Located in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, Saburomaru Distillery is one of Japan’s oldest craft whisky distilleries, founded in 1952. Specializing in heavy peated whisky — known for its intense smoky aroma — the distillery has gained attention both in Japan and abroad.
This article introduces how to get there, the distillery’s unique features, its history, and what visitors can enjoy on-site.
Address: 208 Saburomaru, Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture – Google Maps
Saburomaru Distillery is conveniently located right in front of JR Jōhana Line’s Aburaden Station. As soon as you step out of the station, you will see the distillery’s parking lot, and it takes only about 30 seconds on foot to reach the entrance.
Below are directions to Aburaden Station from three starting points: Toyama Station, Tokyo Station, and Shin-Osaka Station.
Local Train (Approx. 46 min)
Take the Ainokaze Toyama Railway (formerly Hokuriku Main Line) from Toyama Station to Takaoka Station (approx. 17 min)
Transfer to the JR Jōhana Line and take it to Aburaden Station (approx. 19 min)
Estimated one-way fare: approx. ¥630
Shinkansen + Local Train (Approx. 3 hr 55 min)
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki or Hakutaka) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Takaoka Station (approx. 3 hr 30 min)
Tip: The Kagayaki makes fewer stops and is faster.
Transfer to the JR Jōhana Line and take it to Aburaden Station (approx. 25 min)
Estimated one-way fare: approx. ¥15,000–16,000 (unreserved seat + local train)
Shinkansen + Local Train (Approx. 3 hr 15 min)
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi or Hikari) from Shin-Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station (approx. 2 hr 30 min)
Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka or Tsurugi) and go to Shin-Takaoka Station (approx. 20 min)
Transfer to the JR Jōhana Line and take it to Aburaden Station (approx. 25 min)
Estimated one-way fare: approx. ¥12,000–13,000 (unreserved seat + local train)
Saburomaru Distillery is a craft whisky distillery operated by Wakatsuru Shuzō Co., Ltd., a company best known as a sake brewer.
In the post-war recovery era of 1952, Wakatsuru Shuzō began whisky production, adding a new chapter to its history.
The most distinctive feature of Saburomaru is that it is a distillery dedicated exclusively to heavily peated whisky. It uses malt dried with peat imported from Scotland, achieving a phenol level (intensity of smoky aroma) comparable to Islay malts from Scotland.
In 2017, the distillery introduced ZEMON, the world’s first pot still made of bronze. Thanks to its excellent heat conductivity and durability, this equipment contributes to both efficient distillation and enhanced flavor.
Although production is small-scale, Saburomaru’s unique, high-quality whiskies are exported to many countries and have earned strong recognition among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Saburomaru Distillery obtained its whisky production license in 1952, launching a new business venture for Wakatsuru Shuzō.
It was a time of Japan’s rapid economic growth after World War II, when Western culture and a fascination with Western liquor were spreading quickly.
Since then, the distillery has continued production on a small scale while staying true to its peated style, even after the Heisei era (1989–2019).
In 2016, a full-scale renovation project was launched, and in the following year, 2017, new facilities began operation.
A guided tour program and a tasting space were also established, greatly enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.
Today, the distillery offers many rare products, including limited-edition bottles and single-cask whiskies, delighting visitors and collectors alike.
Official Tour Information
The distillery offers guided tours by advance reservation.
You can observe the production process, equipment, and the barrel aging warehouse, and finish with a tasting session.
Some exclusive whiskies are available for tasting or purchase only for tour participants.
As for English guidance, the official website does not explicitly state it, so tours are likely conducted mainly in Japanese.
However, since there is an English booking form, some degree of English support may be available.
You can purchase single malt whiskies, blended whiskies, canned highballs, and more.
Self-serve Tasting Procedure
Purchase a tasting ochoko cup from a capsule toy machine (500 yen).
Purchase tasting coins from a vending machine (200 yen per coin).
Insert a coin, place your cup under the dispenser of your chosen whisky, and press the button (approx. 10 ml).
Notes:
Tour participants receive a complimentary dedicated glass.
Tasting coins and ochoko cups are cash only (credit cards are accepted for shop purchases).
Official Website
The attached restaurant serves lunch, bar-time light bites, and dinner.
Dinner reservations are recommended as seats can fill up quickly.
Saburomaru Distillery
Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Wednesdays)
Admission: Free
Kamado flamme Tanzaburo
Lunch: 11:00 – 14:00 (Last Order 14:00)
Bar Time: 14:00 – 16:30 (Last Order 16:00)
Whisky, sake, snacks, and desserts only
Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00
Closed on Wednesdays (If Wednesday is a national holiday, closed on Thursday instead)
Note: The information in this article is current as of April 13, 2025. Please check the official website for the latest details, as hours, services, and prices may change.
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