Suntory Yamazaki Distillery: The Birthplace of Japanese Whisky
Discover the soul of Japanese whisky at the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, where tradition and innovation blend to create world-renowned single malts.
The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, nestled in the lush outskirts of Kyoto, is the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, it stands as a testament to his vision of crafting whisky suited to the delicate Japanese palate. Visitors can explore the distillery's rich history, witness the whisky-making process, and sample a range of Suntory's acclaimed whiskies.
A brief summary to Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
- 5 Chome-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto, 5 Chome Yamazaki, Mishima District, Osaka, 618-0001, JP
- +8175-962-1423
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:45 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:45 pm
Local tips
- Reservations are essential for both the distillery tour and museum entry. Book well in advance, as slots fill quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking and some steep inclines.
- Consider visiting during the autumn months to witness the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the distillery.
- Explore the tasting counter in the Yamazaki Whisky Museum to sample a variety of Yamazaki whiskies (cash only).
- Allow ample time for your visit to fully enjoy the museum, tour, and tasting experiences.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The most convenient way to reach the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is by train. From either Osaka or Kyoto, take the JR Kyoto Line to Yamazaki Station. From Umeda or Kawaramachi, take the Hankyu Line to Oyamazaki Station. The distillery is approximately a 10-minute walk from either station. Follow the signs; the route is well-marked. JR Kyoto Line (from Osaka or Kyoto): * **Fare:** ¥280-¥600 (depending on the origin station). * **Frequency:** Trains depart every 10-15 minutes. Hankyu Line (from Umeda or Kawaramachi): * **Fare:** Not explicitly found in the search results, but expect a similar price range to the JR Line. * **Frequency:** Not explicitly found in the search results, but expect a similar frequency to the JR Line.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from Yamazaki Station, though the distillery is within walking distance. A taxi from nearby stations is a convenient alternative. * **From Yamazaki Station:** A short ride, likely costing between ¥700 - ¥1000 (based on initial fare estimates). * **From Osaka:** A longer taxi ride, expect to pay between ¥12,000-¥15,000. * **From Kyoto:** Expect to pay between ¥7,000-¥9,000. Taxi fares can vary based on traffic and time of day.
Discover more about Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
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