Suntory Hakushu Distillery, Hokuto

Suntory Hakushu Distillery was established in 1973 by Keizo Saji, who inherited his father Shinjiro Torii's vision to create distinctively Japanese whiskies. Known as Japan's second malt whisky distillery after Yamazaki, Hakushu was specifically chosen for its distinctive natural surroundings that differ greatly from its predecessor. The distillery represents the legacy of the House of Suntory, founded as a family business in 1899 in Osaka, and has become integral to Japan's whisky heritage.

The distillery is uniquely positioned at an elevation of 700 meters in the forests at the foot of Japan's Southern Alps in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture. This location provides exceptionally soft mountain water that originates as clear-flowing rainwater and melted snow, which passes through Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Japanese Southern Alps and joins the Ojira and Jingu Rivers at the mountain foot. The distillery benefits from four distinctive seasons, clear air, and a cool, humid climate created by Hakushu's vast forests, allowing for high-quality whisky production through a slow, unhurried process.

Visitors can explore the Suntory Whisky Museum, which showcases the history and craftsmanship of Hakushu Single Malt Whisky through rare exhibits, along with whisky culture from around the world. The comprehensive guided distillery tour takes guests through the entire whisky-making process, from fermentation rooms with four-meter-high wooden vats to distillation rooms featuring various pot stills, followed by warehouse visits where thousands of barrels age. The highlight includes experiencing the intoxicating aroma of evaporating whisky known as "the angels' share" from the warehouse tour, followed by guided tastings of several whisky grades. Tour participants can sample Hakushu Single Malt Whisky along with component whiskies including White Oak Cask Malt Whisky and Lightly Peated Malt Whisky.

Advance reservations are required for all visitors, and tours are conducted by guide staff with English audio guides available through a mobile app. The guided distillery tour costs 1,000 JPY per person. Due to immense popularity and limited capacity, entry requires participation in a lottery system with reservations required two months in advance. The facility includes a gift shop offering approximately 25 types of Suntory whisky including Hakushu brand and limited editions, plus a tasting lounge where visitors can sample various expressions.

The distillery is accessible via the JR Chuo Main Line from JR Shinjuku Station. Take a limited express train to JR Kobuchizawa Station (approximately 2-2.5 hours), then board the free shuttle bus available on weekends and national holidays from late March to November. On weekdays, take the limited express to JR Nirasaki Station, then take a bus from platform 3 to Matsubarakami stop, followed by a 10-minute walk to the distillery. Parking is available on-site until 16:40. The distillery is located at 2913-1 Torihara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi-ken.