Located in Sakurao, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Sakurao Distillery (SAKURAO DISTILLERY) is conveniently situated with easy access to the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima). This makes it an ideal stop during your travels. The guided tour allows visitors to learn about the production of gin made with locally sourced botanicals from Hiroshima, as well as single malt and grain whisky. After the tour, you can enjoy tasting sessions and shopping at the Visitor Center, making it a great place to combine sightseeing with Japan’s spirits culture.
When searching for “桜尾蒸留所” (Sakurao Distillery) on Google Maps, the location may point slightly off target. Please make sure to head to “SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER”, where the shop and tour reception are located.
Address: 1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture— [View on Google Maps]
Nearest stations: JR Sanyo Main Line “Hatsukaichi” Station (approx. 10 min on foot) / Hiroden Miyajima Line “Hiroden-Hatsukaichi” Station (approx. 8 min on foot)
Local Line (approx. 20–30 min): Take the JR Sanyo Main Line (towards Iwakuni) and get off at “Hatsukaichi” Station → approx. 10 min walk.
Fare: ¥330 (one way)
Shinkansen + Local Line (approx. 4 hr + 30 min): Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to “Hiroshima” (approx. 4 hr) → Transfer to JR Sanyo Main Line to “Hatsukaichi” (approx. 20–30 min) → approx. 10 min walk.
Fare: Tokyo → Hiroshima (one way, reserved seat): ¥19,560
Shinkansen + Local Line (approx. 1 hr 20–30 min + 30 min): Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to “Hiroshima” (shortest approx. 1 hr 20 min) → Transfer to JR Sanyo Main Line to “Hatsukaichi” (approx. 20–30 min) → approx. 10 min walk.
Fare: Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima (one way, reserved seat): ¥10,220
The story of Sakurao Distillery traces back to 1918, when its predecessor, Chugoku Jozo, was founded. Originally focusing on sake and shochu, the company gradually expanded into the world of distilled spirits with a global outlook.
2017–2018: The Sakurao Distillery was newly established, alongside the opening of its Visitor Center. Designed as a “showcase distillery,” it began welcoming both domestic and international visitors.
2021: The company changed its name to Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co., Ltd. The single malts “Sakurao” and “Togouchi” were officially released, solidifying its presence in Japan’s whisky scene.
Part of its cask maturation takes place in the cool climate of Akiota Town’s Togouchi Tunnel, a former JR railway tunnel that imparts a distinctive character to the whisky.
Looking ahead, in Autumn 2025, the company plans to open the “SAKURAO YOSHIWA WHISKY PARK” in the Yoshiwa area, blending nature with whisky culture to create a new tourism hub.
The distillery offers paid guided tours by reservation only. Visitors can walk through the production areas for gin, malt, and grain whisky, while learning about the process along the way. Tours are available in both Japanese and English, selectable at the time of booking.
Reservation page (official): https://www4.revn.jp/sakuraodistillery/
(Please check the official page for details on fees, starting times, and duration.)
The tour includes short films, a visit to the cask warehouse, and ends with a tasting session. The tasting fee is included in the tour price, and participants receive a complimentary tasting glass to take home.
At the Visitor Center, visitors can purchase a range of spirits, including whisky and gin. Among them, the “Single Malt Miyanishika”—a blend of original malts from both “Sakurao” and “Togouchi”—is available exclusively at the shop. Availability may vary, but if you find it, it is highly recommended.
Credit card payment is accepted at the Visitor Center.
Visitor Center
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Closed: Every 2nd Sunday of the month (plus irregular closures on national holidays, Obon, and New Year holidays)
Admission: Free (Distillery tours are paid and require reservation)
Note: This article is based on information available as of May 12, 2025.
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