Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Explore the birthplace of Japan’s first authentic potato shochu, crafted from rich soil and pure mountain waters.

In the quiet farmlands of eastern Hokkaido, where vast potato fields stretch beneath the fresh air of Mt. Shari, a unique spirit is born from humble harvests. At the Kiyosato Shochu Distillery, the first facility in Japan to produce authentic potato shochu, visitors discover a rare blend of agriculture, craftsmanship, and local heritage.

In this fertile region of clean water and rich soil, some of Japan’s finest potatoes are grown. In 1975, it became the birthplace of Japan’s first true potato shochu—a legacy still carried on today.

The distillery welcomes visitors with a relaxed, self-guided experience. A short 10-minute video shows how simple potatoes become a refined, smooth spirit. Beyond the glass, rows of large tanks line the production floor, where fermentation and distillation unfold in a calm rhythm.

Next door, at the Kiyo-ru Community Center, guests can sample and purchase the signature shochu. Its soft sweetness and gentle aroma reflect the character of Hokkaido-grown potatoes. The flavor opens smoothly on the palate and fades into a lingering finish, inviting even first-time drinkers to take another sip.

More than a sightseeing stop, this is an encounter with Hokkaido itself—its land, its people, and its craft. Long after you leave, the experience remains, like a quiet memory shaped by place and taste.