Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

Fans of Japanese whiskey should make time to visit the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery - they offer excellent tours with tastings that are sure to delight those who love this tipple. Actually, it’s pretty interesting even for those who have no real interest in whiskey!

[Suntory Yamazaki Distillery: Colin Hui / Shutterstock.com]

Who could have predicted the rise of Japanese whiskey in the global consciousness? Gourmands all over the world are now clamouring for a taste of the best Japanese stuff. If you’re into whiskey, make sure you head over to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery to take one of their guided tours.

Here, you’ll gain an insight into just how they make their wonderful tipples. You’ll begin with the mashing area, and go all the way through fermentation and distillation before finishing in the warehouses where the whiskies mature and age in their wooden casks. Don’t worry - you’ll get to taste some at the end of the tour, which lasts about 80 minutes. While it’s conducted only in Japanese, audio guides are available in English, Chinese, and French.

The guided tour does require advance reservations through the Suntory English website. Note that you’ll only be allowed to see the distillation process on a guided tour, so if you show up without warning, you won’t get to see very much besides the Yamazaki Whisky Museum - which isn’t the same as the distillery itself. Either way, though, the gift shop is open to everyone for those all-important purchases of delicious whisky.

The distillery is located near Yamazaki Station on the JR Tokaido Line (between Osaka and Kyoto) and Oyamazaki Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line (also between Osaka and Kyoto). It makes a great day trip out of either Osaka or Kyoto.

English name:
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

Japanese name:
サントリー山崎蒸溜所

English address:
5-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, 618-0001

Japanese address:
〒618-0001 三島郡島本町山崎5-2-1

Opening hours:
10am-4:45pm (last entry 4:30pm)

Admission (Yamazaki Distillery Tour):
Adults: 1000

Nearest Transport:
Train: 10-minute walk from Yamazaki Station on the JR Kyoto Line.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Suntory Yamazaki Distillery on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-75-962-1423

Website: Official Website (English)

Near To Here:
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is located in Osaka’s northern district. See our complete list of things to do in the Osaka’s northern district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

---