Nara Prefecture, Japan

Kitaoka Honten brewery is located in Yoshino, south of Nara, a city that was the first capital of Japan in the 8th century, at the eastern end of the Silk Road. From a historical and spiritual point of view, this mountainous area is certainly one of the richest places in the country, and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for the countless temples and pilgrimage sites, for the Emperor's summer residence and remarkable natural sites. Kitaoka Honten brewery started in 1868, but has a family history spanning on seven generations. These soy sauce, oil and sake producers saw their destiny transformed under the spur of one of their sons, Sojuro. Understanding the interest he could derive from the immediate surroundings, he turned to the production of fruit and flower based drinks. A successful bet since Kitaoka's products are now recognized throughout Japan for the precision with which they transcribe the scent of flowers.