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DISTILLERY MAP
1. Entrance 2. Yamazaki Whisky Museum
3. Statue of Shinjiro Torii 4. Manufacturing area
1Entrance
The gates made of copper at the entrance welcome you to the Yamazaki “forest”. The copper is reused from pot stills that were actually in use at Yamazaki Distillery between 1989 and 2018.
2Yamazaki Whisky MuseumReception Desk / Tasting Lounge / GIFT SHOP
The Whisky Museum houses* exhibits related to the 100-year history of Suntory whisky beginning with the passion of founder Shinjiro Torii, the makers’ enthusiastic spirit of pursuit to improve whisky quality, and the dedication to MONOZUKURI that has been passed down from generation to generation at Yamazaki Distillery. Leisurely take your time and enjoy visual and tactile hands-on content and shopping.
*Built in 1923 in the historical western style, it is an Important Cultural Property.
Exhibits [1F / 2F]
Exhibits trace the history of whisky in Japan, from the founding of the company initiated by the passion of founder Shinjiro Torii (1F), to explaining the whisky-making process in a mini-tour-style exhibit around the facility (2F corridors), and finally to MONOZUKURI at Yamazaki (2F), which will be passed down to the future.
Whisky Library
Diverse malt whisky vintages distilled through various processes at Yamazaki Distillery are lined up. The approximately 1,700 bottles were produced from fermentation vats constructed of distinct materials, different types of distillation kettles, and storage casks made of diverse types of materials and shapes. This is a unique Yamazaki space where you can come face to face with whisky.
Tasting Lounge [for a charge]
The distillery offers a variety of whiskies to sample for a fee, including Yamazaki brand, limited edition whiskies, and whiskies unique to each Suntory distillery.
Enjoy your whisky while viewing Yamazaki Forest and the bamboo groves that reveal the four seasons of Japan.
Hours: 10:00 - 16:45 (last order at 16:30)
For safety, please refrain from alcohol consumption before taking your tour. All tasting samples are served undiluted at room temperature. Please note that some tasting samples may at times be sold out. Soft drinks and snacks are not available.
GIFT SHOP
We offer original glassware designed for enjoying Yamazaki single malt whisky, products displaying the distillery logo, and original goods exclusively available at the distillery. Coasters, trays and other goods made from recycled whisky barrels are also popular. Please take a souvenir home to commemorate your Yamazaki tour.
Hours: 10:00 - 16:45
[ Concerning Whisky Sales ]
Please note that due to constant changes in whisky inventory, some items may not be available for purchase on the date and time or the course of your visit, due to the flux of whisky inventory. Please be aware of this in advance.
- [ Notes ]
- -Even when stock is available, customers must be at least 20 years old and each guest is limited to purchasing one bottle per day.
- -Please note that you may be asked to present identification to verify your age and identity at the time of purchase.
- -When we are unable to confirm your identity, you may be asked to present a photo ID.
- -When the above rules are not followed, we may refuse to sell whisky.
- -Layaways and inquiries by phone or e-mail are not accepted.
- -Other shop items may also be out of stock. Please be aware of this in advance.
3Statue of Shinjiro Torii
The statue of Shinjiro Torii, the man who created Japanese whisky and who founded Suntory. The statue of Keizo Saji, Shinjiro Torii’s second son who was the second president of Suntory. The first pot still (a spirits still) manufactured in Japan.
4Manufacturing area
This is the distinctive Yamazaki Distillery manufacturing site where quality improvement is our goal, from the careful selection of materials, to mashing, fermentation, distillation, and storage. The production process can be experienced with all five senses.