Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

A distillery founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. Buildings with red roofs and soft stone construction stand in rows, with 10 buildings designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, located in Kurokawa-cho, Yoichi Town, was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who learned manufacturing techniques in Scotland. Buildings with red roofs standing out on green lawns and stone construction using Yoichi's soft stone stand in rows, spreading landscapes reminiscent of authentic Scottish distilleries. Ten buildings including the Kiln Tower (First Drying Tower) are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, and malt whisky is made using traditional methods unchanged since the founding.

Walking through the grounds, the sweet, mellow aroma drifting from whisky aging barrels and the distinctive smoky scent of peat used to dry malt tickles your nose. In the distillery building, copper pot stills shine in reddish-copper color, and steam rising during the distillation process drifts in the air. At the Nikka Museum, you can learn about Masataka Taketsuru's passion and history of whisky-making, and trace Nikka Whisky's journey through exhibits. Touching the soft stone walls, the coolness of the stone and the weightiness of years passed is conveyed, and in the quiet grounds, bird songs and sounds from distant distillery equipment echo. This is a historic place where you can experience the origins of Japanese whisky-making.