What Is Amazake? -The Traditional Japanese Rice Koji Drink for Gut Health and Celebrations
Koji Market
If you start your day with a morning smoothie or kombucha, here is another wellness habit to consider. It is amazake, a traditional Japanese fermented drink cherished for centuries. With its creamy white appearance, similar to warm milk, and naturally sweet flavor, amazake feels gentle and comforting. Yet behind this simple taste lies a deep connection to Japanese religious celebrations, seasonal festivals, and remarkable health benefits.
In this article, we will explore how koji amazake has been served at Shinto shrines and community festivals, bringing people together in moments of celebration. We will also cover its nutritional profile, beauty and wellness benefits, a simple how to make amazake guide, recommended store-bought options, and tips for choosing the right product. If you are looking to bring a new healthy ritual into your daily life, amazake may be the inspiration you need.
What is amazake and is it alcoholic?
Amazake is a traditional Japanese beverage made through koji fermentation and comes in two main types: one made from rice koji and another from sake lees. In this article, we focus on rice koji drink amazake.
Koji amazake is made by fermenting glutinous rice with rice koji. Despite its name, which literally means “sweet sake,” this version is typically a non-alcoholic fermented drink that can be enjoyed by all ages. It has a natural sweetness derived from the rice itself and a smooth, creamy texture. In the cold months, a warm cup of amazake provides comfort and warmth from the inside out.
This drink has been loved across Japan for over a thousand years and is now recognized worldwide as a gut-friendly superfood. Whether supporting recovery from summer fatigue or boosting immunity in winter, amazake is a versatile drink that promotes wellness all year round.
Amazake and Japanese Celebrations
Amazake is considered a symbol of good fortune and has been an essential part of Japanese celebrations and traditional events for centuries. Whether during seasonal festivals or important life milestones, this traditional Japanese beverage often makes an appearance, warming both body and spirit.
Amazake and the New Year Tradition
One of the most iconic occasions where amazake is served is Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. From New Year’s Day through the first few days of January, visitors are often offered a warm cup of amazake. Enjoyed in the crisp winter air, this comforting drink is cherished as a lucky charm for health, prosperity, and warding off misfortune.
At shrines and festival stalls, amazake remains a popular winter drink. Served in paper cups or traditional wooden bowls, it warms the hands and hearts of those returning from prayer. These moments, often accompanied by conversation and laughter, foster a sense of community and togetherness.
Amazake for Celebrating Children’s Growth
In Japan, March 3 marks Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls’ Day, a celebration wishing for the happiness and well-being of young girls. Families display ornamental dolls dressed in traditional wedding attire, and festive foods are served. It is customary to offer shirozake, a white sake-like beverage, which is often replaced with non-alcoholic amazake made from rice koji so that children can enjoy it too.
Another important occasion is Shichi-Go-San on November 15, which celebrates children at the ages of three, five, and seven. Amazake may be served as part of the offerings to the gods, as sake is believed to purify and ward off negative energy.
The pure white color of amazake symbolizes purification and new beginnings, making it a fitting drink for joyful gatherings. Its elegant appearance also makes it a popular choice for summer gift-giving or as part of celebratory gift sets.
Known as a “drinkable IV” due to its high nutritional value, amazake is a non-alcoholic fermented drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Rich in enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins from koji fermentation, this rice koji drink offers both cultural significance and health benefits. As traditions continue, amazake will remain a beloved part of Japanese celebrations, connecting generations through taste, warmth, and shared joy.
Health Benefits of the Fermented Drink Amazake
The Koji at the Heart of Amazake
Amazake, a traditional Japanese beverage, is made from koji, the same essential ingredient that forms the foundation of Japanese fermentation culture. Through a process called saccharification, the starch in rice is converted into glucose, creating the natural sweetness that defines amazake without the need for added sugar.
Koji is also used to make other iconic elements of Japanese cuisine such as miso, soy sauce, and sake. In amazake, koji contributes not only to its gentle, comforting flavor but also to its wide range of potential health benefits.
Health Benefits of Koji-Based Amazake
Koji amazake is sometimes referred to in Japan as a “drinkable IV” due to its rich nutrient profile. It contains natural enzymes that aid digestion, probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut environment, B vitamins and amino acids that provide energy, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
This rice koji drink is vegan, gluten-free, and caffeine-free, making it suitable for many different dietary needs. Many people enjoy it daily, either in the morning as an energy boost or as part of their gut health routine.
Although amazake is nutrient-rich, much of its sweetness comes from glucose, so moderation is important. A recommended serving is about one cup per day, enough to experience its benefits without overconsumption.
Traditional Rice Koji Drink Amazake – How to Make and Enjoy It
How to Make Koji Amazake at Home
Amazake is a traditional Japanese fermented drink that can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients: rice, water, and koji. If you have a rice cooker or yogurt maker, controlling the temperature is simple. The result is a creamy beverage with natural sweetness and rich nutrients.
Ingredients:
Cooked rice: 500 g
Warm water: (86°-104° F / 30-40°C) 100mL
Hot water (120–140°-158°F / 60°-70°C): 300 mL
Dry rice malt koji (🔗 Premium Dry Rice Koji 3 Pack): 300 g
Equipment:
Thermometer
Instructions:
- Add warm water to Malted Dry Rice Koji and leave for 1 hour.
- Add hot water and cooked rice into a heat-resistant and sterile container, measure the temperature using a thermometer, and adjust to 60°C.
- Put plastic wrap over the container and leave for 10-12 hours at 55-60°C temperature.
** This recipe makes concentrated amazake. Dilute it with hot water as needed.
*** Store the amazake in the fridge and enjoy it while it's fresh.
How to Enjoy Amazake
Amazake can be enjoyed warm in winter or chilled in summer. You can drink it on its own, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a natural sweetener in baked goods. Try our Amazake Strawberry Milk recipe for a refreshing treat 🔗Amazake Strawberry Milk
On hot days, amazake tofu ice cream is a great option.
Amazake Tofu Ice Cream (Serves 2)
Ingredients (Serves 2):
Amazake: 125 mL
Silken tofu: 150 g
Fruit and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) as desired
Zip-top freezer bag
Instructions:
- Place amazake and silken tofu into the bag.
- Knead by hand to combine, or blend for a smoother texture.
- Freeze for two hours, then knead again. Return to the freezer until it reaches your preferred firmness.
- Serve in bowls and top with kinako (roasted soybean flour) or kuromitsu if desired.
🔗 Reference: Kohsei foods official Tofu Amazake Ice cream
Where to Buy Amazake
If you are looking for a naturally sweet, gut-friendly, and culturally rich drink, amazake is an ideal choice. For home use, you can find it at Asian grocery stores or natural food shops. For gifts, choose beautifully packaged bottles from online stores. When serving to children, make sure it is a non-alcoholic version.
Online, you can find amazake in seasonal Japanese flavors such as sakura and yuzu, so explore and find your favorite.
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Recommended Products
Yuzu Amazake – On hot days, try a refreshing yuzu-flavored amazake for a quick energy boost.
Amazake All-Natural Fermented Rice Koji Drink – A gut-friendly drink you can enjoy every day
Premium Dry Rice Koji 3 Pack – Perfect for making homemade amazake or shio koji