YOICHI DISTILLERY
YOICHI
DISTILLERY
EXPLORE THE FACILITY
Main gate
Passing through the beautifully arched stone gate leads you to a different world. For visitors with guided-tour reservation, please first come to the reception desk at this main gate upon arrival.
Visitor center
Guided tours start here. Participants are invited to see an introduction movie about the Yoichi Distillery and the overview of production process.
Kiln tower
A Kiln Tower is a facility used to dry germinated barley with peat smoke and make malt. Yoichi's two kiln towers are no longer in use, but remain as symbols of the distillery.
Milling & Mashing house
Malted barley is milled and mashing occurs here. Milled barley is mixed with water in a mash tun and enzymes in the malt convert starch into sugar to make wort.
Wash house
Yeast is added to the wort to start fermentation. The yeast breaks down the sugar in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The wash is then sent through underground pipes to the still house.
Still house
The wash is distilled twice in pot stills. Yoichi's pot stills are heated by direct coal fire. This traditional method results in bold and rich characteristics.
Vatting house
New-make is filled into casks here. Whisky that has finished maturing is also removed from the casks and consolidated here.
Former office
This building was built as Masataka's office in July 1934. This starting point of Nikka is still carefully preserved as a great asset that indicates the development of the Yoichi Distillery.
Former laboratory
Built in 1931 before the company was founded, this facility was used as Nikka Whisky's laboratory for about 50 years until 1984.
Former residence of Taketsuru
The residence in Yamada-cho, a suburb of Yoichi Town, where Masataka used to live with Rita, was relocated in 2002. This Japanese-Western house reflects the couple's lifestyle. The entrance hall and garden are open to the public.
Warehouse No.1
This location was originally a riverbank of the Yoichi River. The floor is made of soil to retain moderate humidity, and the exterior walls are made of stone to keep the air cool in summer.
Tasting Hall
At the end of the tour, you can try complimentary beverages such as Single Malt Yoichi. Soft drinks are also available.
Nikka Museum
Divided into four sections, the Nikka Museum introduces NIKKA WHISKY's craftsmanship and the life of Masataka Taketsuru. A tasting bar is also available within the facility for a fee.
Blender's Lab
Showcasing the three roles of a blender in NIKKA WHISKY. This space recreates the table used in the blender's room located in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture.
Story of Nikka Whisky
Presenting the history, story, and ambience of Nikka's four representative brands.
"Yoichi" "Taketsuru" "Black Nikka" and "From The Barrel"
Distiller's Talk
You can enjoy special videos here, such as special session by blenders and voices from the staff involved in whisky-making.
Paid Tasting Bar
You can enjoy various Nikka whiskies, including distillery-exclusive products. A pot still is located at the center of the space.
Taketsuru-ism
Exhibits include panels and videos showcasing Masataka Taketsuru’s life, his studies in Scotland, and the story of NIKKA WHISKY's founding.
Rita's Kitchen
(Restaurant)
A Scottish cuisine restaurant offering a variety of drinks including a special highball. Lunch, lights meals, and desserts can be enjoyed here.
Distillery shop
A wide variety distillery-exclusive whiskies, goods, and snacks are available here.
