ChocoHey, I want to know what really good miso tastes like…
PonkumaIf you’re unsure, try choosing a miso that’s won an award at the National Miso Appraisal Competition—those are the real deal!
In this article, we’ve carefully selected top-quality miso brands that have earned high praise from professionals, especially those that have received:
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award — Considered the “gold medal” of the miso world, only a handful of miso products from across Japan earn this top honor.
The Director-General’s Award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries — The second-highest distinction after the Minister’s Award.
タWe’ve grouped them into three categories—White Miso, Red Miso, and Blended Miso—so you can easily find one that suits your taste.
Take your time and explore the best of the best!
White Miso (Mild & Sweet)
PonkumaIf you prefer a gentle flavor, this is for you. Perfect for Kansai-style miso soup or ozoni (New Year’s rice cake soup)!
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
Mother’s Taste White Miso (Masuya Miso, Hiroshima)
→ Naturally sweet with plenty of rice koji. Its smooth and gentle texture truly lives up to the name “Mother’s Taste.”
A versatile miso perfect for both Japanese and Western-style dishes.
Benitten Ishikari White Miso (Iwata Brewing, Hokkaido)
→ A silky-smooth white miso with no strong aftertaste, made by a long-established brewery in Hokkaido. Beautifully colored and elegant in appearance.
Zao Hanagasa Ginjou Sweet White Miso (Beniya Brewery, Yamagata)
→ A perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Fruity aroma with a clean finish—great for white miso beginners♡
Currently hard to find (as of July 2025, the official site is under renewal).
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Administrative Director’s Award
Saikyo White Miso “Tsuki” (Saikyo Miso, Kyoto)
→ Elegant white miso that embodies the traditions of Kyoto. Its mellow sweetness goes well with ozoni and creamy soups.
※The product link leads to a similar white miso from the same manufacturer, suitable for general consumers.
Fujijin Yoake Mugi-Shiro Miso (Nihon Miso Cooperative, Oita)
→ A blend of barley miso and white miso. A calm flavor with moderate sweetness and deep barley richness.
Edo Sweet Miso (Strained) (Nihon Miso, Tokyo)
→ A smooth, sweet miso with a flavor loved by the people of Edo (old Tokyo). Great for beginners or sweet miso oden.
Available through Nihon Miso’s official website.
Aka Miso (Red Miso – Rich & Full of Umami)
PonkumaFor those who love bold flavors. Great for meat dishes and miso stews.
Winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
Takumi no Aji Aka Miso (Niigata Prefecture, Echigoichi)
→ A rich and robust miso with a bold, salty flavor. Made with whole soybeans, it’s a chunky miso that brings out deep umami. Perfect with a bowl of rice!
Echigoichi Miso – Takumi no Aji Aka Miso 500g (No Additives, Domestic Soybeans, Blended Chunky Miso)
Authentic Sendai Miso (Miyagi Prefecture, Kawakei Brewery)
→ Crafted using kura-zukuri (traditional brewery yeast), this miso offers a deep richness and intense umami.
Perfect not only for miso soup but also for meat dishes!
Available for purchase on the official website.
Nagasaki Miso (Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Soy Sauce & Miso Cooperative)
→ A unique red miso from Kyushu. Well-balanced with sweetness and depth—perfect for champon noodles or stewed dishes.
Awase Miso (Blended Miso – The Best of Both Worlds)
PonkumaGreat for households with mixed tastes. Perfect for everyday miso soup.
Winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award
Fundokin Nama-zume Awase Miso (Oita Prefecture, Oita Miso Cooperative)
→ A mellow, aromatic miso born in Kyushu. Its gentle richness brings everyday miso soup to life♡
Winner of the Director-General Award, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tokusen Shinshu Miso (Nagano Prefecture, Hikari Miso)
→ A mild, crowd-pleasing blend of red and white koji. Great for beginners trying miso for the first time.
Available from the official website.
(Currently sold as “Junsei Shinshu Miso,” made by the same Hikari Miso company.)
Kitashinano Maruyuki Miso (Nagano Prefecture, Nakamura Brewery)
→ A traditional-style miso with extra koji. Its natural sweetness and rich depth are very appealing.
Available from the official website.
Taketsuden Koji Miso (Nagano Prefecture, Takeya)
→ A well-balanced miso rich in koji flavor. Versatile for simmered and stir-fried dishes.
Available from the official website.
Maruko Echigo Nagayoshi Miso Hana (Niigata Prefecture, Koike Shoten)
→ A mellow miso made with plenty of Echigo rice koji. Sweet but rich in flavor. ◎
*Available from the official website.
(As of July 2025, currently out of stock.)
Aoki Brand Koji Miso Miyabi (Niigata Prefecture, Aoki Miso)
→ Elegant aroma of koji and a mild, drinkable taste. Very beginner-friendly!
Available from the official website.
Kiuni Echigo no Megumi (Niigata Prefecture, Narahashi Brewery)
→ Made with Echigo-grown soybeans and rice koji. Naturally sweet with a calm richness—ideal for daily miso soup.
Available from the official website.
Yuki no Hana Miso – Tanrei (Light Type) (Niigata Prefecture, Sugita Miso)
→ A light and refreshing miso. Clean aftertaste that pairs well with both Japanese and Western dishes.
Available from the official website.
Ginjo Yuki Koji (Niigata Prefecture, Marukyu Miso)
→ Brewed with a ginjo (premium sake-style) technique. Aromatic, light yet flavorful—perfect for stylish fermented soups.
Currently not available online.
Official website available.
Kiseki no Miso – Fukkou (Revived Fermentation) (Nagano Prefecture, Ogawa Brewery)
→ A unique miso that undergoes a second fermentation. Deep umami that pairs well with soups or stews. A fresh take on traditional miso!
Currently unavailable online.
Ginjo (Nagano Prefecture, Marukome)
→ Ginjo-style brewing creates a fragrant, smooth miso. Ideal for those who enjoy refined aromas and gentle flavors.
Currently awaiting more details.
Want to discover even more types of miso?
You’ll find many other varieties introduced here!
Take a look and use it as a helpful reference♪
Summary
Each of these miso varieties has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, meaning they’ve been recognized for their excellence in flavor, aroma, color, and craftsmanship.
Some are rare and hard to find in regular supermarkets—so if any catch your eye, try searching for them through online shops ♡