Every Japanese whisky distillery that offers tours

Interested in going on a whisky distillery tour in Japan? There are more options than you might think, although many of them are in locations that are somewhat difficult to access! You’ll find below a list of whisky distilleries in Japan that offer tours. If you want more detailed information, and if you’re staying in the Kansai region, also check out my post about whisky (and gin) distilleries near Kyoto and Osaka.

Japanese whisky distilleries open to visitors

* To my knowledge, the information in the table was accurate when I complied it. If you notice any errors, or find any distilleries that should be added to the list, please let me know
* Most of the distilleries above require reservations, and some require advance notice for English tours. Please check each distillery’s tour/reservation page carefully before visiting.
* Distilleries listed as “Japanese only” may or may not have English-language materials, subtitles etc

Or skip the distillery and join a whisky tasting instead

Of course, there’s nothing quite like visiting a whisky distillery. The problem is that most of the ones in Japan are in locations that aren’t particularly easy to get to. So if going to a distillery is too much of a hassle, why not join me for a guided whisky tasting in Kyoto?

Kyoto Whisky Tasting

I run small-group Japanese whisky tastings in the Nishijin area of Kyoto (starting in March 2026). Each tasting session features a curated selection of 5 Japanese whiskies, and as we compare and contrast them, you’ll be able to learn about each distillery, and also learn more about Japanese whisky in general. See here for more details.