Special A district of Hyogo Prefecture

The Special A district of Hyogo Prefecture refers to the areas that produce especially outstanding Yamada Nishiki, one of the sake rice varieties used as a raw material for sake. The Special A designation is given to districts that meet strict standards for rice polishing and cultivation. Yamada Nishiki has long stalks and is prone to lodging (falling over), so growing it requires advanced skill. It is also a late-maturing variety, so it needs an environment that is less affected by climate and natural disasters. Ideal districts have suitable site conditions, particularly a large temperature difference between day and night and clay-rich soil. Specifically, Yokawa-cho in Miki City, the former Tojo Town in Kato City, and the former Yashiro Town in Kato City are designated as Special A districts, and the Yamada Nishiki grown there contributes to the production of high-quality sake.