A visit to an over 100-year-old malt whisky distillery – Japan’s oldest – is the key to unlocking the history behind the country’s now globally enjoyed variety.
Yamazaki Distillery was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The site has since been dedicated to producing Japanese whisky inspired by local nature and made with the country’s detailed yet soulful “Monozukuri” approach to craftsmanship and manufacturing. The distillery is one of House of Suntory’s several locations, which produce other spirits, including gin, vodka, and a variety of Japanese liqueurs.
Yamazaki Distillery includes a whiskey museum where visitors can learn about the origins, production, and uniqueness of Japanese whisky. There is also a statue of Torii, a gift shop, a tasting lounge, and the site’s manufacturing area. After a pause in visitor access to conduct renovations, the site reopened to the public in late 2023. House of Suntory notes that the updated design and tour experience bring “visitors face-to-face with the nature and artistry that goes into crafting our fine whiskies.”
What Do I Need To Know About Visiting?
The site is technically located in Osaka, but it’s just outside Kyoto in the Yamazaki area. Visitors should be able to reach it via public transport fairly easily from either city.
The Yamazaki Distillery provides tours and tastings. House of Suntory states on its website that, “a portion of tour reservations are determined using a lottery system.” Tours in English are only once per day, so snagging that reservation on a particular day via the lottery system may be challenging. There are also first-come, first-served reservations and self-guided tours that can be embarked on via an app sharing information in English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. Regardless of whether you’ll be doing a tour, visitors should make a reservation before they go.
General entry is free, but certain tours and experiences are not. Those with service dogs, in wheelchairs, or who may require physical assistance are asked to call the site directly to discuss their reservation.
Also, there isn’t a dining venue at Yamazaki Distillery, and visitors can’t bring their own food.
What Else Is There To Know About The Yamazaki Distillery?
While “whiskey” is produced by Irish and American spirit makers, “whisky” is used for varieties from Scotland, Japan, Canada, and India. In addition to origins from different parts of the world, there are also different types of spirits for dark liquor lovers to sip on, including rye, bourbon, and scotch. Notably, the latter is the regulatory name for whisky made specifically in Scotland.
“For 100 years, while learning from Yamazaki’s four seasons, climate, and the power of nature, and inheriting studies, techniques, and passion, we have been exploring how to produce the highest quality of whisky,” says House of Suntory. At Yamazaki Distillery, from material selection, mashing, fermentation, distillation, storage, and through bottling, makers create our products with devotion.”
