If you’re a fan of Japanese whiskey, the Yamazaki Distillery is a must-visit destination. Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the father of Japanese whiskey, this is where Suntory’s story began. A visit here offers a deep dive into the craft of Japanese whiskey making and its rich history.
Take a Free Tour and Enjoy a Paid Tasting
One of the distillery’s main attractions is the free factory tour. A guide will take you through the entire whiskey-making process.
- Manufacturing Process: See the equipment and learn about each stage, from malting the barley to fermentation, distillation, and casking.
- Warehouse Tour: Step inside the aromatic warehouse where countless barrels of whiskey are quietly maturing. You’ll get a true sense of the long journey each whiskey takes to develop its flavor.
After the tour, we highly recommend the paid tasting. In the Tasting Lounge, you can sample various whiskies by the glass.
Tasting Price Guide (approximate):
- Yamazaki Single Malt: ¥300~ (approx. $2)
- Yamazaki 12-Year-Old: ¥600~ (approx. $4)
- Yamazaki 18-Year-Old: ¥2,900~ (approx. $20)
- Yamazaki 25-Year-Old: ¥10,000~ (approx. $68)
- New Pot (raw spirit): ¥1,000~ (approx. $7)
*Prices can vary based on availability and are subject to change with the exchange rate. Please check the official website or the tasting lounge for current prices.
Exclusive Products Only Available Here
Yes, the Yamazaki Distillery offers several limited-edition items that you can only get at this location. The most sought-after product for whiskey lovers is the distillery-exclusive bottle.
- Distillery Exclusive Whiskey: The “Yamazaki Distillery Limited Single Malt” is a special release with a unique recipe that differs from the standard Yamazaki sold in stores. Because it is highly popular and produced in limited quantities, it might be sold out. There are also purchase limits, such as one bottle per person, to prevent reselling.
- Original Goods: Beyond whiskey, you can find a variety of original goods perfect for souvenirs, including glasses with the distillery logo, keychains, and other whiskey-related items.
Booking and Access
Due to its popularity, advance booking on the official website is mandatory. Tours fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so be sure to plan your visit well ahead of time.
Book your tour here:https://queue.smp.ne.jp/waitingroom?r=suntory_factory&p=yamazaki_02
The reservation website is also available in English.
【Access by Train】
The distillery is about a 10-minute walk from either of the two adjacent train stations.
- JR Kyoto Line: Yamazaki Station
- Hankyu Kyoto Line: Oyamazaki Station
Train Fares and Travel Times (one-way)
| Starting Station | Train Line | Destination Station | Travel Time | Fare (JPY) | Fare (USD)* |
| Osaka Station | JR Kyoto Line | Yamazaki Station | ~25 min | ¥420 | ~$2.8 |
| Kyoto Station | JR Kyoto Line | Yamazaki Station | ~15 min | ¥240 | ~$1.6 |
| Osaka-Umeda Station | Hankyu Kyoto Line | Oyamazaki Station | ~35 min | ¥350 | ~$2.4 |
| Kyoto-Kawaramachi St. | Hankyu Kyoto Line | Oyamazaki Station | ~25 min | ¥240 | ~$1.6 |
*Fares are approximate as of September 2025 and are subject to change with the exchange rate.
Can’t Make It to the Distillery? Visit the Suntory Whisky House in Umeda!
If you can’t make the trip to the Yamazaki Distillery, you can still experience Suntory’s world-class whiskies right in the heart of Osaka. The Suntory Whisky House in Umeda offers an excellent selection of their whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki.
This is a perfect spot to enjoy a meticulously crafted highball or a neat pour of your favorite single malt in a sophisticated setting. It’s an ideal alternative for those with a tight schedule or who simply want to relax with a drink after a day of exploring the city.
Suntory Whisky House in Umeda:https://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/whiskyhouse/
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