Photos: Motokoka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Asamboi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Iwao · CC BY-SA 2.0
Suntory founder Torii Shinjirō began building Yamazaki Distillery in 1923 as Japan's first malt whisky distillery. It was renewed for its centenary in 2023 and runs paid tours.
Why it's unique
It was Japan's first malt whisky distillery, the starting point of the country's whisky industry.
The practical reason to go is access: the tour and the tasting bar, which sells pours of aged Yamazaki you will not find at retail.
Before you go
Tours are reservation-only and sell out fast; book the moment the window opens. The tasting bar sells pours of aged Yamazaki you will not find at retail. Over-20s only for the distillery tour.
The station is shared with Ōyamazaki in Kyoto Prefecture, but the distillery itself is in Osaka Prefecture.
