Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
ニッカウヰスキー余市蒸溜所
A distillery founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the “father of Japanese whisky.” Its stone buildings still use coal-fired direct heat for distillation. Visitors can tour and taste for free.
The Yoichi Distillery was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, known as the “father of Japanese whisky.” It is the setting of NHK’s morning drama Massan. The red-roofed stone buildings of the grounds are designated National Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can see the pot stills, which are still heated directly by coal fire, the former residence of the Taketsuru couple, and a whisky museum. After the tour, you can taste three spirits for free, and there is also a paid tasting bar. Tours must be booked in advance on the official website. Opening hours are about 09:00 to 15:30. The distillery is closed over the New Year holidays. Getting there: take the Hakodate Main Line from JR Otaru Station for about 25 minutes to Yoichi Station, then walk 3 minutes. Visitors under 20 and drivers may not drink alcohol.
Opening hours
Approx. 9 am–5 pm (guided tours by reservation only)
Nearby sights
- Mount Tengu
- Funami-zaka Slope
- Otaru Sankaku Market
- Former Temiya Line
- Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
- Otaru Sushi Street
- Nitori Otaru Art Base
- Otaru Canal