ABOUT
About this spot
The Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, in Yoichi Town, Hokkaido, is a place that could be called the holy land of Japanese whisky. Masataka Taketsuru built it in 1934, seeking a cool climate like Scotland's, good water, and quality peat. On the vast grounds are stone buildings that retain the look of its founding days and the former Taketsuru residence where Taketsuru and his wife Rita lived, many of them designated Important Cultural Properties. Seeing up close the powerful sight of the traditional "direct coal-fired distillation," which is still carried out here and nowhere else in the world, is the unique charm of Yoichi. At the end of the tour (reservation required), you can enjoy a whisky tasting, and soft drinks are available for non-drinkers and drivers. The attached shop also has a good selection of limited-edition whiskies and original goods you can get only here, ideal for gifts for friends or yourself. Why not spend a luxurious grown-up holiday surrounded by the deep aroma of whisky in a beautiful, historic setting?
Last updated March 27, 2026