Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Experience the Power of Coal-Fired Distillation and Aging Casks
Step into a world of tradition at the Yoichi Distillery, founded in 1934. With its historic stone buildings and rare coal-fired distillation, this site offers an evocative journey into the heritage of Japanese whisky.
Located at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula, Yoichi was chosen by Taketsuru Masataka—known as the “Father of Japanese Whisky”—as the ideal place to realize his vision. The distillery grounds are home to ten Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, including the Still House with its rows of copper pot stills and the iconic Kiln Tower. Red roofs set against green lawns and sturdy stone buildings made from local Yoichi stone create a landscape reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.
The distillery continues to preserve the world-rare tradition of direct coal-fired distillation. The intense heat, the crackling flames, and the sight of craftsmen shoveling coal into the furnaces all speak to the power of time-honored methods still in use today.
As you stroll through the grounds, the sweet aroma of the “Angel’s Share” drifting from aging casks mingles with the sea breeze. After exploring the Nikka Museum and touching the cool stone walls, pause to admire the amber glow of the whisky in the crisp Hokkaido air—a place where time slows, inviting you to fully savor the bounty of the northern land.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture
- Museums, science museums, art galleries, archives
- History, culture, art
- Other experiences
- Hot spring, winery, or factory tours
- Shooting locations of films, dramas, or commercials
- Solo trip
- Guys' trip
- Girls' trip
- Couple
- Travel style
- Experiences, tours
- Food culture
- Travel Inspiration
- Savor gourmet delights
- Ideas for a rainy day
- Adventure Travel
- Picturesque spots
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒046-0003
- Address
- 北海道余市郡余市町黒川町7-6
- Telephone Number
- 0135-23-3131
- Open
- 9:15-16:15 (last departure for guided tours at 14:45)
- Closed
- December 23–January 7, 11 June
- Car Park
- free
- Directions
- ●On foot: About 5 minutes from JR Yoichi Station
- Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
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