Nikka Whiskey Distillery Yoichi

The company was founded by Taketsuru Masataka, known as the father of Japanese whiskey, who studied whiskey making techniques for several years in Scotland before commercial production in Japan. He is credited with establishing the country's first whiskey distillery - the Yamazaki Distillery near Kyoto - before he set out on his own to open Nikka Whiskey in Hokkaido.

Yoichi, the place chosen by Masataka, is located close to the sea, surrounded by mountains on three sides and in many ways similar to Highland in Scotland. The cold climate with the right humidity, fresh air and clean water – perfect conditions for Taketsuru to produce the ideal whiskey, the traditional distillation process he brings back today has remained largely unchanged. Nikka whiskey has been recognized as one of the best single malt whiskeys in the world (the finest, most flavorful and complex) and has won numerous awards.

The current Yoichi Winery still maintains many of its original stone buildings, and is also a place where visitors are welcome to visit. The self-guided factory tour takes about an hour and visitors are introduced to and watched the whiskey making process from start to finish. Visitors can learn about the different steps taken to produce whiskey from information screens and audio guides in English, which still have some equipment at the factory such as tanks. Large copper distillation, still in use today.

After visiting the factory, visitors will be taken to a museum that introduces the history of the company and the life of its founder. There are a number of interesting small exhibits displaying photographs and household items of Taketsuru and his Scottish wife, who moved together to Hokkaido to help set up the winery. The tour ends at the tasting room, where guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of Nikka whiskeys.

Guided tours are also available but are offered in Japanese only, however foreign visitors can download the available voice-guided app to tour the factory on their own.

Operating hours: 9:00 – 16:00

Closed: on New Year's Eve and during distillery shutdowns.