Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

北海道

4.5

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Whisky distillery founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky

The Yoichi Distillery was established in the perfect location for whisky production, by Masataka Taketsuru, the model for the protagonist of NHK's morning drama "Massan," who learned the art of Scotch whisky production in Scotland. You can also purchase limited edition products that are only available here!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Rainny dayCulture

Highlights

Point 1

Tour the Whiskey Production Process

At the Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery, you can tour the process of making whiskey using traditional methods. Part of the facility's buildings have even been designated as important cultural properties by the government, making them a very valuable presence. In addition to freely touring the facility, the Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery also offers tours with exclusive guides. While advance reservations are necessary, participation is free and highly recommended for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the whiskey production process and history.

Point 2

Enjoy a Tour of the Filming Locations of the Taiga Drama

The Nikka Yoichi Distillery is known as a filming location for NHK's Taiga drama "Massan," which aired from 2014 to 2015, and is popular among fans of the show. On the grounds, you can visit the "Former Taketsuru Residence," where Masataka Taketsuru and his wife Rita lived, as well as the "Rita House," which was used as a research institute and is now designated as an important cultural property. Experience the excitement of seeing the scenes you saw on TV come to life.

Point 3

Experience the Allure of Whiskey

The "Nikka Museum" located in a corner of the premises, which underwent renovation in October 2021, has become a facility where you can learn about the history and production methods of whiskey making. In the dim and calm exhibition space, you can also touch upon the stories surrounding each of the four representative Suntory whiskey brands on display. With many exhibits that adults can enjoy, it's also recommended as a dating spot.

Point 4

Whiskey Tasting

One thing you absolutely must do when visiting the Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery is enjoy the free "tasting corner," where you can sample alcoholic beverages and juices. For alcoholic beverages, you can choose from three types: Single Malt, Super Nikka, and Apple Wine, and enjoy one glass per person. Soft drinks such as apple juice and oolong tea are also available for those who don't like alcohol or are driving. If you find something you like, you can also purchase it at the gift shop.

Point 5

Don't Miss the Surrounding Facilities

When visiting the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, you should also check out the "Michi-no-Eki Space Apple Yoichi," which is just a 4-minute walk away. Yoichi is the hometown of astronaut Mamoru Mohri, and the "Yoichi Space Memorial Museum" is located here, where you can learn about space. Inside the facility, there is a souvenir corner where you can buy space food and tour the inside of a spaceship. It's a recommended spot where parents and children can feel the allure of space.

Access

4-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station

The nearest station to the Nikka Yoichi Distillery is JR Yoichi Station, which is conveniently located just a 4-minute walk away. From Sapporo Station, you can access Yoichi Station in about 1 hour and 15 minutes using the JR Hakodate Main Line. If you are coming from outside Hokkaido, you can access the distillery by transferring at Otaru Station from New Chitose Airport, which takes about 2 hours. The area around Otaru Station, where you transfer, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hokkaido, so we recommend taking a stroll there as well.

Parking

Numerous Free Parking Spaces Available

The Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery provides a free parking lot that can accommodate around 50 cars. In addition, there are ample parking spaces in the surrounding area, including a roadside station and temporary parking lots available from April to November. As a popular tourist destination for those traveling by car, there is usually no shortage of parking spaces except during peak times. If the free parking lot is crowded, it is recommended to use the Kurokawa First and Second Municipal Paid Parking Lots, which offer free parking for up to 30 minutes and can be used for 100 yen per hour.

Basic Information

	Address	7-6 Kurokawa-cho 7-chome, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido 046-0003
	Business Hours	Closed on Mondays. Open from 9:00am to 3:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
	TEL	0135-23-3131
	Web Site	https://www.nikka.com/distilleries/yoichi/