Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is the main distillery of Nikka Whisky, one of Japan's top whisky makers. It was founded in 1934 by Taketsuru Masataka, who is known as the father of Japanese whisky. Masataka was part of the group responsible for creating Yamazaki Distillery, Japan's first whisky distillery. He then set out to Hokkaido where he started his own distillery, the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. He puts his knowledge, technique and experience in whisky making he gained during his several years in Scotland. Masataka decided on Yoichi for its clear water, pure air, and rich peat. He believed that Yoichi's conditions best matched the conditions from Scotland that allows for its amazing whisky.

The Yoichi Distillery is open to visitors and travelers can choose between a self guided walking tour or a guided tour in Japanese. During the tours, visitors can view many of the original distillery buildings still used today, as well as learn about the whisky making process. Audio guides and information are displayed in English for those who don't speak Japanese. Visitors will also learn about the company's history and about Masataka and his Scottish wife who moved to Hokkaido to help her husband build his business.

In addition to a guided tour, the distillery also offers Whiskey sampling of various Nikka whiskies distilled on site. This is the perfect opportunity for fans of whiskey to try some of the top award winning whiskies. To no surprise, Nikka Whisky is ranked as one of the best single malt whiskies in the world. The distillery offers taste testing upstairs for a small fee, and also a tasting area for guests to purchase samplers.

Fans of spirits won't want to miss joining our fully-guided Hokkaido Tours between May and October to explore this majestic distillery and the rest of Hokkaido's charms.