If you love whisky, a visit to Yamazaki Distillery is a must. Located just 30 minutes from Kyoto, this is Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. It is where the first Japanese whisky was crafted, and it continues to produce Yamazaki single-malt whisky and other Suntory bottles today.
Planning Your Visit:
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Tickets cost around $20 USD and must be pre-booked.
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English tours are limited and offered through a lottery system, so plan ahead.
What to See:
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The distillery sits at the foot of Mount Tennōzan, surrounded by rivers and lush greenery, giving ideal conditions for whisky aging.
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Tours start in a museum showing the history of Japanese whisky.
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Visitors get to see the full whisky-making process, including mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
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The distillery uses different wood types, including rare Japanese mizunara oak, famous for adding unique flavors.
Tasting Experience:
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Tours end in a tasting room where you can sample rare whiskies found only in Japan.
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The distillery also houses Suntory’s pilot distillery, where they experiment and create new whisky styles.
A trip to Yamazaki offers a mix of craftsmanship, history, and stunning natural surroundings, making it a must-visit for whisky lovers and travelers alike.
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