Japan is home to some of the best whiskies in the world, and a whisky tour is a perfect way to explore the rich and complex world of Japanese whisky. From the top distilleries of Suntory and Nikka, to the smaller but highly respected distilleries of Chichibu and Mars Shinshu, there is no shortage of great whiskies to discover in Japan.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top distilleries and tasting rooms to visit on a whisky tour of Japan.
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, located in the rolling hills outside of Kyoto, is one of the most famous and respected whisky distilleries in Japan. Visitors to the distillery can take a tour of the facility and learn about the history and production of Japanese whisky, as well as taste some of the exceptional whiskies that Suntory is known for.
Nikka Yoichi Distillery
The Nikka Yoichi Distillery, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, is another top destination for whisky enthusiasts. Visitors to the distillery can take a tour of the production facilities and taste a range of whiskies from Nikka, including the sought-after Taketsuru line of blended whiskies.
Chichibu Distillery
The Chichibu Distillery, located in the Saitama Prefecture outside of Tokyo, is a smaller but highly respected distillery that has gained a reputation for its innovative and experimental approach to whisky-making. Visitors to the distillery can take a tour of the facility and taste a range of unique and delicious whiskies, including the sought-after Floor Malted line.
Mars Shinshu Distillery
The Mars Shinshu Distillery, located in the Nagano Prefecture in central Japan, is another top destination for whisky enthusiasts. Visitors to the distillery can take a tour of the production facilities and taste a range of whiskies from Mars Shinshu, including the rich and complex Komagatake line of single malt whiskies.
Tasting Rooms in Tokyo
For those who can’t make it out to the distilleries themselves, Tokyo is home to a number of excellent tasting rooms and whisky bars. The Suntory Whisky Museum in Tokyo offers visitors the opportunity to taste a range of exceptional whiskies from Suntory, including the rare and sought-after Yamazaki 25-Year. The Tokyo Whisky Library, located in the trendy Omotesando neighborhood, is another top destination for whisky enthusiasts, with a range of whiskies from top Japanese and international distilleries.
The Sum Up
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Japanese whisky, taking a whisky tour of Japan is a great way to discover the unique and complex flavors of this beloved spirit. From the top distilleries of Suntory and Nikka, to the smaller but highly respected distilleries of Chichibu and Mars Shinshu, Japan is home to some of the most exceptional and sought-after whiskies in the world. So pack your bags, book your flights, and prepare to savor the rich and complex world of Japanese whisky!
