Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (Miyagikyo Distillery)

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A distillery nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of the clear streams of the Hirose and Shinkawa rivers. Enjoy guided tours showcasing the whisky-making process, tastings, and exhibits on whisky production.

Tourist destination images of Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (Miyagikyo Distillery)(1)

Tourist destination images of Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (Miyagikyo Distillery)(2)

Overview

The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (Miyagikyo Distillery), established in 1969 by founder Masataka Taketsuru, is one of Nikka Whisky's two main distilleries. Located in the naturally beautiful Aoba ward of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, it's surrounded by the clear streams of the Hirose and Shinkawa rivers. Designed in the image of a Lowland distillery in Scotland, it produces whisky with a mellower, gentler flavor than that of the Yoichi Distillery. The distillery features various facilities, and offers free tours with tastings daily. Tours provide detailed explanations of the whisky-making process, including a visit to the stills. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a tasting of whisky produced at the Miyagikyo Distillery. The visitor center showcases exhibits on whisky production and materials about the history of Nikka Whisky. A gift shop also sells Miyagikyo Distillery-exclusive whisky and goods. The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (Miyagikyo Distillery) is a tourist spot enjoyable by whisky lovers and non-drinkers alike. Why not experience the whisky-making process and history in a beautiful natural setting?

Factory Tours

Basic Information

Address: 1 Nikka, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken Search for tourist attractions in Miyagi

Access: Rail: 25-minute walk from Sakunami Station on the Senzan Line (1.6km, 20-minute walk to the Sendai Factory entrance). Bus: Route bus: 1-minute walk from the Nikka-bashi bus stop on Sendai City bus routes [63], [65], and [840]. Free shuttle bus: Operates on weekends and holidays except during winter (December-March). Shuttle bus between Sakunami Station and the Sendai factory. Free sightseeing bus "Momiji-go": Operates on weekends and holidays in October and November. For individual guests staying at Sakunami Onsen. Sakunami Yu-no-eki La Santa～Sakunami Station～Sendai Factory～Teigi Jyorai. Car: Approximately 17km (25 minutes) from the Sendai-Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway, via National Route 48 towards Yamagata. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:15 AM - 4:00 PM

Cld.Days: Open every day

Fee: Free admission

INFO: Guided tours require reservations. Even on a weekday, it was quite crowded. No reservation is needed if you only want to purchase souvenirs, do a paid tasting, or see some of the facilities. Just seeing the striking red-brick building nestled in the lush greenery is worth the visit. The guided tour is approximately 70 minutes long. After a thorough explanation of the manufacturing process, you'll enjoy a free tasting of three drinks: Miyagikyo, Super Nikka, and apple wine. Rock, spring water, carbonated water, and stirrers are provided as mixers. For drivers or those who don't drink alcohol, Asahi soft drinks are available. The female staff member who guided us was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions accurately. Even if you're not interested in whiskey, I highly recommend it—it's enjoyable for everyone. The availability of a locker room and shuttle bus is also a plus. You'll be walking outdoors quite a bit, so sunscreen is recommended in the summer.