🗺️ Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distilleryニッカウヰスキー余市蒸溜所

In 1934, during the 9th year of the Showa era, a distillery was established by Masataka Taketsuru, who is known as the father of Japanese whisky. To create authentic whisky learned from the birthplace of whisky, Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru ultimately settled here, marking the origin of Nikka Whisky. The distillery features a Scottish-style landscape filled with warehouses and distillation buildings, some of which are designated as important cultural properties. The distillery's guided tours require prior reservation, where a guide provides detailed explanations of the whisky-making process and the history of Nikka Whisky. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy free tastings of whiskies such as "SINGLE MALT Yoichi." Additionally, various paid seminars are held to deepen the appreciation of whisky. The "Nikka Museum," which does not require a reservation for visits, is also worth a visit. It features sections that introduce the whisky-making process through the perspective of bartenders, as well as displays of four representative brands of Nikka Whisky, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Nikka Whisky. There is also a paid "tasting bar," where a variety of Nikka Whisky products, including limited-edition items from the distillery, can be sampled. The restaurant "RITA’s KITCHEN" offers a range of British and Scottish dishes that pair well with whisky, which are also very popular among tourists.

The free guided tour (reservation required) lasts about 70 minutes. Tours are held at the top of each hour and at 30 minutes past the hour (the 12:30 session is suspended). The "Nikka Museum," which does not require a reservation for visits, is also well worth a visit. There is also a restaurant called "RITA’s KITCHEN," where you can taste exclusive products from the Yoichi Distillery, along with dishes that pair well with whiskey.