discovering the resulting aromas and flavours anew is not only fun, but also warms the sake heart. We are happy to recommend different drops, which offer an enjoyable experience from cool to room temperature to hot. Let's warm up...

The Asahimai Junmai| Smooth from 10-50°C
This velvety, full-bodied Junmai will flatter any sake fan. Smooth, with a sweet note and long-lasting finish, this premium sake made from organic rice delights subtly aromatic, with a fresh, minty acidity.

The Kuzuryu Ippin | Crisp and spicy from 10-45°C
Slightly sweet, fruity and with a soft texture, this elegant nihonshu crisp-spicy delights on the palate and, with its fair amount of umami, is also an exciting pairing partner to autumnal, more flavourful dishes.

The Inatahime Ryokan | Round from 10-50°C
Slightly salty, even leathery on the nose, this rather dry sake surprises with aromas of lime blossom, soja, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco and nutmeg. And this true classic scores especially with hearty & cheesy dishes such as fondue & raclette.

The Goriki Junmai| Powerfully aromatic from 15-50°C
Tangy, oily, smoky and with lots of umami you will be spoiled with this exciting food companion. Intense notes of paprika, olive tapenade and smoked ham make this sake an aromatic experience even at room temperature.

The Kozaemon Yamahai Junmai| Taste expedition from 10-45°C
Brewed according to the traditional yamahai method, this nihonshu convinces with intense, earthy flavours and makes literally sake hungry. For from cheesy to floral to aromatic-fiery, this drop offers a truly veritable adventure...

The Miyabi | Strong sake art from 15-45°C
This intense Tokubetsu Junmai - brewed according to the traditional kimoto method - is quickly reminiscent of a stone fruit brandy. Earthy, dry and pleasantly sweet on the palate, this Japanese drop is an exciting food companion to meat dishes and your upcoming raclette.

January 9, 2026

1 sake, 2 toasts and a trilogy of the finest cheeses. As simple. As good.
Meikel inspires us in exactly this way again with his latest greeting from the kitchen, adding a touch of gold to the snack.

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku | A golden TOAST to TOAST

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, Artist and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: Toast the bread until golden brown. Briefly fry some juicy ham and turkey slices in a pan. Top the toast with a trio of hearty cheese classics: raclette, Gruyère, and red Tilsiter. Season to taste and pop it in the oven - that's it.
Aside: A drop of gold from Yonago in Tottori, the Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 40. Delicately bitter, with a slight sharpness in the finish, this Junmai Daiginjo conjures up a beautiful balance of intensity and elegance and, with its creamy structure, goes perfectly with melted cheese. A powerful toast to toast.

Culinary conclusion: 'We have succeeded in turning a simple idea into something truly delicious. A classy ham and cheese toast, prepared with love and accompanied by this elegant premium sake: you couldn't ask for a better snack!
The flavours complement each other wonderfully, the consistency is perfect, and you'll want to take another bite and another sip. My tip: make sure you make enough from the start!' laughs Meikel with relish and reaches for the next toast - in the glass and on the plate ;)

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

January 9, 2026

You are a group and want a tasting in a cozy, private setting?
Or are you still looking for a tasty idea for your celebratory team event?
How about a sakelicious tasting?

The team event with the kanpai...
Enjoy with friends, team colleagues, partners or customers, but try something new: We are happy to pour!
Spoil your team with a special treat and give them a culinary experience - with an exquisite Japanese drop.
Sake expert Marc Nydegger will take you to Japan and invites you to live the convivial drinking culture and to taste the different varieties based on handpicked premium drops in a cozy atmosphere.

Would you like to hold your private event at shizuku Store? Great!
Whether it's a birthday party, a team aperitif or the degustation among friends... shizuku is pleased to show you the variety of Japanese works of art so that your team event will be positively surprising and pleasantly remembered.

Please contact us with your wishes, questions and ideas by e-mail to event@shizuku.ch and nothing will stand in the way of your festive kanpai.

Already thirsty? We look forward to you & your guest!

January 5, 2026

Cooking with sake? Of course!
Deglaze or boil down - for a nice, flavourful sake note in your dish.
Nihonshu in the kitchen makes a good figure not only in the glass...

COOKING SAKE - For more umami in the pan
Whether in mushrooms, tomatoes or cheese - umami is omnipresent and can also be found in our kitchen more than you think - and in sake even more.

umami is another flavour alongside the traditional ones of sweet, sour, salty and bitter. And although umami is difficult to describe in words, tasters notices it immediately. This is because umami intensifies certain flavours and dominates & corrects negative taste sensations. For this reason, umami can generally be described as 'especially delicious' and 'perfectly rounded'.

And with our high-quality cooking sake, you too can bring even more flavour to the pan. Discover Kimoto Junmai, brewed according to the traditional kimoto method. A dry, intense sake in a convenient, resealable 1.8 liter Tetra Pak.

Cook with us, kanpai and enjoy your meal!

January 5, 2026

Dear connoisseur

Just a quick check: Is your wine cooler well stocked with your favorites, so that it lacks nothing during the cozy Christmas holidays?
The shizuku team is looking forward to welcoming you and advising you personally during the last days at shizuku Store.

Current opening hours
Tuesdays, 12.30pm – 6.30pm or by individual appointment

Christmas shopping Saturday sale
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11.00am - 4.00pm

shizuku Store Christmas holidays
Kindly note that shizuku Store will be closed from December 24, 2025, through January 12, 2026.
Products ordered online can be picked up at shizuku Store with the option pickup at shizuku Store Tuesday, December 23, 2025 (6.30pm).

Online orders
Kindly note that there is no shipment between December 24, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
Products ordered online by Friday, December 19, 2025 (12.00pm), will be shipped before Christmas.

Merry kanpai and soon happy holidays!

November 30, 2025

Bringing joy present after present...

Yes, here we go again! So let's give Japan fans a present in style.
We look forward to finding that one special gift for your loved ones and wrapping it up in a festive way!

The tasteful Japan box
In the shizuku gift box, we have put together something pretty for you...
Choose between a sake combined with beautiful ceramics, the box consisting of two fine premium sake, the fruity variant with two hand-picked liqueurs or the nihonshu with matured power, combined with the high-calibre stainless steel cup.

Or make it personal and put together your own individual box, with a matching accessoire of your choice. Does the recipient prefer a Japanese rum, a first-class shochu or our sake flavoured vodka Mame San? Very nice! We are happy to nobly package the perfect gift.

The personal touch at shizuku Store
Or visit us in our own four walls, get ideal & competent advice, find your personal favorite drop in peace and surprise during the festive season with a nice drop of Japan - just the way you like it.
The team at shizuku Store is here for you, will be happy to advise you and looks forward to your visit.

November 30, 2025

What is sake? How do I drink sake? What do I drink sake with?
We pour you the the truth... the true rice wine!

The tasty lesson with the kanpai
Rediscover Japanese world cultural heritage? With pleasure! Be it the tradition of sake, the artisanal & impressive brewing process, the convivial drinking culture or the exciting food pairing possibilities...
Marc Nydegger- Certified Sake Professional - is looking forward to introducing you to Nihonshu as host of the evening and invites you to taste the different varieties & experience possibilities with several premium drops - in a cozy atmosphere at the shizuku sake lecture with tasting.

Because in 12 years shizuku so far, it has been this interest that has driven the sake expert: «The most beautiful thing for me personally was the noticeable curiosity & thirst for knowledge about Japan and its treasures. Our connoisseurs didn't just want to buy Japanese drinks, they wanted to understand them, which connected us from day one. This shared passion and positive response encouraged me, drove me on and still does - drop by drop.»

Irasshaimase - At shizuku store you will find a piece of Japanese sense of life on more than 60 m2. We look forward to welcoming you and inspiring you at the next shizuku sake lecture.

November 21, 2025

If something is brewing by the artists in Japan, you can rejoice!
For precious gift ideas, we are happy to help you find that one, special gift for your loved ones... with joy and style.

The taste journey through 4 seasons
Yes, many of our longtime subscribers have received the shizuku sake subscription as a Christmas gift and indulge in the exciting taste journey year after year. You or the person receiving the gift will have four premium sake selected to suit the season delivered directly to their home for a year, along with exciting culinary suggestions from sake expert Marc Nydegger.

The shared experience
With the shizuku events you give yourself and your companion a pleasurable lesson in a cozy atmosphere including tasting, be it at shizuku sake lecture, at shizuku sake cheese pairing or at your private occasion. The shared sake experience, which is guaranteed to be fun...

The tasteful box
Give away a special drop, nobly packed in the shizuku gift box, which you can also put together individually on request. Whether a Japanese rum, a first-class shochu or a premium sake with the matching accessoire - the perfect one will be packed with pleasure.

The voucher for connoisseurs
You're still undecided? Then donate the whole selection, but with style. Give someone a treat with the shizuku voucher. It can easily be ordered and printed out right away - and can be made into a lovely origami according to the Japanese art of paper folding.

The personal advice at shizuku Store
Or visit us in our own four walls, explore your favorite bottle in coziness and surprise during the holidays with a noble drop from Japan.
The team at shizuku Store will be happy to advise you and look forward to your visit.

November 11, 2025

Well, so what. Let's go to the whole hog - with beautiful joy & relish!

Those connoisseurs who are gifted by you will appreciate it. Because it may be special, it should be handpicked.
With pleasure we present you a few exquisite drops from all over Japan, which reflect the local art with joy and elegance skillfully and tastefully...

The Beauties from Fukui
Kokuryu brews extremely high quality sake, in small batches and made by hand. Truly not 0815 sake, but special nihonshu. But these beauties also catch the eye because of their unique bottle-labels, such as echizen-ori on the amazingly complex Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo and black velvet on the elegant Kuzuryu Daiginjo.

The Highly Complex from Hyogo
The Shirayuki Banzaimon is an extremely high-quality sake, an absolute top product among the Junmai Daiginjos. Delicate, fragrant, wonderfully aromatic and with a beautiful, rounded taste of cooked fruit.
A true drinking experience for sake lovers and real connoisseurs.

The Natural Sparkling from Oita
'Let it sparkle' with this exemplary Sparkling sake with natural bottle fermentation. The Yatsushika Sparkling Niji is a refreshing and fruity-sweet aperitif drink, slightly sparkling and low in alcohol, perfect for any, enjoyable kanpai or the drop when celebrating classy.

The Matured Masterpiece from Akita
This vintage sake has been skillfully aged and is a true gustatory masterpiece. Powerful, intense and at the same time immensely harmonious, Yamabuki 1994 seduces with a fully matured bouquet, a lively acidity and a spicy aroma that spoils the palate for a long time.

The King from Tottori
The Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 30 Limited is a very complex and tangy Genshu. Floral, fruity and nutty on the nose, with a rich, fresh and herbaceous flavour on the palate. A balanced and versatile food pairing partner and a gift for all sake fans.

The Rarity from Fukui
Tangy yet floral, the Kokuryu Hachijuhachigo has a fresh bouquet and is gentle on the palate. Brewed by the most extravagant pressing method, Tobin-dori, this Daiginjo showcases the true craftsmanship of the master brewer. Very lively, with a pleasant acidity and high viscosity – an absolute high-end sake that lingers on the palate and in the memory.

We would be happy to advise you personally at shizuku Store to find the ideal, unique drop of Japan for you and your loved ones. See you soon..

November 11, 2025

Autumn is when your appetite returns 🍂
And when the days get cooler and the dishes get heartier, sake with depth and character can also shine.

Fire pot, pumpkin, kanpai!
We are happy to once again recommend the ‘drops of Japan’, which can be enjoyed comfortably and in style and also go wonderfully with your fall menus. Mushroom dishes, game, pumpkin soup or shabu shabu?

Well-rounded and heartwarming – the Inatahime Ryokan
This flavourful, exciting, and rather dry Junmai is ideal for heating and goes perfectly with raclette, cheese and sausage or even as an ingredient in an autumnal vegetable cream soup.

Velvety and buttery - the Nouvelle
This floral Junmai Ginjo indulges with a lovely buttery melt, with tangy notes of nutmeg, cloves, cauliflower as well as meringue. With its fresh acidity ideal with risotto or cheese.

Complex and multifaceted - the Daiginjo Hiyashibori
This complex and powerful drop spoils with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweetish and at the same time tangy notes and reminds of wood and bitter chocolate. Ideal with lamb, veal or a carpaccio.

Lively and powerful - the Daihoju
Golden moments await you with this high-quality Junmai Daiginjo. Complex, fragrant and lively on the nose and grassy fresh and yeasty on the palate. With a subtle citrus note and a lovely, pronounced acidity, it is ideal with beef, Japanese shabu shabu or sukiyaki.

Tangy and fresh - the Kiku Masamune Taru Sake
This harmonious Junmai, shortly ripened in barrels (Yoshino cedar), refreshes with notes of cedar and lavender. Sweet and balanced, with a dry, slightly resinous finish, it is the ideal food companion to fish, especially sushi and sashimi or to juicy ham.

Golden autumn, served liquid.
Let's ring in the gourmet autumn, timeless and tasteful. Kanpai!

October 26, 2025

Dear connoisseur

We look back on twelve years full of great taste experiences and a little wanderlust with every sip... What began with curiosity about nihonshu has now grown into a wonderful community of many connoisseurs, explorers and sake lovers.

Thank you for your openness, your thirst for new things and for being part of this journey. 次の一杯に, kanpai to the next glasses!

🎈 12 years shizuku – We've reached the DOZEN!
The journey continues, thanks to & with you and with 12 sakelicious reasons to raise a glass with us...

• Because kanpai sounds nicer than 'cheers' ;)
• Because every glass is a little trip to Japan
• Because curious palates are constantly surprised
• Because warm or cold, both are right
• Because the variety of flavours is almost limitless
• Because tradition can also be pretty modern
• Because the craft of sake brewing is a UNESCO cultural heritage
• Because sake is an incredibly exciting food pairing partner
• Because thanks to umami Japan's nihonshu goes excellently with Swiss cheese
• Because rice wine is a delightful addition to our wine culture
• Because Japan's convivial drinking culture is contagious
• And because 12 years shizuku simply have to be celebrated – in style ;)

🎈 Arigato gozaimasu!

October 18, 2025

GLOBUS invites you to a sakelicious shopping experience – with a drop of Japan

shizuku sake tasting at GLOBUS Bahnhofstrasse
From spices, cheese and antipasti to the prosciutteria and sweets to wonderful wines from all around the world. Gourmets will find first-class culinary treasures at ***delicatessa at GLOBUS Bahnhofstrasse. And, of course, premium sake from Japan!
So that you can not only taste them, but also serve them expertly with your upcoming menu, this November weekend is all about nihonshu – Japan's national drink sake.

Get to know different varieties, taste them on site and learn more about Japan's national drink together with Marc Nydegger - Certified Sake Professional.
«Sake is an exciting alternative to white or red wine. It can taste sweet, fruity or even salty and is the perfect food pairing partner!»

Sake with pork belly, cheese, or curry? Oh yes!
With a roast, pizza & burgers? Of course! With cheese platters, fondue or raclette? Absolutely!
Pairing is not only a personal passion, but also the trademark of sake expert Nydegger. Marc does not simply treat sake as an isolated traditional Japanese drink. He combines it. Exciting in taste, bold in flavour and delightfully enriching.

Try it out and grab your tasting glass. Kanpai!

October 12, 2025

Dear connoisseur

While in Switzerland the sun is lower in the sky, it is slowly getting darker and the days are getting shorter, in the Land of the Rising Sun there is a bright atmosphere of action:

Because October 1 is Nihonshu no hi – World Sake Day – and Japan is starting a new brewing season.

Sake is considered an integral part of Japanese culture and was added to UNESCO's list of «Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity» last year. The UNESCO award recognizes not only the craftsmanship of sake production, but also a tradition that has existed for over 1'000 years.

So there are more than 1'000 good reasons to raise a glass and celebrate with a drop of honest brewing artistry. We say kanpai!

Heartily good
Over the years, we have grown fond of the Inata Honten Brewery, both for its family atmosphere and its taste. Here, authentic brewing is practiced and brewed for moments of enjoyment, as with Goriki Junmai – an aromatic, powerful, and tangy sake. With plenty of umami, it is an ideal accompaniment to aromatic dishes – or with Inatahime Ryokan – an exciting, appetizing Junmai. Medium-bodied, floral-tangy, and despite fruity notes, rather dry on the palate.

Velvety harmonious
Asahimai Junmai has been with us since our first import, as this velvety, full-bodied Junmai appeals to every sake fan. With a sweet note and a long finish, this premium sake can be enjoyed cool or hot and is also known among connoisseurs as the ‘fondue sake’ ;)
The impressive Junmai Ginjo Kokuryu Jungin is also harmoniously indulgent. Fresh and lively, yet flavourful and dynamic, this beautiful all-rounder is the ideal accompaniment to a festive Nihonshu no hi menu.

Impressively profound
For true connoisseurs, the crowning glory is the noble Daihoju. Lively and fragrant, this sake impresses with its complex bouquet and delights the palate with its powerful, yellow-fruity flavour and pronounced acidity, leading to a long, beautiful finish. Truly golden.
And for the digestif, we serve the ‘Edo’: the amber-colored Shirayuki Edo Genroku, fermented in wooden barrels (taru), surprises with a salty nose and sweet palate. The perfect dessert and popular with our connoisseurs for years.

September 28, 2025

Dear connoisseur

Please sit back and enjoy at the same time an exciting taste journey through the versatile, impressive and lively world of the Japanese national drink.
Accompany us!

When the postman rings four sakelicious times
With the shizuku sake subscription, you will receive four premium sake selected to match the season delivered directly to your home for one year at a time, along with exciting culinary suggestions from sake expert Marc Nydegger.

Since 2015, our group of adventurers has been growing from month to month. And the feedbacks not only make us overjoyed, but speak flatteringly for themselves...

'I rely solely on my taste and your fantastic knowledge and judgment. Sensational what great sake you offer. Green light, all of them were fantastic.' Sake subscriber since 2016, on monthly subscription since 2019.

'A good opportunity to expand the horizon. Please renew both sake subscriptions for one year.' Sake subscriber since 2021.

'It is always interesting to taste extraordinary drops. I would love to continue the virtual Japan trip with you and extend for another delicious Japanese year.' Sake subscriber since 2016.

'We are thrilled... Many thanks for all the delicious sakes. It was a wonderful taste journey. After the last delicious drop, we realized that we would be missing something without the sake subscription. That's why I would like to extend the subscription for another year.' Sake subscriber since 2017.

Arigato.
A big thank you to our loyal community and a warm welcome to all the explorers who want to join us on our taste journey from mid-December.

The shizuku sake subscription, the perfect gift idea for yourself or your loved ones!

September 20, 2025

Yes, let's melt the cheese again!
The Amstad Chäslädeli - known & loved for its fondue mixes and the wide range of different raclette cheeses - is ready to go. Various specialties, delicious wines and of course sake!

Raclette season opening with wine & sake tasting
There will be tasting, chatting and leisurely feasting!
shizuku is delighted to be part of this year's edition and to take this opportunity to pour you a selection of sake that goes perfectly with melted cheese - including aour Sake Fondue!

Yes, that's right! We have ventured into the nationally popular cheese fondue, with international brewing art... And «Stöphi’s Hausmischung» with the drop of Japan will of course be available exclusively for tasting and purchase at the raclette season opening!

Say kanpai and cheese!
Drop by, join in the party and be pleasantly surprised by the harmony of sake and cheese...

September 14, 2025

NO OLD CHEESE. 2025 is time for the Swiss-Japanese fondue mix!
That's right, we're venturing into the nationally popular cheese fondue, with international brewing art...

Sake Fondue | «Stöphi’s Hausmischung» with the drop of Japan
As long-time connoisseurs, you will be familiar with this combo, as Marc & Stöphi have been combining good cheese with Japanese nihonshu for years.
Only one thing was still missing: the formula for the ready-made fondue house mix. And this is now conjured up, prepared & freshly vacuum-packed - ready for your caquelon!

«The cheese becomes cheesier»
Stephan Schaub - Co-Owner & Managing Director of Amstad Chäslädeli - knows his way around Swiss cheese. Years of experience mixed with a great sense of taste, a touch of innovation and a desire for new things are the result of his secret fondue recipes. 'We don't do things by halves when it comes to fondue. And this sake, it works,' says the cheese connoisseur with satisfaction. 'Our house mix gets a slightly sweet sake note, which I really like.'
And sake expert Marc Nydegger adds: 'Nihonshu has much less acidity than white wine and that's why we experience the melted cheese even more velvety: «The cheese becomes cheesier»'

So go ahead: fire up the rechaud, stir, done!
Enjoy our first & unique sake fondue at home from now on.

Sake Fondue | Hausmischung ready to use (Cheese, Sake, Cornflour)
... CHF 49.00 / kg
... 2 persons, 600g, CHF 29.40 | 4 persons, 1200g, CHF 58.80
... available at shizuku Store, by pre-order via info@shizuku.ch
... available at Amstad Chäslädeli, by pre-order via info@chaeslaedeli.ch

We are also happy to recommend suitable drops to accompany your sake fondue. Kanpai!

September 14, 2025

«Raise your glasses!»
With almost 50 winemakers, everything here is about fine wines from all around the world and intensive exchange in a personal setting...

Smith & Smith Open Bottle Day
Fasten your seatbelts, polish your glasses, and get out your dancing shoes: Smith & Smith's Open Bottle Day 2025 is just around the corner!
Immerse yourself in the world of wine and enjoy two days of indulgence at Chez Smith in Zurich.

shizuku SAKE MASTERCLASS
On Monday, we'll be diving into the depths of Japan... Starting midday with plenty of tasting and inspiring exchange, shizuku is inviting you to the SAKE MASTERCLASS.
Get to know and taste different types of nihonshu and learn more about Japan's national drink together with Marc Nydegger, Certified Sake Professional – sounds good, right?!

We look forward to a stylish «kanpai!»

July 29, 2025

The warmth of summer invites us to come together for a joyful weekend inspired by the vibrant traditions of Japanese summer festivals.
Let’s gather, explore, taste, create, and enjoy the sunshine...

shizuku at «Natsu nandesu» 2025
The fifth edition of the Ooki Summer Festival brings this spirit to life once again, transforming the Pavillon’s lush garden, open-air terrace, and light-filled dining hall into a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavours and creative exchange and blends cultural tradition with the easygoing charm of summer.
Look forward to a variety of food stands offering takoyaki, okonomiyaki, matcha desserts, and more, alongside traditional Japanese products such as kimonos and accessories and relax listening to live performances by Japanese musicians, DJs, and karaoke.

And of course shizuku is ready for this summer party and will be pouring you some beautiful sake & summery liqueurs for your full Japanese relish!

It’s summertime! 夏なんです
More information about this festival can be found here.

July 13, 2025

For the first time in Sissach: experience Japan up close!
And if Japanese can be enjoyed, shizuku naturally drops in...

shizuku at Sissach Matsuri 2025
On September 13, Sissach will be colorful, loud and delicious as the largest municipality in the Upper Basel region is transformed into a small Japanese world full of color, sound and taste.
Artful ikebana arrangements, enchanting shakuhachi sounds, the powerful thunder of Japanese drums, delicate pieces of jewelry, lots of culinary delights and much more awaits you.

And of course, shizuku will be on site at the premiere and is looking forward to spoiling you with the finest drops of the Japanese national drink sake as well as fruity liqueurs for colorful Japanese cocktails (including direct sales).

Whether curious, culture fans or connoisseurs...
We look forward to inspiring you at the first Sissach Matsuri!

More information about this festival can be found here.

July 6, 2025

It's no news that sake almost invariably goes very well with fish.
But in addition to sushi & sashimi, it can also be a catch from regional waters or a pairing with a seawater fish, which in turn surprises in a new combination.

Let's go fishing...
From regional freshwater fish to wild catch from the sea.

To accompany a juicy, beautifully seasoned brown trout with a rather delicate fishy taste, shizuku recommends a glass of the elegant, slightly sweet and fruity Kuzuryu Ippin. With its soft texture and crisp, tangy taste, an ideal match. But also the round, sweetish and accessible Shirayuki Akafuji is a refreshing partner with a hint of citrus fruit, right up to the rather dry finish.

If you find fish crispies on your plate with a mild and slightly salty taste, shizuku recommends pairing them with the elegant and fruity-sweet Karaku Amakuchi. With a balanced acidity and a long finish, it's guaranteed to get you going.

If you are looking for a more 'meaty' & aromatic taste and are serving a monkfish with fresh wakame, for example, you are sure to enjoy a cool, stemmed glass of Inatahime Junmai Daiginjo 40. A powerful, fruity and creamy premium sake, with a beautiful balance of intensity and elegance.

We also have the right sake chilled for a summery pulp salad: Tsuki no Katsura Junmai Ginjo is a complex, floral, fresh and extremely lively nihonshu. Creamy on the palate, long-lasting on the finish and with a pronounced acidity, a present, stimulating pairing partner.

And don't forget to take inspiration from our exclusive sake food blog Meikel's kitchen - there are lots of creative dishes, from scallops and parrot fish to seafood rösti, that are all twice as much fun when paired with sake!

July 6, 2025

In September, the city of Bellinzona will once again become a real corner of Japan...
With lively tradition & modernity as well as authentic gastronomy & activities that will leave you speechless.
Because the Japan Matsuri has been the Japanese festival of Italian-speaking Switzerland not only since its 10th anniversary in 2023, but is meanwhile the largest event dedicated to Japanese culture in Switzerland.

shizuku at Japan Matsuri 2025
With great anticipation, shizuku is once again packing its sake suitcases for the 12th edition and is looking forward to luring you to Ticino for a sunny weekend. With over 17,000 visitors last year, the popular Japan Festival is getting ready for another unforgettable edition.

Besides live music, workshops, exhibitions or the impressive cosplay contest, you can also expect a gastronomic experience - of course with «a drop of Japan»!
Taste the multi-faceted national drink nihonshu and discover other exciting drops or cocktails for your Japan moment (including direct sales).

So let's head south for a kanpai!
Spend an unforgettable weekend with us in a world full of beauty, fascination & tradition and experience the magic of the Land of the Rising Sun - in the 'Sonnenstube' of Switzerland.

More information about this festival can be found here.

July 6, 2025

When the summer sun warms up, a cool aperitif on the rocks is a feel-good...
And that's where shizuku comes in!
Light and fruity, rich in vitamin C and refreshingly drinkable with a low alcohol content. Kanpai!

Japanese citrus power for the summer aperitif

May we introduce: Mikan!
With a strong and pleasantly sour taste and rich in vitamin C, mikan is one of Japan's most popular fruits and is suitable for sauces, dressings and as an exciting ingredient in cocktails.
The sweet, mild, mostly seedless and only slightly sour fruits are visually comparable to mandarins, but their flavour is more reminiscent of juicy oranges.

Our Kirakira Taiyo no Mikan (translated: ‘The mandarine that shines in the sun’) is a light, fruity and sweet liqueur with hand-pressed mikan juice. Mild and naturally refreshing on the nose, the palate is pleasant, complex, sweet and present as well as intensely fruity. A sweet and palatable aperitif drink with a low alcohol content.

Do you like yuzu? Then we are happy to increase it with you: Kabosu!
Kabosu are juicy citrus fruits, very closely related to the Japanese yuzu fruit.
This yellow-green fruit is not suited to be eaten pure. But the aromatic and intense juice of the kabosu is often used to mix cocktails or to refine dishes such as sashimi, fish in general or warm pot dishes.

Our Kabosu no Susume is a light, fruity and sweet Junmai with hand pressed kabosu juice. Mild and extremely refreshing in the nose. Pleasant, complex, racy and present as well as intensive fruity in the palate. A sweet and palatable aperitif with low alcohol content and a sourish-bitter aftertaste.

shizuku recommends enjoying both liqueurs from cold to cool (5-15°C), straight or on ice, or topped up with mineral water or Prosecco - for the Japanese Spritz variant.

Kanpai at the next summer aperitif or as a gift in the pretty shizuku box.

June 14, 2025

The art in miniature for great pleasure - we have it!
From fresh and flowery to round and powdery to aromatic and palatable... Why decide when you can try different things?
We are happy to recommend our MINIS - for your kick-start into the big sake enjoyment.

Goriki Junmai Ginjo mini
A breeze of lilac, fruity as well as bitter-sweet and exotically tangy. This lively, racy and expressive Junmai Ginjo surprises with a present acidity as well as a velvety melt.

Gekkeikan Daiginjo mini
Fresh and floral on the nose, this complex sake seduces the palate with a powerful explosion of flavor. Fresh, with a wonderful acidity - a tangy experience and long lasting finish.

Daiginjo Hiyashibori mini
This multilayered and powerful premium sake spoils with a fruity bouquet, followed by sweetish and at the same time tangy notes and reminds of forest and black chocolate.

Goriki Nigori mini
Fruity-sweet and slightly bitter, this milky, unfiltered Junmai Ginjo is a refreshing aperitif and, for lovers of nigoris, an exciting accompaniment to spicy foods from the grill.

Cup Sake Yuki Otoko
Kanpai with this round, powdery, fresh as well as vivid Junmai. Rather sweet, creamy, tangy-bitter and with a long finish the perfect all-rounder in a practical drinking glass for enjoyment on the go.

June 10, 2025

When artists serve together, you can take a hearty bite.
The snack for an aperitif, a creation for the eye & relish!

MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku | ARTichoke - snack X black

He loves food, he loves cooking and he enjoys sake.
Meikel - Graphic Designer, Artist and Sake Addict - tries out, combines and discovers.

This time: A bread (parisette), crispy toasted and spread with a creamy artichoke puree, topped with thyme-fried shiitake mushrooms, sambal oelek & a few squeezes of lime juice - that's it.
Aside: The X3 Black, an intensely fruity-sweet Junmai with a subtle, slightly sweet sharpness. Fresh, lively and creamy soft on the palate, this sake is a dancer on many levels and is ideal as a versatile food pairing partner, especially with spicy dishes.

Culinary conclusion: 'A cool snack that you'll want to bite into several times! Round and balanced, playful & crunchy-creamy. And the X3 Black literally dances along smoothly.
From bready and earthy to sweet, fresh and slightly spicy: it has it all. And the meaty shiitake mushrooms form the perfect bridge to harmoniously combine all the flavours. Culinary artistry and once again a creation for the eye & relish!' smiles Meikel with satisfaction.

As simple. As good. MEIKEL'S KITCHEN by shizuku.
Please discover more culinary recommendations on Instagram with #shizuku_ch and #meikelskitchen or in our section 'recipes'.

June 9, 2025