At latitude 38.3°N
A beautiful glen in the northern mountains
the destination after pursuing an ideal location
Masataka aimed to make his blend more complex by widening the variety of whiskies. In 1967 he was exploring the northern part of the main island to find another ideal site for his second distillery. He came across a beautiful foggy glen surrounded by mountains and at a junction of two clean rivers. Once he tried the water from one of the rivers, which is now the water source, he was so impressed and immediately decided to build a distillery there. The name of the river was Nikkawa river by coincidence.
Malt whiskies reflecting different distillation methods
Masataka aimed to develop a complete contrast between Yoichi Distillery and Miyagikyo Distillery. Along with the different terroir, the different distillation method of Miyagikyo creates distinctive malt whiskies. Miyagikyo’s pot stills are much larger than those at Yoichi with different shapes such as a bulge neck and ascending lyne-arm. These pot stills are heated by indirect steam at a much lower temperature that allows slower distillation. This distillation method results in soft and floral characteristics in Miyagikyo Single Malt.
Grain whisky distilled in Coffey Stills
Miyagikyo Distillery produces grain whisky as well as malt whisky. The quality of grain whisky was one of the critical elements for Masataka’s ideal blending.
The Coffey Still is a very traditional type of a continuous still, which was invented by Mr. Aeneas Coffey in 1830. Masataka became familiar with the Coffey Still during his time at Bo’ness in Scotland and imported the first set in 1963. Despite its old-fashioned structure and inefficiency, he valued the feature of the Coffey Still, which retains more flavors originating from the grain itself. Today Nikka owns two sets of Coffey Stills, both operating within the Miyagikyo Distillery. Coffey-distilled whiskies and spirits are highly reputed in the world.
*The Coffey Stills were first installed at the Nishinomiya plant and later transferred to Miyagikyo Distillery in 1999.
Access to the Miyagikyo Distillery
Closed over the New Year’s holiday and during distillery shutdowns.
*Some of which are not scheduled in advance.
Our opening hours will change from August 1st.
| Facilities | Business hours |
| Visitor center / Reception | 9:00~16:00 |
|---|---|
| Gift shop, Tasting bar | 9:15~16:15 (Last Call: 16:00) |
| Warehouse | 9:00~16:00 |
Address
Nikka 1, Aoba, Sendai City, Miyagi 989-3433
Free shuttle bus information
On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays,
a shuttle bus runs from JR Sakunami Station to the Miyagikyo Distillery.
[About a 10 minute ride]
Operation days
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
※When the bus reaches full capacity, it will return to pick up the remaining customers. Please wait a little.
The shuttle bus times will change from August 1st.
| Sakunami Sta. - Miyagikyo Distillery |
Miyagikyo Distillery - Sakunami Sta. |
|
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9:10 | 9:40 |
| 10 | 10:00 | 10:30 |
| 11 | 11:10 | 11:30 |
| 12 | 12:00 | 12:20 |
| 13 | 13:00/13:40 | 13:20 |
| 14 | ＊14:40 | 14:10 |
| 15 | 15:00/15:30 | |
| 16 | 16:00/16:20 |
＊the 14:40 service will not arrive in time for the last tour of the day.
The shuttle bus will be waiting at JR Sakunami Station in correlation to the JR train timetable.
Subject to change depending on the operation status of the JR Senzan Line schedule.
Requests for visitors
For sanitary reasons, please refrain from bringing in food and drinks. Pets are not permitted inside the distillery property. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages if you have come by car or bicycle. The entire premises are designated as non-smoking.
FAQ
About tour
How many people can make a reservation for a tour?
Is it possible to book for just one person?
Can children join the tour as well?
We accept tour reservations for groups ranging from 1 to 9 people. Children are also welcome to join the tour, so please include them in your reservation.
Are there any facilities that can be enjoyed without a tour?
Yes. Please use the guest hall shop.
Is there a cost to visit the distillery?
Distillery tours are free of charge.
Can I taste whisky?
Visitors who participate in free guided tours can taste three types of whisky, one glass each. Paid tasting bar are available without reservation.
Can I take photos and videos during the tour?
You are free to take photos during the guided tour. However, please refrain from video recording or audio recording during the tour.Please note that photography is also not allowed in the central control room and shop.
When are you closed?
We are open except for the New Years holidays and equipment inspection days. For details, please check the distillery page or contact the distillery directly.
Nikka Whisky Inquiry
Is it possible to tour with a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes, it is possible. However, it is not recommended during the winter due to snow.
Is it possible to visit multiple times on the same day?
We apologize for the inconvenience, we can only accommodate each course once per person on the same day.
Do you conduct tours in foreign languages?
Guided tours are available only in Japanese.
However, we have English notations on exhibits and pamphlets, as well as audio guides.
Is it possible for the hearing-impaired to take the tour?
Yes. Please make a reservation in advance by email, as we have some information we would like to confirm and communicate.
c9344801@nikkawhisky.co.jp
About reservation
Do I need to make a reservation to visit the distillery?
Can I visit without making a reservation?
Can I make a reservation on the day of the tour?
Please make a reservation in advance. We accept reservations via the internet or phone.
Guided tours: If there are available spots on the day of the tour, we can accommodate 1 to 9 people without a prior reservation, but it will be first-come, first-served on the day of the tour (we do not accept phone reservations on the day of the tour). Facilities that can be visited without a reservation are the visitor center, warehouse, and guest hall.
When do reservations open?
Reservations are accepted starting on the 15th of every month for the following month.
For example, if it's announced on May 15th, reservations will be accepted for June 1st to June 30th.
What should I do if I change the number of people or cancel? When is the deadline for cancellations?
Changes and cancellations can be made online or by phone until 12 noon the day before. For changes and cancellations on the day of the tour, please contact us by phone.
How do I change or cancel my reservation online?
You can make changes by clicking on the "Change/Cancel Reservation" button at the top of the reservation application page. Please follow the instructions on the screen to make changes.
You will need the "reservation number" and "password" provided on the reservation completion screen and in the reservation completion email.
When are the telephone reception hours?
It is from 9:00 to 16:00.
Can I wait for a cancellation?
We do not accept waitlist for cancellations
About visit
Is there a parking lot?
Is there a bicycle parking lot?
Yes, we have them available. Please check the "Access" page of the distillery for details. However, individuals who drive cars or motorcycles, arrive by bicycle, that are under 20 years old, or are pregnant or nursing cannot sample alcoholic beverages. We have soft drinks available.
Is there a shuttle bus service?
We operate a shuttle bus service between Sakunami Station on the JR Senzan Line and the distillery only on Fridays,Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, timed to accordance with train arrivals. Please check the timetable here.
Is there a place to store my luggage?
We have free coin lockers available. However, the number of lockers are limited, so please notify the receptionist if they are all in use.
Is there a smoking area?
The entire premises are designated as non-smoking.
Can I bring pets?
Due to hygiene management as a whisky distillery, please refrain from bringing pets. However, service dogs are exempt from this restriction.
Can I bring my own lunch or snacks?
Due to hygiene management as a whisky distillery, please refrain from bringing food items.
Other
What should I do if I want to conduct interviews or research surveys?
We will answer your inquiry after learning the details. Please contact here.
Nikka Whisky Inquiry
Are there any dining facilities?
There are no dining facilities in or near the distillery.
Do you sell Nikka-produced alcoholic beverages and distillery-exclusive products at the shop? Can I call to check the availability of products on the day of my visit?
We sell major Nikka-produced alcoholic beverages and a few types of distillery-exclusive products at the gift shop. However, production quantities are limited and restocking periods are irregular, so products may be out of stock. We appreciate your kind understanding for not providing information about stock availability.
In 1934, Masataka built his first distillery in Hokkaido. Yoichi distillery produces bold and rich malt whisky.
Kurokawacho 7-6, Yoichigun, Yoichi-cho,Hokkaido 046-0003
