Niseko Distillery
Discover award-winning Japanese gin and whisky at Niseko Distillery, nestled in Hokkaido's stunning landscapes. Experience unique tours and tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience the whisky magic
Niseko Distillery
Best Time
Experience the whisky magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover award-winning Japanese gin and whisky at Niseko Distillery, nestled in Hokkaido's stunning landscapes. Experience unique tours and tastings.
"An ultimate experience in Niseko to round off the ski trip, with a local mentality and quality at its finest."
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are crucial for distillery tours and tastings.
🚗 Consider a Car
Easier access, especially in winter. Bus access is available but can be tricky.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ohoro Gin Tasting
Bar Counter
Sample award-winning Ohoro Gin, featuring lavender botanicals. A must-try for gin lovers!
+2
Whisky Production Tour
Distillery Floor
Witness the fascinating process of crafting Japanese whisky and gin. Informative tours explain every detail.
Unique Souvenir Shop
Gift Shop
Find finely crafted items like glasses, knives, pottery, and rare sakes and whiskies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Distillery Tour in Advance
Getting There: Bus or Car?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are crucial for distillery tours and tastings.
🚗 Consider a Car
Easier access, especially in winter. Bus access is available but can be tricky.
🥃 Taste the Award-Winners
Sample the acclaimed Ohoro Gin and unique rice-based whisky. +1
🎁 Unique Gifts Available
Find special souvenirs like glasses, knives, and local spirits. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are crucial for distillery tours and tastings.
🚗 Consider a Car
Easier access, especially in winter. Bus access is available but can be tricky.
🥃 Taste the Award-Winners
Sample the acclaimed Ohoro Gin and unique rice-based whisky. +1
🎁 Unique Gifts Available
Find special souvenirs like glasses, knives, and local spirits. +1
🗣️ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Enjoy tours with staff who have excellent English and passion for their craft. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Niseko Distillery's unique experience, highlighting friendly staff, informative tours, and exceptional tastings of award-winning gin and whisky. The scenic location and well-stocked souvenir shop add to its charm, making it a highly recommended stop, especially for those looking for an activity beyond skiing. Some minor improvements could be made to signage and accessibility.
"What an unique experience!! The super friendly staff gave us a free tour explaining about the process how to make gin&whiskey. After the tour, they offered us to try the original gin and rise-based whiskey which tasted amazing. There is a good souvenir shop too. When you have a day-off of skiing, it’s good to go. Easy access by bus from the center of Niseko."
Noa Masuko
"Ultimate experience in Niseko to round off the ski trip. Small scale business with a local mentality, caring for the environment and quality at its finest. You can see they really care and know every single detail"
K Vilallonga
"This is a first class distillery that is a must visit if in the area. Mika was a gracious host with excellent English skills. I was able to try sake including cold aged sake 3 and 8 years old, several Gins and a rice wine whisky. The tour which was 1000 Yen, was very informative and included a drink afterwards of your choice. They also sell a range of finely crafted items including glasses, knives, pipes and pottery, plus some mixers, and beers and rare whiskies and sakes at a price some which are also made by the Hokkaisan brand. The beers are also excellent. Too bad many ignore this gem when skiing in the Niseko region. They could do with better signage though from the Main Street and possibly a shuttle bus service. I only wish they did full meals. You can buy cheeses and some other condiments though. Note in the winter you can only access it from the east side, the west road through to Moiwa is not snow cleared."
Kendrick Pavey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Niseko Distillery is accessible by bus from Niseko center, with stops near Annupuri station. From there, it's a walk. Many visitors opt for a car for easier access, especially during winter months.
Signage from the main street could be better, so it's advisable to use GPS or a map.
Currently, there isn't a dedicated shuttle bus service, which is something visitors have noted as a potential improvement.
Yes, but in winter, access is typically only from the east side, as the west road through to Moiwa may not be cleared of snow.
Annupuri station is a nearby transport hub accessible by bus, from which you can walk to the distillery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance reservation is required for the distillery tour.
The tour is priced at 1000 Yen and includes a drink of your choice afterwards.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check their official channels or book in advance to confirm tour availability.
While tours are a highlight, the bar counter offers tastings for participants. It's best to confirm if walk-in bar access is available without a tour.
As with most distilleries, tastings are for individuals of legal drinking age. Please check Niseko Distillery's specific policies.
🎫 🥃 Spirits & Tastings
Niseko Distillery produces both Japanese whisky and gin. Their Ohoro Gin is particularly well-regarded.
Yes, tours often include tastings of new make whisky and samples of their gin at the bar counter.
Yes, Ohoro Gin has received prestigious awards, including double gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.
Visitors have described the rice-based whisky as tasting amazing. +1
Yes, Niseko Distillery also offers tastings of sake, including aged varieties. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the beautiful distillery setting and their tasting experiences.
The production floor with the stills and the bar area offer great photo opportunities. The surrounding Niseko landscape also provides a scenic backdrop.
Yes, you can typically take photos during the tour, but always be mindful of any specific instructions from your guide.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage may apply. It's best to check with the distillery or local authorities before flying a drone.
Social media posts often feature close-ups of the spirits, the distillery equipment, and scenic shots of the Niseko area.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The shop offers a range of finely crafted items including glasses, knives, pottery, mixers, local beers, rare whiskies, and sakes. +1
Yes, you can purchase bottles of their award-winning gin and other spirits to enjoy later or as gifts. +1
Niseko Distillery does not serve full meals, but you can purchase cheeses and other condiments.
The surrounding Niseko area offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, especially near the ski resorts.
The distillery shop may offer specific mixers recommended for their gin, or you can find a selection of beverages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good option for a 'day-off' from skiing, offering a different kind of activity. The friendly staff and the unique setting can make it a memorable experience for the whole family. Ensure you book your tour in advance to secure a spot.
⛷️ Ski Enthusiasts
+1Enjoying a tasting of award-winning gin or new make whisky after a day in the snow provides a cozy and sophisticated experience. The distillery's winter ambiance, combined with the warmth of the spirits, makes it a perfect complement to the Niseko winter wonderland.
+1🥃 Spirit Aficionados
+1Beyond gin, the chance to taste new make whisky and aged sake offers a comprehensive tasting experience. The distillery's connection to Hakkaisan Brewery adds another layer of interest for sake enthusiasts. The curated selection in the shop, including rare whiskies and sakes, is also a significant draw.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Craft of Ohoro Gin
The gin has garnered significant international acclaim, including a double gold award at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2024 for its London Dry Gin category. This recognition highlights the quality and distinctiveness of Niseko Distillery's production. Visitors on tours can often sample this award-winning spirit, experiencing its nuanced flavors firsthand.
+1Beyond its taste, Ohoro Gin is presented as a premium local spirit, crafted in limited quantities. This exclusivity adds to its appeal for both locals and tourists seeking a unique taste of Hokkaido. The distillery emphasizes its connection to the Niseko landscape, making each sip a reflection of the region's natural beauty.
Whisky Production and Future
Although the distillery is operational, the aging process for whisky takes time. Visitors have the opportunity to taste new make whisky, which is the unaged spirit directly from the still. This provides a unique insight into the foundational flavors before maturation. The anticipation for the first released barrels of Niseko whisky is palpable among enthusiasts.
The distillery's foundation by Hakkaisan Brewery, a renowned sake producer, suggests a strong heritage and expertise in spirit production. This background likely influences their approach to whisky making, potentially incorporating unique Japanese techniques or philosophies. The niseko distillery whisky is a future highlight for many visitors.
The Niseko Distillery Experience
The distillery is situated in the scenic Niseko region, known for its world-class powder snow and stunning natural beauty. This picturesque setting adds to the overall ambiance of the visit, especially during winter when the landscape is covered in snow. The distillery's proximity to the Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area makes it a perfect addition to a ski trip itinerary.
+1Beyond the spirits, the distillery features a well-curated souvenir shop offering unique items, from artisanal knives to pottery and premium beverages. This allows visitors to take a piece of Niseko home with them. The overall sentiment from visitors is that Niseko Distillery is a hidden gem, offering an 'ultimate experience' that rounds off a trip to the region.
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