“I want to try Japanese whisky. Where do I start?”

Japanese whisky is world-famous! But be prepared – premium bottles are expensive and rare.

Famous Brands

“What should I know?”

Major distilleries:

• Suntory – Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki
• Nikka – Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Taketsuru

Premium bottles are hard to find due to global demand!

How to Drink

“What’s the Japanese way?”

Popular styles:

• Highball – Whisky + soda, very popular!
• On the rocks – With ice
• Straight – For tasting
• Mizuwari – With water

Highball is huge in Japan – try it at izakaya!

Where to Try

“Where can I taste it?”

Options:

• Bars with whisky selection
• Izakaya (highballs)
• Whisky bars in major cities
• Distillery tours (book ahead!)
• Hotel bars

Convenience stores – Have basic brands at good prices.

Buying Whisky

“Where to buy bottles?”

Shops:

• Department store liquor sections
• Specialty liquor stores
• Airport duty-free
• Don Quijote (limited selection)

Warning: Rare bottles are very expensive or unavailable!

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Drink highballs at izakaya
• Know premium whisky is pricey
• Enjoy whisky year-round
• Understand the global demand

Extra Travel Tips

1. Highball first – Great introduction to Japanese whisky

2. Don’t expect rare bottles – They’re really hard to find

3. Airport duty-free – Sometimes has good selection

4. Distillery tours – Book months ahead

5. Budget options – Suntory Toki, Black Nikka are accessible

Have more questions about drinks in Japan? Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for daily tips!