YAMANASHI: Suntory Hakushu Distillery (Winter)
2024. I made it again, to Suntory Hakushu Distillery. YES!!! You read it, AGAIN!!!
It is a lot harder to get a spot now because the paid tour is done through raffle system (unlike old time when reservation is more fuss-free). You will have to submit your details at the given specific dates when they are open for the submission. You may pick a few preferred date/time slots for the paid tour. So take note on it if you are planning to visit to the distillery, information for submission is all available in their website.
The submission is for the lottery pick only and will not guarantee you confirmed seats yet. You will be notified by emails if you get picked. You will then be given a link to complete the later process and payment for the guarantee seats.
Out of many submissions we did for the trip, we only managed to score one slot of 4 seats for this visit. It was indeed another dream come true experience as the some areas in the distillery are newly renovated; while some are kept the same.
Do note that this distillery experience was dated back in March 2024.
For my experience in March 2019, check out YAMANASHI: Suntory Hakushu Distillery
For full itinerary, check out JAPAN TRIP 2024: 11D10N in Yamagata, Sendai, Aizu Wakamatsu & Tokyo
With the JR Wide Area Pass, we boarded on an 8am train (JR limited express “Azusa”) from Shinjuku Station which took us to Kobuchizawa Station. The journey was about 2 hours.
We then boarded the bus at 10am from the Kobuchizawa Station; it took us straight to Suntory Hakushu Distillery/ Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant. The journey was around 10 to 15minutes at free of charge, but reservation is a must. For more information, do check it out on their website.
The beautiful renovated reception area at the visitor center. Here, we registered ourselves before entering the Suntory Hakushu Sanctuary.
The whole model of the Suntory Hakushu Sanctuary.
Gloomy day due to the rain and sudden drop of temperature, it was still snowing here on mid-March.
Whisky Museum and Central House Viewing
We managed to score the MONOZUKURI tour, it’s a paid tour with whisky tasting at the price of ¥3,000 per person. Do note that the tour reservation is determined by lottery system. If you are keen to pay visit to the distillery, please take note on their opening day for registration submission.
Even if you are hopping to check out the distillery/ facility, you will have to make a reservation too. It is free of charge to enter into the area, just reserve the “Whisky Museum and Central House Viewing” on their website. You may get to take a tour of their whisky museum, shop at the gift shop and purchase own tasting at the bar.
Our tour was conducted in Japanese but we were able to loan the audio device prior to the tour.
During this MONOZUKURI tour, we got to tour into the site where the Hakushu Single Malt Whisky is produced, experience with our five senses by touching the malt, inhaling the aroma through our olfactory system, feel the temperature in the fermentation facility, see and check out the production line. And finally, tasting the Hakushu Single Malt Whisky and its component whiskies on our palate and also learn to make the Hakushu Forest Highball. At the end of the day, each person gets to take home the “Hakushu Original Tasting Glass” as souvenir.
The aroma was so good and powerful as we entered into the fermentation zone.
Finally to the Warehouse and this signboard is a new installation.
At the whisky tasting, that was the happiest moment for everyone. We got to sample 4 glasses of whisky – Lightly Peated Malt Whisky that came with a slight smokiness and sweetness, and fresh aftertaste; Peated Malt Whisky which was smokier but crisp and refreshing; Spanish Oak Cask Malt Whisky and lastly the Hakushu Single Malt Whisky that was very citrusy and refreshing on my palate.
We were also given a dram to make the signature Hakushu MORIKAORU Highball!
Snacks and chocolate to accompany our drinks.
After the guided tour, we hopped over to the Tasting Lounge for more tasting LOL. In Tasting Lounge, each person is limited to three drinks per visit. Also, here is the place where you can enjoy the very rare and limited pieces from Suntory distilleries.
This space is newly renovated too and the lighting, the interior and its view are very spectacular!
We had the Whisky Pairing Set to enjoy Hakushu at its best. Also spent on some drams such as Yamazaki 18YO and 25YO, Hibiki 21YO and 30YO, Chita Distillery and Hakushu Distillery’s New Make before calling it day.
Whisky Pairing Set
1. Highball + Puffed Brown Rice Crackers with Ojira mountain salt and Sansho seasoning
2. Whisky and water + Steamed Dorayaki with smooth bean paste from the famous confectionary Kinseiken in Hakushu, Hokuto City.
3. Whisky neat + Kiyosato White Peach Jam
Definitely not forgetting to pen down a bit and sent off some loves from Hakushu. And of course there were some souvenirs to come home with me!
Suntory Hakushi Distillery
2913-1 Torihara, Hakushu-cho,
Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening hours:
From 9.30am to 4.30pm
Closed during New Year’s holiday and during distillery shutdown
