Japanese Whisky Distilleries
Join Tom Smith, the US Director of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and Charles Grabitzky, the Whisky Specialist from Rascal + Thorn, on this inaugural Japanese Whisky Tour for US Members of the SMWS.
The Japanese whisky scene is really “blossoming” just like the season in which we will visit. With cherry blossoms in bloom, and new distilleries on the rise, this Japanese Whisky Tour will be truly special. We have honed in our favorite places in Japan with incredible sightseeing, distillery visits, tastings and food.
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. We will also highlight the Scotch Malt Whisky Society by having an event with the Japanese Chapter as well as searching for hidden gems throughout Japan’s famous whisky bars.
Cultural Visits
As we travel around Japan, we will visit many sites, markets and neighborhoods. We base ourselves in Tokyo, Chichibu, Kyoto, Fukuoka and overnights in Kiyosato and Shizuoka 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 beautiful streets and scenes in Kyoto. 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 in Tokyo, Chichibu, Kyoto and Fukuoka. 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. We will highlight the bars that carry the most Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings.
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
- Suntory Hakushu
- Mars Tsunuki
- Kanosuke
- Shizuoka
- Komoro
- and others
*visits based on availability/schedule
Whisky Bars
- Aloha
- Mizunara Cask
- Te Airigh
- Highlander Inn & Craic
- Higuchi
- Kitchen
- Fuji
- and others
Excursions
- Evening Whisky Bar Adventures
- Special Tastings
- Historical and Cultural Visits
- Food excursions
- Temples
- Many other treats
Please note, this itinerary is subject to change.
Friday – Arrive to Tokyo for a 2-night stay. Welcome dinner followed by a visit to the Aloha Whisky Bar, one of the top-rated whisky bars in the world!
Saturday – Cultural visits during the day. Evening event with the Japanese Chapter of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Sunday – We head to Chichibu via private bus for 2 nights. Afternoon visit to the Chichibu Temple. Evening whisky bars and food!
Monday – Chichibu Distillery Visit. Dinner at the Highlander Inn. Evening whisky bars.
Tuesday – We leave Chichibu and head to the Japanese Alps. Komoro Distillery Visit on the way to Kiyosato where we stay for one night.
Wednesday – We leave Kiyosato and head to Shizuoka for one night. During the day we visit the famous Suntory Hakushu Distillery.
Thursday – Morning visit to the Shizuoka Distillery followed by a Wasabi Farm Excursion. Afternoon bullet train to Kyoto for 2 nights.
Friday – Cultural Day in Kyoto! Many different temples, castles and incredible food!
Saturday – We head to Fukuoka for our last 2 nights. Evening at the famous Bar Higuchi.
Sunday – Full day trip heading south to visit both the Kanosuke and Mars Tsunuki Distilleries. Final group dinner in the evening!
Monday – Tour ends in Fukuoka. Easy flights or train out of Fukuoka back to Tokyo or wherever your next destination happens to be!
*please note, itinerary is subject to change based on availability.
- 10-night stay in select hotels throughout Japan
- Transportation within Japan via train, private bus and taxi.
- Distillery Tours and Tastings
- Historical & Cultural sights
- Japanese Whisky Expert Guide
- Most meals except for Free Time Periods
- All taxes
- All tips
- Transportation to or from Japan before/after tour
- Meals during Free Time Periods
- Whisky outside of included tastings or meals
- Travel Insurance
We select the best hotels for the group throughout Japan with walking access to restaurants and all local attractions.
Price is $8495 per person (double occupancy)
ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT!
If you are interested in a Reservation Form, please let us know. Reservations are taken on a first-come / first-serve basis. Group size is 10 guests.
Single Supplement is available for $1500 if a single traveler does not want to share a room.
Please note, this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Fukuoka. We can help you make arrangements to get back to Tokyo if needed via air or train.
