Hokkaido Distillery Tours
See where the spirit comes to life
Surrounded by the lush natural beauty of Higashikawa, Hokkaido, why not experience the craft of making gin and whisky at Tankyu Distillery? This 60-minute Hokkaido distillery tour takes you through the actual distillation facilities where whisky and gin are made. Our staff will introduce Tankyu Distillery's philosophy and the flavours we aim to create. You'll be guided through the behind-the-scenes production areas that are normally off-limits, with a clear explanation of the process from mashing to distillation. To wrap up, we offer a tasting of our craft gin and whisky new-make spirit — the perfect whisky tour for anyone visiting Hokkaido. Located between Biei, Furano, and Asahikawa, a distillery visit fits perfectly into any Hokkaido sightseeing itinerary. We warmly invite you to join us.
Tour Details
Advance booking required — reserve by 23:59 the day before. Walk-ins accepted if spaces are available (check at the distillery shop).
60 minutes
Discover Tour — ¥2,000 per person (tax included)
Small-group format — limited capacity per session
Trilingual tours available — Japanese (Saturdays), English (Sundays) & Mandarin (Thursdays at 16:00).
Tasting of craft gin and new-make spirit included. Drivers receive a mini bottle to take home as a Hokkaido souvenir. Distillery-exclusive bottles and gift sets are also available for purchase at our shop — a perfect omiyage from your Hokkaido trip.
At a Glance
- Address
- 23 Kita, Nishi 2-go, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1402
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:00
- Distillery Tour
- Thu (Mandarin) · Sat (Japanese) · Sun (English)
- Fee
- Discover Tour — ¥2,000 per person (tax included)
- Duration
- Approx. 60 minutes
- Booking
- Online by 23:59 the day before
- Parking
- Free (up to 10 vehicles)
- Liquor License
- 旭東法第294号
Tour Highlights
Guests must be 20 years or older. Middle-school age and above may accompany but cannot taste. No preschool children or pets. Please check in at the distillery shop at least 10 minutes before your tour. Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing. Photos permitted in designated areas only; video and audio recording restricted.
Behind the Scenes
Operating the iStill hybrid still
Traditional wooden washbacks
Barrel warehouse — bourbon, sherry and mizunara casks resting quietly
Filling fresh spirit into new oak casks
Teamwork on the production floor
Full view of the brewing floor
Getting Here
Nishi 2-go Kita 23, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1402
Tankyu Distillery is located at Nishi 2-go Kita 23, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1402, at the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park and the gateway to Mt. Asahidake and Tenninkyo Gorge.
We are approximately 10 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), 35 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station, 20 minutes from Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, 50 minutes from Farm Tomita in Furano, and around 3 hours from New Chitose Airport via the Lilac or Kamui limited express train. Asahiyama Zoo is about 30 minutes north in Asahikawa.
Free on-site parking for up to 10 cars is available. For public transport, take the Higashikawa-sen bus from JR Asahikawa Station to Higashikawa-Higashimachi 4-chome (approx. 40 min) followed by a 30-minute walk. Please note: walking is not recommended in winter (December–March) due to snow and ice — we suggest arriving by car or taxi during these months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm driving — can I still do the tasting?
Guests who drive will receive a mini bottle to take home instead of the on-site tasting.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted in designated areas only. Video recording and audio recording are restricted.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Please book online by 23:59 the day before your visit. Walk-in bookings are possible at the distillery shop if spaces are available.
Is there an age restriction?
Guests must be 20 years or older. Middle-school age and above may accompany the tour but cannot participate in tasting. No preschool-age children.
Can I bring my pet?
We're sorry, but pets are not permitted in the distillery.
How long is the tour?
The guided tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.
What's included in the tour?
The tour includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the production area, a guided explanation of mashing, fermentation, and distillation, and a tasting of our craft gin and new-make whisky spirit.
What else can I do near the distillery?
Higashikawa is centrally located in the Kamikawa region. Biei's Blue Pond and Patchwork Road are about 20 minutes south, Furano's lavender fields about 40 minutes, and Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa about 30 minutes north. In winter, Asahidake offers Hokkaido's longest ski season. See our Higashikawa & Daisetsuzan Guide for more.
Book Your Visit
Select your preferred date and time online. Trilingual tours available (Japanese, English & Mandarin).
- Address:
- 23 Kita, Nishi 2-go, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-1402
- Hours:
- Daily 10:00–17:00
- Distillery Tour:
- Thu (Mandarin) · Sat (Japanese) · Sun (English)
- Fee:
- Discover Tour — ¥2,000 per person (tax included)
- Duration:
- Approx. 60 minutes
- Booking:
- Online by 23:59 the day before
- Parking:
- Free (up to 10 vehicles)
- Liquor License:
- 旭東法第294号
- Direct contact:
- info@tankyudistillery.jp / +81-80-2554-7335
How to Book
- Choose your preferred date and tour language (Japanese, English or Mandarin)
- Select an available time slot and the number of guests
- Confirm your booking — you will receive a confirmation email
Japanese tours run every Saturday, English tours every Sunday, 10:00–17:00 JST. Mandarin tours every Thursday at 16:00. Advance booking required by 23:59 the day before.
Prefer to book directly? Email info@tankyudistillery.jp or call +81-80-2554-7335.
You will be directed to our external booking site
Explore More
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