About the distillery tour
Reservations are required for distillery tours.
*We do not accept reservations for groups of 10 people or more, including private buses such as microbuses.
During the guided tour, our guides will provide information on the whisky production process and the history of Nikka. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a complimentary tasting.
- Distillery Closed
- From December 23th to January 7th of the following year.
- Free guided tours
- Approximately 70 minutes.
The following facilities are available for use without reservations.
*We do not accept groups of 10 people or more, including private buses such as microbuses.
Please enter directly from the distillery shop entrance.
(Last entry time: 15:30)
*For details, please refer to the access information.
| Facilities | Business hours |
| Nikka Museum |
9:15〜15:30 [Tasting Bar] (Last Call: 16:00) |
|---|---|
| Distillery shop | 9:15〜15:30 |
| Rita's Kitchen (Restaurant) |
10:00〜15:20 *temporarily closed: November 9th, December 7th |
*The free tasting hall is not available.
Access FAQFacilities
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
Important Cultural Property
Guided tours start here. Participants are invited to see an introduction movie of the Yoichi Distillery and overview of production process.
Kiln tower
Important Cultural Property
A Kiln tower is to dry germinated barley with peat smoke and make malt. Yoichi's 2 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. Wash is sent through underground pipes to the still house.
Still house
Important Cultural Property
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
Important Cultural Property
A Kiln tower is to dry germinated barley with peat smoke and make malt. Yoichi's 2 kiln towers are no longer in use, but remain as symbols of the distillery.
Former office
Important Cultural Property
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.
Rita House
Important Cultural Property
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
Important Cultural Property
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.
Nikka Museum
The sections "Blender's Lab", "Story of Nikka", and "Distillers' Talk" focus on Nikka's whisky-making from various angles. "Taketsuru-ism", which introduces the life of Masataka, displays valuable materials including records of his apprenticeships at Scotch distilleries, his involvement in developing Japan's first authentic whisky, and his private correspondence with Rita. Please stop by the "Tasting Bar" where you can sample your favorite products from the extensive line-up for a fee.
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Tasting Hall
After viewing the production process on a guided tour, visitors can try Yoichi Single Malt and other beverages for free. Soft drinks are also available.
Ritaʼs Kitchen(Restaurant)
RITA's Kitchen offers dishes and drinks that feature ingredients from Hokkaido, which we are proud to serve.
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Distillery shop
Distillery limited editions, sweets using Nikka’s liquor, and items to enjoy whisky are available.
