Guida
Located in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kanosuke Distillery is a facility that is moving forward into the world of whisky production, backed by the 140-year history of Kosata Shuzo. More than just a manufacturing facility, it is designed to allow visitors to experience the essence of craftsmanship and the intricate stages of whisky production through all five senses. This is a highly rare spot where you can witness firsthand the birth of next-generation Japanese whisky being sent from Kagoshima to the global stage.
This region holds the history of Kosata Shuzo, which has continued the tradition of shochu brewing for over 140 years. While inheriting these traditional techniques and spirit, the company has embarked on a new challenge: whisky production. Established in 2017 as the whisky-making division of Kosata Shuzo, the facility has evolved through various organizational changes to its current form. It is a place where you can experience the historical process of how the 'monozukuri' (craftsmanship) spirit, cultivated through shochu brewing, is sublimated into the new form of whisky.
The distillery offers guided tours where you can learn about the process of making whisky. You can do more than just visually observe the production line; you can learn about the dedication to quality and the relationship with ingredients and the environment. The product lineup features premium whiskies, such as the single malt 'Kanosuke,' and much attention is paid to the technical aspects behind their production.
The distillery is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 16:30. It is closed on Mondays. You can observe the whisky-making process regardless of the season. When visiting, it is highly recommended to check the official information in advance to ensure you visit during a time that allows for a deep understanding of the production stages.
The core of the experience here is the tour of the whisky production process. The theme is not just looking at products, but using your senses to feel the 'essence of craftsmanship.' The experience includes educational elements to help visitors understand the background of whisky production that utilizes the unique characteristics of the Kagoshima region.
The area around Hioki City is a region where rich nature and traditional shochu brewing coexist. To access the distillery, take the JR Kagoshima Main Line from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Ijuin Station (approx. 20 mins), then a taxi (approx. 20 mins). Additionally, the 'Hiokichi-go' shared shuttle service is available for local transportation. It is efficient to combine this visit with a drive from Kagoshima City or a tour of other historical distilleries in the area.
As the visit includes a tour of the production process, comfortable clothing is recommended. Since this is a facility dealing with alcohol (whisky), drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. If you are arriving by car, please use public transportation, a taxi, or a designated driver service. Regarding photography within the facility, please follow the local staff's instructions. Free parking space is available on-site.