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Sakurao Distillery & Brewery

4.5
·110 reviews·Hatsukaichi, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow
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Gin still

Sakurao Distillery & Brewery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.5
(110 reviews)

"An excellent tour for a good price, with incredibly kind and knowledgeable guides!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sakurao Gin Tasting

Sakurao Gin Tasting

Visitor Centre

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

Reddit
Whiskey Production Insight

Whiskey Production Insight

Distillery Floor

Learn about the meticulous process of whiskey making, from fermentation to aging in various casks.

Reddit
Intimate Distillery Tour

Intimate Distillery Tour

Throughout the Distillery

Enjoy a personal and informative tour, often with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into spirits creation.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours offer an intimate look at the distilling process and include tastings. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially if you missed out on a previous visit. Reddit

Embrace the Tasting Experience

The tours often include generous samples of their popular gins and other spirits. Be prepared to enjoy a variety of flavors and learn about their unique botanicals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, full tasting options
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Secure your spot for the distillery tour and tasting to avoid disappointment. Reddit :ticket:

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The team is friendly and knowledgeable, with good English skills to assist visitors. Reddit :speech_balloon:

🥃 Savor the Samples

The tours often include generous tastings of their excellent gins and spirits. Reddit :tumbler_glass:

🚶‍♀️ Allow 90 Minutes

Plan for about 90 minutes to fully enjoy the tour and tasting experience. Reddit :stopwatch:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Secure your spot for the distillery tour and tasting to avoid disappointment. Reddit :ticket:

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The team is friendly and knowledgeable, with good English skills to assist visitors. Reddit :speech_balloon:

🥃 Savor the Samples

The tours often include generous tastings of their excellent gins and spirits. Reddit :tumbler_glass:

🚶‍♀️ Allow 90 Minutes

Plan for about 90 minutes to fully enjoy the tour and tasting experience. Reddit :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(110 reviews)

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

Informative and intimate tours
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Excellent gin and whiskey

What People Dislike

Tours can sell out

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The distillery tour, which includes tastings, is priced around ¥2000. It's considered an excellent value for the experience and samples provided. Reddit

Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, as tours can fill up, and some visitors have missed out on them. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The distillery tour and tasting experience usually takes around 90 minutes to complete, allowing ample time to learn and sample. Reddit

Guides at Sakurao Distillery are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, kind, and engaging, making the tour a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The atmosphere is often described as intimate and personal, especially compared to larger distilleries, offering a more focused and enjoyable visitor experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The distillery is located in Hatsukaichi City, which has various dining options. You can find local eateries and restaurants offering Japanese cuisine. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Sakurao Distillery is primarily focused on adult spirits, families can still find value in a visit, particularly if older children or teens are interested in learning about production processes. The visitor center offers an educational glimpse into how gin and whiskey are made, which can be fascinating for curious minds. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Sakurao Distillery offers excellent value, especially with its ¥2000 tour that includes a substantial tasting. This makes it an affordable way to experience a high-quality distillery and sample premium spirits. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍸 Spirits Enthusiasts

For those passionate about spirits, Sakurao Distillery is a must-visit. The opportunity to taste their unique Sakurao Gin, crafted with local botanicals, and to learn about their developing single malt whiskey is invaluable. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Sakurao Gin

Sakurao Distillery takes pride in its Sakurao Gin, a spirit crafted with a unique blend of botanicals sourced from Hiroshima. This dedication to local ingredients sets their gin apart, offering a distinct flavor profile that is popular among locals and visitors alike. The original Sakurao Gin is particularly noted for its excellent taste when mixed into a classic gin and tonic. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Whiskey in the Making

While Sakurao Distillery is already celebrated for its gin, it is also embarking on an exciting journey into whiskey production. The distillery is actively aging its single malt whiskey, with plans for future releases that incorporate peated malt and Mizunara oak barrels. This forward-thinking approach signals a significant development for the brand and the Japanese whisky scene. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

An Intimate Distillery Experience

One of the most frequently praised aspects of Sakurao Distillery is the intimate and personal nature of its tours. Unlike larger, more commercial distilleries, Sakurao offers a more focused and engaging experience, often compared to the Dingle Distillery. This allows visitors to feel more connected to the process and the people behind the spirits. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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