Tour the red-brick distillery on a guided tour; drivers toast with soft drinks
About this spot
The distillery stands in a gorge where two pristine rivers—the Hirose and the Nikkawa (新川)—meet, chosen by Nikka Whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru because 'nowhere else would do.' Established as the company's second distillery following Yoichi in Hokkaido, the grounds with their vibrant green mountains and neatly arranged red-brick buildings evoke a landscape from another world. On the guided tour, you'll walk through the kiln tower, the mashing and distillation processes, and the warehouse where barrels age, understanding firsthand why 'Miyagikyo' whisky develops its elegant and mellow character. The tour concludes with a tasting session, with soft drinks provided for drivers and non-drinkers for peace of mind. The gift shop offers distillery-exclusive bottles and whisky-based confections, ensuring couples with a love of good things will lose track of time.
Tips
About 30 minutes by car from Jogi; free parking available. Close to JR Senzan Line's Sakunamori Station, with free shuttle buses operating on some weekends and holidays. Tours are by advance reservation (via the official website), so booking is essential. Drivers cannot participate in tastings, so they'll enjoy soft drinks instead. Budget generously for paid tastings and limited-edition bottle purchases.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (tour + gift shop). Booking an early afternoon tour leaves ample time for the waterfall and planetarium afterward.
Access & map
〒989-3433 Sendai, Aoba Ward, Nikka 1, Miyagi Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Sakunamori and Jogi: Triangle Aburaage and Miyagikyo Distillery Tour
Miyagi
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.