Hakushu Distillery

Pink flowering tree sits in front of the twin rooftops of the Hakushu Distillery

Hakushu. Where Inspiration Continues.

The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji inherited his father’s vision in his quest for innovation and constructed this second Suntory distillery in 1973.

Spring water flower over rocks beneath green trees near the Suntory Hakushu Distillery

A Balance of Time and Nature

The exceptionally soft mountain water of Hakushu originates as clear-flowing rainwater and melted snow, which passes through Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Japanese Southern Alps and joins the Ojira and Jingu Rivers at the mountain foot. With four distinctive seasons, the clear air and cool, humid climate of Hakushu’s vast forests allow the distillery, one of the few situated at an elevation of 700 meters or more, to produce high-quality whisky through a slow, unhurried process.

Whisky Making at Hakushu

The water and environment at the Hakushu distillery is vastly different to that of the Yamazaki distillery, as is the creation process. At fermentation, artisannal craftsmen use solely wooden washbacks to encourage maturation by retaining heat in the cool air at the distillery.

A variety of pot stills and casks are carefully chosen to suit the high elevation and climate of Hakushu, ultimately producing an array of single malt whiskies with a variety of characters that reflect its surroundings.

Experience Hakushu Distillery

Visit us in person or online with flexible options to tour the distillery inspired by Japanese nature.

*Our Hakushu Distillery will be closed for enhancements beginning December 2022 and reopening Fall 2023

Virtual Event

The Virtual 360° tour

Now everyone can experience the Hakushu Distillery in this 360° interactive tour that offers audio information as well as visual explorations of the exhibits. We invite you to explore at your own pace.

Inside the barrel room at Suntory Hakushu Distillery in Japan
On-Site Event

Hakushu Distillery Tour (Free)

This tour allows you to experience the whisky museum, shop, bar, and restaurant (without the production process tour), and purchase a limited quantity and selection of our products.

Two people standing near large copper distillation chimney at the Hakushu distillery
On-Site Event

Hakushu Distillery Tour (Paid)

The tour begins with the introduction of the craftsmen's dedication to producing a variety of distinctive whiskies at Hakushu Distillery, then later you can taste the component whiskies (not for sale) that makes up Hakushu Single Malt Whisky. This tour truly allows you to fully enjoy the whisky.

Hakushu Distillery employee

Find Us or Get in Touch

For reservations and inquiries, please contact:
+81-551-35-2211 (9:30am - 4:30pm business days)


Suntory Hakushu Distillery 
2913-1, Torihara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi
 

Related Products

Hakushu 12 Years Old

Green Hakushu 12 Suntory Whisky bottle

Hakushu 18 Years Old

A bottle of Hakushu 18

Hakushu 25 Years Old

A bottle of Hakushu 25 Year Old

MORE TO EXPLORE

About House of Suntory

Founded in 1899, Shinjiro Torii built the House of Suntory with a singular vision: to craft quintessentially Japanese spirits that would suit the delicate palate of his people.

Statue of the founder of the House of Suntory, who shaped Japanese craftsmanship

The Yamazaki Range

The Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. With a range of options from Yamazaki DIstiller’s Reserve to 12, 18, and 25 years old, all of these prestigious whiskies contain carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak.

Yamazaki 55 year bottle in wooden box