Best whisky distilleries to visit in Japan

Japan's whisky industry has been gaining popularity for the past few decades and is now known for producing some of the world's best whiskies. The country has a rich history of whisky-making that dates back to almost a century ago. Today, Japan's whisky culture is unique and has gained worldwide recognition for its high-quality products. In this blog post, we will explore the best whisky distilleries to visit in Japan and learn about the country's unique whisky-making culture.

Yamazaki Distillery

Image Via: www.suntory.com

Located in the heart of Japan's whisky country, Yamazaki Distillery is a must-visit destination for any whisky enthusiast. The distillery was established in 1923, making it the first whisky distillery in Japan, hence its long and rich history of producing high-quality whiskies. What makes the Yamazaki Distillery experience truly unique is not just the whisky itself but also the natural beauty that surrounds it. Visitors are able to take a tour of the distillery, which lasts approximately 70 minutes and learn about the whisky-making process as well as the history of the distillery. The tour includes a tasting of some of Yamazaki's signature whiskies, such as the Yamazaki 12-year-old and 18-year-old single malts, allowing visitors to appreciate the fine flavors of the whiskies.

In addition to the tour, the Yamazaki distillery also has a museum that showcases exhibits on the history of Japanese whisky. Visitors are able to learn more about the whisky culture and the history of the distillery. For those who want to take a piece of Yamazaki home with them, there is also a gift shop on site. Visitors can purchase Yamazaki whiskies and souvenirs to remember their visit. With all these amazing attractions, Yamazaki Distillery is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves whisky and wants to learn more about Japanese whisky culture.

Nikka Yoichi Distillery

Image Via: www.nikka.com

Nikka Yoichi Distillery, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, is a famous whisky distillery located on the northern island of Hokkaido. The distillery is well-known for its traditional and unique methods of whisky-making, which include the use of direct coal-fired stills.

Visitors to Nikka Yoichi Distillery can experience a fascinating tour of the distillery and learn about the history of Nikka Whisky and the intricate whisky-making process. During the tour, guests can taste Nikka's signature whiskies, including the Yoichi single malt, and get a chance to understand the complexity and richness of these whiskies.

The Nikka Yoichi distillery tour is approximately 60 minutes long, and it is conducted in Japanese, but the distillery provides English audio guides to ensure that visitors can still fully enjoy and understand the tour. The distillery also has a museum that showcases the history of Nikka Whisky and its founder, Masataka Taketsuru. Visitors can gain a deeper insight into the company's rich heritage and the process of whisky-making in this museum.

After the tour, visitors can purchase Nikka whisky and other souvenirs at the gift shop. They can take home a small piece of the distillery's history and share it with their friends and family. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the restaurant, which serves tasty local cuisine. It is an ideal way to experience and explore the essence of Japanese culture and tradition in one place.

Chichibu Distillery

Image Via: www.highroadspirits.com

Chichibu Distillery, established in 2008, has quickly gained fame for its high-quality whiskies. Despite being one of Japan's youngest whisky distilleries, Chichibu Distillery has already made a name for itself in the whisky industry. The distillery offers a 90-minute tour that provides visitors with an educational experience where they can witness the whisky-making process in action and learn about the history of the distillery. During the tour, visitors get to enjoy a tasting of Chichibu's signature whiskies, including the Chichibu Ichiro's Malt.

For visitors who speak English, the Chichibu Distillery offers a private tour with an English-speaking guide. The guide provides in-depth knowledge about the process of whisky-making and the history of the distillery. Additionally, the distillery has a shop where visitors can purchase Chichibu whisky and other souvenirs, making it a perfect place for whisky lovers and tourists alike to visit and enjoy.

Other Distilleries to Visit

In addition to these three distilleries, there are many other whisky distilleries in Japan that are worth visiting. For example, Suntory Hakushu Distillery is located in the Japanese Alps and is known for the pure, soft water that is used to make its whisky. Nikka Miyagikyo Distillery is located in Sendai and is known for producing fruity and floral whiskies. Mars Shinshu Distillery is located in Nagano and is known for its single malts that are aged in unusual casks, such as wine and sherry casks.

Conclusion

Japan's whisky culture is unique and has gained worldwide recognition for its high quality. A visit to any of these distilleries provides a glimpse into the history and tradition of Japanese whisky-making. Whether you are a whisky enthusiast or just looking for a unique cultural experience, a visit to one of Japan's whisky distilleries is a must. So, plan your trip to Japan, and don't forget to add a visit to one of these distilleries to your itinerary!