A Taste of Japan's Mountainous Craft Booze

Hokkaido and Nagano, renowned for their Japanese snow and stunning mountain scenery, are also home to prestigious distilleries of craft alcohol. From Hokkaido’s meticulously crafted whiskies and gins to Nagano’s innovative craft beers, Japan’s mountainous regions offer some of the finest craft breweries in the world. 

These distilleries enhance the allure of this northern island, offering an experience for whisky connoisseurs, gin lovers, beer hounds, and those interested in real estate investment in Japan's top ski resorts.

Niseko Distillery

Niseko Distillery, situated at the base of Niseko Annupuri, is renowned for its whisky and gin production. The distillery's pristine location and use of naturally filtered Niseko Annupuri underground water allow it to produce authentic Japanese spirits. Niseko Distillery utilizes a unique maturation process, allowing the whisky to mature naturally without air conditioning to achieve a unique flavour profile.

Niseko Distillery, permeated with the inviting aroma of aging whisky, is renowned for its Ohoro Gin (Standard). The smooth, intense flavor of this award-winning gin has garnered international acclaim. "Ohoro," meaning "to continue" in the Ainu language, embodies the hope that the gin will be enjoyed for generations to come.  Don't miss the opportunity to sample this World Gin Awards 2024 winner during your visit!

Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Yoichi Distillery

The Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, located in Shiribeshi, was established by Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer in Japanese whisky and the founder of Nikka Whisky. The distillery, which was one of the first in Japan to manage the entire production process, from growing botanicals to distillation, uses coal-fired distillation, an uncommon traditional technique, to produce rich, full-bodied malt whisky. This process ensures the highest quality ingredients by maintaining a plot of land where they can harvest trees (including some endangered and rare species), use their own drying rooms, and cultivate botanical herbs.

Experience the Yoichi Single Malt Whisky's rich fruit flavors and traditional coal-heated distillation, adapted from Masataka Taketsuru’s Scottish practices, in the distillery's bottling and barrel storage room, complete with a retail counter and tasting area. The ideal climate and stunning natural surroundings elevate this distillery experience to new heights.

Distillery Shakotan Blue

Shakotan Blue Distillery, nestled on Hokkaido's volcanic coastline, is steeped in history and tradition. Renowned for its fire-infused gin, this unique spirit embodies the essence of Shakotan's fire festival. The distillery utilizes two distinct stills: a traditional copper still from Germany for crafting Shakotan Dry Gin, and a vacuum still that operates at lower temperatures to preserve the freshness of botanicals in specialty drinks. The combination of these spirits results in KIBOU, a flavor reminiscent of a tranquil forest walk.

Hokkaido's craft spirit scene, featuring artisanal gin and traditional Japanese whisky, is an integral part of the luxury lifestyle that visitors are seeking. The region's appeal is further enhanced by world-class ski resorts, après-ski culture, fine dining, and distilleries, making it a top destination for travel and real estate investment.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery (NOD)

Located at Nozawa Onsen, NOD has gained international recognition by winning Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. NOD offers authentic gin and whisky with access to clear spring water and abundant mountain botanicals. 

The Craft Room

The Craft Room is the Nozawa Onsen’s original craft beer taproom, apres bar, and cafe, just below the Nagasaka Gondola. It serves a selection of craft beers alongside hearty breakfast meals and sandwiches, making it a perfect stop after a day on the slopes.

Libushi 

Libushi is a taproom attached to Nozawa’s own craft brewery, AJB Co., owned and operated by Tom and Emiko. It features a small brewery just behind the bar area and a much larger brewery near the river, making a wide variety of Ales, Stouts, Porters, Sours, and more!

Tamamura Honten Shigakogen Brewery

Nestled at the base of Shiga Kogen, this historical sake brewery has been operating since 1805. In 2004, they featured brewing beer as Shigakogen Beer and hosted Snow Monkey Beer Live. 

Oh! La! Ho!

Since 1996, this brewery has made several award-winning pale and medium-bodied ales. You can find their “Captain Crow” extra pale ale in Nagano stores or enjoy OH!LA! HO Beer at their pub restaurant in Tomi, next to a hot spring spa.

Yo-Ho Brewing

Situated at Karuizawa, Yo-Ho Brewing is famous for its motto, “Flavor in beer, Happiness in people,” and its award-winning Yona Yona ale.  They have expanded to Tokyo and offer a wider variety of drinks, such as Suiyobi-no-Neko (Wednesday’s Cat), Tokyo Black, and Indo-no-Aooni (Indian Blue Demon). 

Matsumoto Brewery

Founded in 2016, Matsumoto Brewery highlights Nagano’s beer culture with pure water sourced from the Japanese Alps and Utsukushigahara Kogen. Using locally grown hops and grains, this brewery produces rich, flavorful craft beers that reflect the region's essence.

Reijin Brewery

One of Suwa’s five major sake breweries, Reijin Brewery, has been crafting sake since 1789. Recently, they expanded into beer brewing, blending their pure well water with mineral-rich onsen water to create unique brews. Their Düsseldorf-style beer offers an authentic taste experience.

Minami Shinshu

Known as Nagano's first craft brewery, it uses pure mountain water, wheat, and hops to brew various beers. The crowd's favourite is the Apple Hop malt, which is brewed with Nagano apples and can be enjoyed right from the brewery. 

Nagano’s thriving craft beer scene is adding a new dimension to its appeal, with local breweries producing unique, high-quality brews that reflect the region’s alpine character. Paired with its renowned ski resorts, lively après-ski culture, and exceptional dining options, Nagano is quickly becoming a top choice for travelers and investors alike. The combination of outdoor adventure, rich culinary experiences, and a growing craft beverage industry makes it a standout destination for both lifestyle and real estate opportunities.