Guide to Touring Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Japan
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: March 13, 2025
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Oyamazaki, is Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery and the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory, it has become renowned for its exceptional single malts, including Yamazaki 12, 18, and 25 years. You can explore the distillery through guided whisky tours, tastings, and a dedicated whisky museum. This travel guide covers everything you need to know, from booking a whisky tour, viewing the whisky museum to savoring whisky in the tasting lounge.
General Information for Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is open daily from 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM (last entry is 4:30pm), except during the New Year’s holiday. There are several key areas to explore, including the Distillery, Whisky Museum, Gift Shop, and the Tasting Lounge. To access these areas, reservations must be made through the official website. Depending on the attraction of interest, you must enter a lottery system for a chance to visit. For details on tour pricing and available time slots, see below:
| Type | Fee | Duration | Times Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour (English) | 3,000 yen | 80 minutes | Daily 11:20 AM – 12:40 PM |
| Guided Tour (Japanese) | 10,000 yen | 120 minutes | Tuesday & Thursday 1:40 PM – 3:40 PM |
| Yamazaki Whisky Museum, gift shop, and tasting lounge | Free | N/A | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM, 11 AM – 12 PM, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Time Needed: 2 hours
Location: The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is a 20 – 40 minute train ride from Kyoto Station. Use this link to view the location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7h27YP1chU1veUVW7
What to Expect on the English Guided Suntory Distillery Tour (Yamazaki Monozukuri Tour & Tasting)
Booking a Tour
Reservations must be made through the official lottery system two months in advance of your intended visit. For example, if you plan to visit in May 2025, you must enter the lottery between March 7th and March 11th, with results sent via email on March 15th.
The Distillery Tour Experience
Upon arriving at the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, visitors must present a valid photo ID, such as a passport, for verification. After checking in, the front desk will recommend downloading the audio guide on your mobile device. Once you have downloaded the guide and received the access password, you are free to explore the main area while waiting for your tour. The front desk will also inform you of your tour meeting time and location. We arrived 15 minutes early and took the opportunity to use the restroom before the tour began.
The guided tour provides a deep dive into the whisky-making process, covering the selection of raw materials, fermentation, distillation, and the cask aging process.
Following this, you can participate in a whisky tasting session, where you get to explore the flavor profile of five different whiskies, ranging from the White Oak Cask Malt Whisky to the Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky. The experience also includes a demonstration on how to prepare a classic highball. As a special souvenir, each participant receives a Yamazaki Tasting Glass to take home.
One of the highlights of the tour was experiencing the aromas of the fermenting room and capturing a memorable photo in front of the distillation room, making it a truly immersive experience.
Exclusive Whisky Purchase Opportunity
At the end of the whisky tasting, guests have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a special bottle of Yamazaki Whisky, a release not available in the distillery’s gift shop. However, we chose to decline the offer, as we still had a week left in our trip and limited luggage space.
Following the tour, you are free to explore the whisky museum, browse the gift shop, and enjoy the tasting lounge at their own pace, making the most of their distillery experience.
What to expect with a Yamazaki Whisky Museum Viewing Pass
If you’re unable to secure a spot on the distillery tour, you can still visit and experience the whisky museum, tasting lounge, and gift shop, allowing you to explore the distillery’s history and enjoy its offerings.
Booking a Tour
Reservations must be made through the official lottery system two months in advance of your intended visit. For example, if you wish to join a tour in May 2025, you must enter the lottery reserve at a time starting from 10:00 AM on Monday, March 17.
Whisky Museum
At the Whisky Museum, explore exhibitions that showcase 100 years of Suntory Whisky history. The displays take you through Japan’s whisky journey, from its founding era on the first floor (1F) to the whisky manufacturing process on the second floor (2F).
One of the highlights is the bottle library, an impressive collection of malt whiskies crafted at the Yamazaki Distillery, offering a glimpse into the distillery’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Tasting Lounge
At the tasting lounge, you can purchase and sample a selection of rare whiskeys, including the renowned Yamazaki single malts and undiluted liquor. During my visit after the tour, I browsed the extensive whisky menu and chose a Hibiki 21-Year pour, priced at 3,400 yen (~$20). Once served, I was given the opportunity to take a photo of the bottle before savoring the tasting experience.
Gift Shop
At the gift shop, you can browse a variety of souvenirs*, including coasters trays, and other barrel goods made from reused whisky barrels.
*Note: Due to the fluctuating stock of whisky, you may not be able to purchase whisky depending on the date and time of your visit.
Lunch after Visiting Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
If you’re looking for a place to eat after your visit, I highly recommend this cash-only spot, just a five-minute walk from the distillery. We had an unforgettable experience enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals prepared by a small family, making it a truly memorable dining experience.
Enjoy Your Time in Japan
Japan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and museums, making it an incredible destination to explore. I hope these tips help you make the most of your Suntory Distillery Tour experience. Feel free to drop a comment and share your thoughts!
Leave a Reply