Japanese Whisky Distilleries
On this special Japanese Whisky Tour, we will start in Tokyo with a day visit to Chichibu and then head south to the Kyushu region to explore all of the great distilleries (older and new) that have taken over this part of Japan. The Kyushu region is home to many Shochu and Sake producers as well, and we will visit many of these for the first time!
This trip highlights some of the best that Japan has to offer with whisky as our guide. By visiting distilleries, you go to areas of Japan that are off the beaten path, and truly beautiful. Come join us on this annual trip. 2026 is going to be special.
Cultural Visits
As we travel around Japan, we will visit many sites, markets and neighborhoods. We base ourselves in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima, so we have plenty of time for excursions and meals.
Each of these cities has their own unique highlights. From the bustling Shinjuku “city” in Tokyo, to the food stalls in Fukuoka, and the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kagoshima! Our whisky day trips will take us to other incredible sights in Japan as well.
Whisky Bars & Dining
Japan is home to some of the best whisky bars in the world. We will be visiting many of these in the evenings. Japanese whisky bars are filled with expressions from all over the world and can be some of the best places to find great Japanese bottles as well.
Japanese cuisine is also top notch! We will make sure to enjoy the wide variety of Japanese offerings as we travel throughout the country.
Distilleries
- Chichibu Distillery
- Mars Tsunuki
- Kanosuke
- Ontake
- Hakata
- Kuju
- Hinokami
- Osuzu-yama
- and others
*visits based on availability/schedule
Whisky Bars
- Aloha
- Te Airigh
- Highlander Inn & Craic
- Bar Higuchi
- Bar Kitchen
- Bar Fuji
- Bar Leichardt
- BB13
- and others
Excursions
- Evening Whisky Bar Adventures
- Shochu Distillery Visit – Rokuchoshi
- Sake Distillery Visit – Nihonshu
- Gin Distillery Visit – Akayane
- Historical and Cultural Visits
- Food excursions
- Temples
- Many other treats
Please note, this itinerary is still being developed.
Friday – The tour starts in Tokyo for 2 nights. Evening welcome group dinner in Tokyo followed by Aloha Whisky Bar.
Saturday – Day trip to Chichibu. Visit the distillery and spend the day in Chichibu. Lunch at the Highlander Inn and whisky bars in Chichibu.
Sunday – We fly to Kagoshima for 3 nights. Afternoon exploration of Kagoshima temples and cultural sights.
Monday – Day trip visiting distilleries including Kanosuke and Mars Tsunuki. Evening in Kagoshima.
Tuesday – Day trip visiting distilleries including Ontake, Hinokami, and the Gin Distillery Akayane. Evening in Kagoshima.
Wednesday – We leave Kagoshima and head to Kumamoto for 2 nights. Visit the Yamaga Distillery in the afternoon. Evening in Kumamoto.
Thursday – Day trip to the Fukano Distillery and the Shochu producer Rokuchoshi. Evening in Kumamoto.
Friday – We leave Kumamoto for Fukuoka for our last 3 nights. Temple visits in the afternoon. Evening whisky bars.
Saturday – Day trip to the Kuju Distillery near Oita.
Sunday – Day trip to the Hakata Distillery. Last evening group dinner in Fukuoka.
Monday – Tour ends. Please note, that the tour ends in Fukuoka. Easy flights can be arranged to get back to Tokyo to connect with international flights, or you can take the Bullet train back north to Kyoto, Osaka and other destinations.
*please note, itinerary is subject to change based on availability.
- 10-night stay in select hotels throughout Japan
- Transportation within Japan via train, vehicle and a flight to Kagoshima from Tokyo
- Distillery Tours and Tastings
- Historical & Cultural sights
- Japanese Whisky Expert Guide
- Breakfast each day
- All taxes
- All tips
- Transportation to or from Japan before/after tour
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during included meals, unless noted
- Travel Insurance
We select the best hotels for the group throughout Japan with walking access to restaurants and all local attractions.
Price is $4995 per person (double occupancy)
If you are interested in a Reservation Form, please let us know. Reservations are taken on a first-come / first-serve basis.
Single Supplement is available for $1500 if a single traveler does not want to share a room.
Please note, this tour is a 10-night tour and does include one flight from Sapporo to Fukuoka.