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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Tankyu Distillery, our products, tours, and private cask programme.

About the Distillery

What is Tankyu Distillery?
Tankyu Distillery is a craft whisky and gin distillery located in Higashikawa, Hokkaido, at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains. We use the town's pristine natural spring water — selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waters — to produce our spirits.
When will your single malt whisky be ready?
Our first single malt whisky is expected to be released in 2028. In the meantime, you can enjoy our Yuki no Mado Dry Gin, Perfume Trees Gin, Pale Ink Coffee Liqueur, and seasonal Thence Botanical Elixir.
What makes Higashikawa's water special?
Higashikawa is the only town in Japan without a municipal water supply. Groundwater from Daisetsuzan's snowmelt flows naturally into every household. This soft, mineral-balanced spring water is ideal for whisky production and is designated among Japan's 100 Best Waters.

Distillery Tours

How do I book a distillery tour?
You can book a tour through our Tour page or by contacting us directly. Tours are available Monday to Friday and run approximately 60 minutes.
What is included in the tour?
Our guided tour covers the full production process: mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. It concludes with a tasting of our craft gin and new-make spirit. Tours are available in English, Japanese, and Cantonese.
How do I get to the distillery?
Tankyu Distillery is approximately 10 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport. The Ideyu shuttle bus runs three daily round-trips connecting the airport, Higashikawa town centre, and the Asahidake hot-spring area. Rental cars are available at both Asahikawa Airport and Asahikawa Station.

Private Cask Programme

What is a private cask?
Our Private Cask Programme allows you to purchase the entitlement to an individual whisky cask. You choose the cask type — Mizunara, Sherry, Bourbon, or Octave — and your whisky matures in our Higashikawa warehouse under Hokkaido's dramatic four-season climate.
How much does a private cask cost?
Prices range from ¥448,000 for a 55-litre Sherry Octave to ¥4,250,000 for a 220-litre Mizunara Hogshead. All prices include the cask, spirit, warehousing, and insurance for the initial maturation period. Visit our Private Cask page for full details.

Products & Purchasing

Where can I buy your spirits?
Our spirits are available at the distillery and through select retailers in Japan and Hong Kong. For international enquiries, please contact us directly.
Do you ship internationally?
Direct international shipping is subject to the alcohol import regulations of each destination country. Please contact us for details about shipping to your location.