[Misato Town, Akita Prefecture] Niteko Cider? Exquisite cider born from Akita's Shimizu

Niteko Cider, which is popular as a local cider, is a traditional cider with a clean and refreshing taste that comes from Shimizu in Misato Town, Akita Prefecture.

We also introduce cafes that use the famous water and sake made using the town's unique lavender.

Please read to the end as we explore the charms of the Rokugo springs in Misato Town, which have been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters.


What does “Niteko” in Niteko Cider mean?

Niteko comes from the Ainu language. The word is said to have evolved from ``Nitaikotsu,'' which means ``lowland of puddles,'' which is a combination of the words ``Nitai'' (forest) and ``Kotsu'' (puddle).

Niteko Cider is made using fresh water from the Rokugo Yusui Group in Misato Town, where Niteko Shimizu is located, which is dotted with many puddles of fresh water.


What is Rokugo Yusui Group, where the raw water for Niteko Cider is found?

Rokugo spring water group
Rokugo spring water group

Misato Town, located in the southeastern part of Akita Prefecture, was created in 2004 by the merger of Chibata Town and Sennan Town, and is home to the Rokugo Spring Group, which has many springs of pure water that have been selected as one of the 100 best waters.

The underground water of the river that flows west from the Ou Mountains, including Mt. Chokai, which rises on the border with Yamagata Prefecture, is filtered over a long period of time and then gushes out.

There are 126 springs in the town, and it is said that you can even see the endangered freshwater fish (Ibaratomiyo) in the clear water where you can even count the pebbles at the bottom.

The fresh water in the springs has an average temperature of 15 to 20 degrees throughout the year, and is so clean that even scientifically valuable creatures can live there.

It seems that the people of this town, who do not need water supply, still live on natural water. I'm so jealous!


What is the secret behind the popularity of Niteco Cider?

Niteco cider
Niteco cider

Niteko Cider, which has a history of 120 years, is not overly carbonated, and the deliciousness of the water stands out.The subtle sweetness and natural water flavor are well balanced, making it a cider that feels nostalgic.

Nowadays, cider with various flavors has increased and continues to be popular among people of all ages and genders.

The ingredients other than the famous water, which determines the taste, have been preserved and kept secret for over 110 years.

Rokugo's water is naturally smooth and easy to drink, and the addition of fine carbonation has made it a favorite among many cider fans.

Labels that evoke the retro Showa era are also gaining popularity.

Where can I buy Niteco Cider?

Niteko Cider is sold at roadside stations in Misato Town as well as in lavender gardens within the town. It also appears to be available for purchase on online shopping sites such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo.


Niteko cider made by Akita Misato Zukuri Co., Ltd. is very popular both inside and outside of the prefecture, and various types of assorted cider are also popular as gifts.


There is also a cafe nearby that uses delicious water.

Niteko Meisuian
Niteko Meisuian

Niteko Meisuian (kura cafe), a cafe adjacent to the Rokugo Yusui group, is a very popular cafe where you can enjoy dishes and drinks made with fresh water while looking out at the spring water right in front of you. .

Many people also look forward to Nagashi Somen, which is available only during the summer.

Niteko Meisuian <Information>

  • Name: Niteko Meisuian (kura cafe)
  • Address: 59 Rokugo Omachi, Misato-cho, Semboku-gun, Akita Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0187-84-0062
  • Official URL: https://akita-misato.com/niteko/

Google Maps


Also sake made from Misato Town's unique lavender and Shimizu.

Takahashi Sake Brewery is a brewery located in the Rokugo district, where the springs are located. We make Japanese sake by using the underground water vein from the spring water ``Smile Shimizu'' on the premises as water for sake brewing.

``Misato Setsuka'' (Junmai Daiginjo), a sake made with Japan's only white lavender yeast, was born in Shimizu and , and is attracting attention.

Sake made from flowers and using white lavender yeast is very fashionable, isn't it?

The sweet muscat-like scent is said to be highly praised by women.

Takahashi Sake Brewery Store <Information>

  • Name: Takahashi Sake Brewery
  • Address: 72-13 Rokugo Homon Shimizu, Misato-cho, Semboku-gun, Akita Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0187-84-1201
  • Official URL: http://www.egao-okusimizu.com/

Google Maps


summary

The Rokugo district of Misato Town, which has been selected as one of the top 100 famous springs, has 126 springs within the town. Blessed with an abundance of fresh water, the cider made from that pure and delicious water is gaining popularity from all over the country.

In this article, we introduced Niteko Cider, which has a history of 120 years, and sake that also uses white lavender, which is unique to Shimizu and Misato Town.

Looking at the clean water, one of the cleanest in the country, gushing out all over the town gives you a refreshing and pure feeling.

It would be great to go on a short trip to see beautiful water views and drink delicious cider!


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