Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, Gotemba

The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery stands at the foot of Mount Fuji in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, operating as one of Japan's premier whisky production facilities. Established in 1972 as Kirin Seagram Ltd through a joint venture between Kirin Brewery, J.E. Seagram and Chivas Brothers, the distillery began production in 1973 and later became part of the Kirin Distillery Company in 2002. The facility is strategically positioned 620 meters above sea level, utilizing the pristine spring water from Mount Fuji for its whisky production.

The distillery holds the distinction of being one of the few facilities worldwide that produces both malt and grain whisky, handling every step of the whisky-making process from mashing to bottling on-site. The location benefits from ideal natural conditions including cool air averaging around 13°C annually, frequent fog, and pure mountain water, creating an environment comparable to Scotland's whisky-producing regions. The facility produces the award-winning Fuji Sanroku series, including their flagship 50-degree whisky.

Visitors can experience guided distillery tours that include a projection mapping experience in a 12-meter-long theater and backstage access to the actual stills and production equipment. Tours run every 30 minutes, last approximately 70 minutes, and are conducted in Japanese. The experience concludes with whisky tastings and access to a gift shop featuring limited-edition products and distillery exclusives.

Tour admission costs 500 yen per person, payable at a machine near reception upon arrival. Reservations are required and can be made up to 5 weeks in advance. The facility is closed on public holidays. Transportation from Tokyo involves taking the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Station, followed by a bus or taxi ride to the distillery. The journey offers scenic views of Mount Fuji, weather permitting, making the trip itself part of the attraction for visitors seeking to experience Japan's whisky heritage in its natural mountain setting.