Discovering Japan Through Its Whisky: Six Distilleries with Iconic Locations
- Whisky from Japan
- Mar 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30, 2024
Japan's whisky distilleries are not just places where spirits are made; they are destinations that offer an immersive experience into the country's diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures. From the misty forests of the Japanese Alps to close proximity to World Heritage Sites, each distillery tells a unique story through its location and the whisky it produces. In this exploration, we journey through six of Japan's most distinctive distilleries: Kamui, Hakushu, Mars Shinshu, Sakurao, Yamazaki and Fuji. Each offers not just a taste of finely crafted whisky but also a glimpse into the soul of Japan.
Kamui: A Taste of Rishiri Island
The Kamui Whisky Distillery, set on the remote Rishiri Island off Hokkaido, is an embodiment of isolation and pristine nature. Named after the local term "Kamui," which translates to “divine being” in Ainu culture, the distillery draws on the island's volcanic springs, adding a unique profile to its whiskies. The untouched beauty of Rishiri, with its volcanic mountains and coastal vistas, provides a backdrop that influences the character of Kamui whisky, making it a testament to the distillery's harmonious relationship with its environment.
Hakushu: Whisky in the Forest
In the deep forests of the Japanese Alps near the town of Hakushu, the eponymous distillery creates whiskies that are as fresh and verdant as their surroundings. Established by Suntory, the same company that owns Yamazaki, Hakushu is renowned for its herbal and lightly peated malts. The distillery's location, at a high altitude in one of Japan's most pristine forest areas, influences not just the water used in distillation but also the maturation process, resulting in whiskies that embody the essence of the surrounding woodland. No wonder Suntory also refer to it as “The Forest Distillery”.
Mars Shinshu: Japan’s Highest Distillery
Perched at an altitude of 798 meters in the Nagano Prefecture, Mars Shinshu stands as Japan’s highest whisky distillery. The crisp mountain air and the alpine water source contribute to the creation of its rich and smooth whiskies. The location, surrounded by the Japanese Alps, not only provides stunning scenic beauty but also a cool climate that mirrors the Scottish Highlands, offering an ideal environment for whisky maturation. Mars Shinshu's expressions are a celebration of its alpine location, with each bottle capturing the essence of the mountains.
Yamazaki: Where Japanese Whisky Began
Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers converge, lies the Yamazaki Distillery. As Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery, established in 1923, its location was selected for its misty climate, pure waters, and the diversity of temperature and humidity that are ideal for whisky maturation. Visiting Yamazaki offers not just a sip of whisky history but also a serene encounter with nature, as it sits near the cultural heart of Japan. Yamazaki's single malts, revered for their complexity and elegance, mirror the rich history and tradition of the surrounding area.
Sakurao Distillery: Hiroshima's Coastal Gem
Situated in the scenic coastal city of Hiroshima, Sakurao Distillery marries the innovative spirit of Japanese whisky-making with the rich cultural tapestry of its surroundings. This urban distillery, set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, not only takes advantage of Hiroshima's beautiful natural scenery but also its cultural landmarks, most notably the proximity to the revered Itsukushima Shrine. Known for its iconic "floating" torii gate, the shrine adds a profound sense of tradition and spirituality to the area. The distillery's location offers visitors with a multifaceted experience that encompasses the essence of the region—its natural beauty, cultural depth, and innovative spirit.
Fuji Gotemba: At the Foot of the Iconic Mountain
Located at the base of Mount Fuji at an elevation of 620 metres, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery boasts one of the most iconic settings in the world of whisky. The distillery operates under the shadow of Japan's tallest peak, utilising the pure waters that filter through the volcanic rocks of Mount Fuji. The cool climate of its location, combined with the distillery's innovative approach to whisky production, results in smooth, clean whiskies that are as majestic as the mountain itself. The breathtaking views of Mount Fuji enhance the tasting experience, making a visit to the Fuji Gotemba Distillery a pilgrimage for whisky and nature lovers alike.
Exploring Japan through its whisky distilleries offers a journey that goes beyond the taste of the spirit. It's a voyage into the heart of Japan's diverse landscapes, from serene riversides and lush forests to remote islands and urban centers. Each distillery, with its unique location and approach to whisky-making, tells a story of harmony between nature and craftsmanship. Whether you're standing in the shadow of Mount Fuji at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, breathing in the fragrant forest air surrounding Hakushu, or witnessing a beautiful sunset at Kamui, you're experiencing a piece of Japan's rich tapestry, one sip at a time.