
Sakurao Distillery & Brewery
Discover the craft of Japanese spirits at Sakurao Distillery & Brewery, known for its unique gins and emerging single malt whiskey. Experience intimat...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

Sakurao Distillery & Brewery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the craft of Japanese spirits at Sakurao Distillery & Brewery, known for its unique gins and emerging single malt whiskey. Experience intimate tours and tastings.
"An excellent tour for a good price, with incredibly kind and knowledgeable guides!"

🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the distillery tour and tasting to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🗣️ Engage with Staff
The team is friendly and knowledgeable, with good English skills to assist visitors. :speech_balloon:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sakurao Gin Tasting
Visitor Centre
Experience the distinct characteristics of Sakurao's popular gins, crafted with local Hiroshima botanicals.

Whiskey Production Insight
Distillery Floor
Learn about the meticulous process of whiskey making, from fermentation to aging in various casks.

Intimate Distillery Tour
Throughout the Distillery
Enjoy a personal and informative tour, often with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into spirits creation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the distillery tour and tasting to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🗣️ Engage with Staff
The team is friendly and knowledgeable, with good English skills to assist visitors. :speech_balloon:
🥃 Savor the Samples
The tours often include generous tastings of their excellent gins and spirits. :tumbler_glass:
🚶♀️ Allow 90 Minutes
Plan for about 90 minutes to fully enjoy the tour and tasting experience. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for the distillery tour and tasting to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🗣️ Engage with Staff
The team is friendly and knowledgeable, with good English skills to assist visitors. :speech_balloon:
🥃 Savor the Samples
The tours often include generous tastings of their excellent gins and spirits. :tumbler_glass:
🚶♀️ Allow 90 Minutes
Plan for about 90 minutes to fully enjoy the tour and tasting experience. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sakurao Distillery for its intimate and informative tours, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The quality and taste of their Sakurao Gin and the anticipation for their developing whiskey are major draws. While some may miss out on tours due to lack of advance booking, the overall experience is highly recommended for its value and engaging atmosphere.
"I visited here after tasting their gin at the hotel and it was a great experience. I missed out on getting onto the tour but the staff at the shop/visitor centre were outstanding with good English (and put up with my bad Japanese). If I get back, I will book a tour in advance. I love this gin."
Lord Paul Myers
"Definitely worth taking the time to join the tour if you are visiting Hiroshima! Interesting to learn more about the different processes and ingredients used.
It takes around 90 minutes for the tour and tasting!"
Amelia
"桜尾蒸留所 SAKURAO Distillery
A distillery opened in Sakurao, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture in 2017 through steady corporate efforts.
A single malt with the motif of Miya no Shika (Miyajima deer), the messenger of the gods, has been released.
Angels' share is 2% per year (Sakurao)
Distillation is done at Sakurao, but different whiskeys are made using different fermenters, stills, bourbon and sherry casks, storage, etc.
Sakurao with a light liquor quality and Togouchi with a solid quality
New developments using peated malt and Mizunara oak barrels in the future
The main potstills is made by Arnold Holstein, Germany.
Sakurao gin made with botanicals from Hiroshima is popular among locals."
テルクス
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sakurao Distillery is located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. You can typically reach it by train from Hiroshima Station to Hatsukaichi Station, followed by a local bus or taxi. Checking local transport schedules is advised for the most efficient route.
Information regarding parking availability at Sakurao Distillery is not widely detailed online, but it's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on visitor parking.
Many visitors opt for public transportation, combining train and bus services from Hiroshima. This allows for a relaxed journey and avoids any potential parking hassles.
Yes, Sakurao Distillery is relatively close to Miyajima Island. You can take a short ferry ride back to the mainland and then proceed to the distillery via local transport, making it a feasible day trip.
Sakurao Distillery is located in Hatsukaichi City, which is near Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can combine your visit with exploring the island's famous Itsukushima Shrine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The distillery tour, which includes tastings, is priced around ¥2000. It's considered an excellent value for the experience and samples provided.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, as tours can fill up, and some visitors have missed out on them.
Specific opening hours for the visitor center and tours can vary. It's best to check the official Sakurao Distillery website for the most current operating hours and tour availability.
While tours are highly recommended for the full experience, you can likely visit the shop and visitor center without a tour. However, to learn about the process and taste the products, the tour is essential.
As with most distilleries offering tastings, there will be an age restriction, typically 20 years or older, in line with Japanese drinking laws. Please verify this with the distillery directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The distillery tour and tasting experience usually takes around 90 minutes to complete, allowing ample time to learn and sample.
Guides at Sakurao Distillery are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, kind, and engaging, making the tour a highlight for many visitors.
Sakurao Distillery is known for its popular gins made with Hiroshima botanicals, and they are also developing their single malt whiskey, with different expressions using various casks.
While the tasting is a key part of the tour, the educational aspect of learning about the distilling process is engaging for everyone. Non-drinkers can still appreciate the history and craftsmanship.
The atmosphere is often described as intimate and personal, especially compared to larger distilleries, offering a more focused and enjoyable visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sakurao Distillery primarily focuses on spirits production and tastings. While they may offer small snacks, a full dining experience is not typically available on-site. It's best to dine in Hatsukaichi or Hiroshima.
Yes, the visitor center has a shop where you can purchase their popular gins, whiskeys, and other spirits directly. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs.
The distillery is located in Hatsukaichi City, which has various dining options. You can find local eateries and restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.
Sakurao Gin, especially the original, is excellent in a gin and tonic. For food pairings, consider light seafood dishes or local Japanese appetizers that complement its botanical notes.
It's generally not recommended to bring outside food into a distillery's tasting or tour areas. It's best to enjoy any food before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most public areas of Sakurao Distillery, allowing you to capture the stills and the visitor center. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or guide instructions.
The visitor center with its displays, the impressive German-made pot stills, and the tasting bar are popular spots for photos. The exterior of the distillery can also offer nice shots.
Yes, the distilling equipment, including the Arnold Holstein pot stills, is a key feature and generally available for photography, offering a glimpse into the production process.
Drone usage is typically restricted at most private facilities and tourist attractions due to safety and privacy concerns. It's highly unlikely to be permitted at Sakurao Distillery.
A versatile camera, whether a smartphone or a dedicated camera, is ideal. Good lighting conditions inside the distillery will help capture clear images of the equipment and products.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the educational aspects of the tour, such as the machinery and the botanical ingredients. The staff are known for being welcoming and accommodating, and they can often tailor explanations to be more accessible. Ensure that any tasting portions are handled responsibly and that children are supervised at all times. Consider it more of an educational outing than a purely recreational one for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting on a weekday when tours might be less crowded, allowing for a more personal experience. The shop also offers a chance to purchase bottles, which can be a memorable souvenir. Plan your transportation to the distillery efficiently, perhaps by combining train and bus routes from Hiroshima to minimize travel costs.
🍸 Spirits Enthusiasts
The intimate tour setting, coupled with knowledgeable guides, provides deep insights into their distillation techniques and aging processes. Pay close attention to the details about their German-made pot stills and their plans for future expressions using peated malt and Mizunara oak. The tasting portion is generous and allows for a thorough appreciation of their product range.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Sakurao Gin
Beyond the original, the distillery experiments with different gin expressions, showcasing their creativity and commitment to quality. Each gin is a testament to the meticulous distillation process and the careful selection of botanicals, promising a delightful experience for gin enthusiasts.
Visitors can learn more about the specific botanicals used and the inspiration behind each gin during the informative distillery tours. This hands-on experience allows guests to appreciate the nuances of each spirit and understand why Sakurao Gin has garnered such acclaim.
Whiskey in the Making
The whiskey production involves careful attention to detail, utilizing different fermenters, stills, and a variety of casks such as bourbon and sherry casks for aging. The main pot stills used are German-made Arnold Holstein models, indicating a commitment to high-quality equipment for their distilling operations.
Visitors can gain insight into the early stages of their whiskey's maturation during tours, understanding the long-term vision and dedication involved in creating a fine single malt. The anticipation for their mature whiskey releases is palpable among spirits aficionados.
An Intimate Distillery Experience
Tour guides are consistently highlighted for their exceptional knowledge, kindness, and ability to explain complex distilling processes clearly. Even guides who are not typically tour leaders are noted for their expertise, ensuring a rich and informative visit for everyone.
The tours provide a comprehensive walkthrough of both whiskey and gin production, from fermentation to distillation and aging. The experience is further enhanced by the generous tasting sessions, making it a highly recommended activity for anyone visiting the Hiroshima area.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit