On my recent trip to Hokkaido, I had the pleasure of joining a guided tour of Nikka Whisky’s Yoichi Distillery, nestled in the coastal town of Yoichi. This special place is one of the few distilleries in Japan—and in the world—that still practices traditional coal-fired distillation, a method nearly extinct even in Scotland.
In this article, I’ll take you through Yoichi’s fascinating history, its meticulous production process, how to get there, how to book a tour, and of course, what to taste and buy!
- A Distillery Rooted in Heritage
- Behind the Scenes: Yoichi’s Whisky-Making Process
- Warehouses & Blending
- Tasting Time: Free Sampling After the Tour
- Can’t Visit? Order Online!
- Must-Buys at the Yoichi Shop
- Discover the Hidden Bar
- Getting There
- How to Book a Tour
- Visit the Graves of Taketsuru & Rita
- Final Thoughts
A Distillery Rooted in Heritage
The Yoichi Distillery was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, often hailed as the “Father of Japanese Whisky.” Seeking an environment similar to Scotland, where he studied whisky-making, Taketsuru chose Yoichi for its harsh natural climate, cool temperatures, and pure water—perfect conditions for whisky maturation.
Some original structures still stand today, including the old kiln building (used until 1955) and the stone-walled facilities, offering a tangible connection to the past.
A unique cultural touch is the “shimenawa” (sacred rope) adorning the pot stills—a nod to Japanese Shinto traditions and sake-making, seamlessly blending Scottish tradition with Japanese spirit.
Behind the Scenes: Yoichi’s Whisky-Making Process
Fermentation
The distillery now uses stainless steel fermentation tanks, replacing the former iron versions. Each tank holds a massive 40,000 liters, though only about 30,000 liters are used during fermentation due to CO₂ buildup. All the piping and wiring are buried underground to preserve the scenic, historic architecture.
Distillation
Here comes the highlight: coal-fired pot still distillation.
In the first distillation stage, four copper pot stills produce a low wine with around 20% ABV over six hours. These stills are heated directly with coal at temperatures between 800°C and 1200°C—an incredibly rare and labor-intensive method that infuses the whisky with robust flavors and deep richness.
You can even watch the workers stoking the coal fires under the stills—an unforgettable sight.
The second distillation (re-distillation) takes about 12 hours and raises the spirit to around 63% ABV, creating what’s known as “new make.” This stage switches to steam heating for a more controlled finish.
The shape of the pot stills also impacts the whisky’s character:
- Tall, narrow stills → heavier, bold flavor
- Round, bulbous stills → lighter, clearer profile
The final blend is crafted with precision by the distillery’s skilled blenders.
Warehouses & Blending
Scattered across the expansive grounds are 27 traditional aging warehouses. Here, the whisky matures slowly over time, developing depth and character.
Once matured, the whisky is transported to Nikka’s facility in Chiba for blending and bottling. While Yoichi doesn’t disclose all their blending details, Super Nikka, one of their flagship blends, is known to use malt aged at least seven years.
Tasting Time: Free Sampling After the Tour
The grand finale of the tour is the tasting session, where participants get to sample three of Nikka’s iconic beverages:
What You Can Try
- Single Malt Yoichi
Bold and rich with a hint of peat—this expression perfectly showcases Yoichi’s coal-fired character. - Super Nikka
A soft, sweet blended whisky with a mellow, approachable finish. Great for beginners! - Apple Wine
A sweet, lightly spiced apple-based liqueur—a throwback to Nikka’s early days. Think of it as a dessert wine.
Each sample helps you appreciate the differences in raw ingredients and distillation techniques. The tasting space is bright and spacious, offering a comfortable seated experience. For drivers or those underage, non-alcoholic options like apple juice are also available.
Can’t Visit? Order Online!
If a visit to Hokkaido isn’t in the cards just yet, you can still enjoy Nikka whiskies at home. These are widely available online:
- [Single Malt Yoichi 700ml (Boxed)]
- [Super Nikka 700ml Blended Whisky]
- [Nikka Apple Wine Sweet Fruit Liqueur]
Must-Buys at the Yoichi Shop
Before leaving, make sure to stop by the official gift shop located inside the distillery. It’s a treasure trove of distillery-exclusive bottles and branded goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Top Picks
- Yoichi Single Malt
A perfect souvenir after the tasting. - Tsuru
A rare find if available—often sold only at the distillery at retail price! - Yoichi Distillery Exclusive Bottles
Special limited editions made from unique casks. I couldn’t resist picking up all three and trying them at home!
Discover the Hidden Bar
Yoichi Distillery also houses a bar where guests can taste rare and limited expressions by the glass. It’s a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
Highlights
- Yoichi Exclusive Trio Tasting Set
Sample all three distillery-exclusive expressions in one go. - Single Cask Tastings
Sip whisky straight from rare casks not available on the market.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of Japanese whisky, this bar is the perfect place to start.
Getting There
- Address: 7-6 Kurokawa-cho, Yoichi-cho, Hokkaido
- Access: Just a 3-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station on the Hakodate Main Line.
From Sapporo, the train takes about 1.5 hours, or only 30 minutes from Otaru, making Yoichi surprisingly accessible.
How to Book a Tour
Tours of the Yoichi Distillery are free but reservation is required.
Visit the official Nikka Whisky website to book easily through the “Tour Reservation” page.
Note: Tours fill up fast—especially on weekends and holidays—so book early!
Visit the Graves of Taketsuru & Rita
Just a 5-minute drive from the distillery lies the quiet resting place of Masataka Taketsuru and his Scottish wife Rita, overlooking the distillery they built together.
Rita played a pivotal role in supporting Masataka and adapting to life in Japan, making this spot a touching tribute to their partnership.
If time permits, it’s well worth a short visit after the tour.
Final Thoughts
The Yoichi Distillery is a rare place where tradition meets innovation, and where the soul of Japanese whisky comes vividly alive.
From the roaring coal fires to the legacy of Masataka Taketsuru, every corner tells a story. Whether you’re a whisky aficionado or a curious traveler, this is a truly unforgettable destination.
If you’re heading to Hokkaido, don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Yoichi.
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