Since the first whisky distillery opened in Japan in 1923, distillers have worked tirelessly to perfect their craft, eventually earning international awards and recognition. Recently, Japan has undergone a craft whisky boom and smaller distilleries have been appearing around the country.

Nagano’s clean air, cool climate and mineral-rich waters make it a suitable place for whisky-making, and there are a growing number of whisky distilleries around the prefecture where you can taste locally produced whisky, take tours of the facilities and learn more about this enchanting spirit.

Consider visiting the distilleries below on your next trip to Nagano.

Mars Komagatake Distillery

Opened in 1985, the Mars Komagatake Distillery (previously known as the Shinshu Mars Distillery) sits at the base of its namesake mountain, the tallest peak in the Central Japanese Alps. A river of crystal-clear water, fed by the snowmelt from the mountains above, flows beside the distillery as it descends into the Ina Valley below.

It is one of two distilleries belonging to the Hombo Shuzo company, whose roots are planted in Kagoshima, a region known for its Shochu spirits. That knowledge has been passed down over generations and adapted to the production of plum and grape wines as well as Japanese whisky.

The Mars Komagatake Distillery produces a range of blended and single malt whiskies and ages them on the premises. Occasionally, the two distilleries of Hombo Shuzo will age a portion of their spirits at one another’s locations, allowing them to inquire into the influence of nature versus nurture.

The distillery offers free self-guided tours and has a tasting bar where you can try a range of its whiskies. Next to the bar is a shop that sells merchandise, limited edition bottles of whisky and locally brewed beers.

Nozawa Onsen Distillery

Tucked away along one of the winding streets of the small village of Nozawa Onsen—known for its steamy hot springs and internationally renowned ski resort—you’ll find a stylish canning-factory-turned-whisky-and-gin-distillery.

Opened in December of 2022, the Nozawa Onsen Distillery wasted no time in earning a name for itself with its carefully crafted gins that utilize botanicals from the local mountains for a Japanese twist on the European spirit. The distillery’s first batch of whisky is currently aging and will be ready in 2026.

At the moment, the distillery offers gin tastings and is planning to offer distillery tours in the near future.

Komoro Distillery

Komoro Distillery sits on a hillside surrounded by forest under the imposing volcano of Mt. Asama. Its large windows showcase the large copper pot stills at the heart of its whisky production while offering visitors a look outside at the idyllic scenery of Komoro’s countryside.

It is one of the newest distilleries in Nagano, having opened on July 23^rd, 2023, but has grand plans for the future. The master blender, Ian Chang, earned numerous awards as a blender at Kavalan Distillery in Taiwan, and as a cofounder of Komoro Distillery, he has the opportunity to pursue his own mission in producing excellent single malt whisky while passing on the teachings of the late Jim Swan.

Like the renowned Karuizawa Distillery (Nagano’s first distillery which closed in 2000), the Komoro Distillery utilizes the mineral-infused waters brewing at the base of volcanic Mt. Asama. The distilled spirit is then aged on premises in primarily mizunara oak casks as well as sherry, ex-bourbon and other casks procured from around the world.

The distillery’s first batch of whiskies will be available in 2026. However, the inhouse bar offers visitors to try their newmake as well as “newborn” whisky (whisky aged less than 3 years). In addition to the bar, the distillery also offers a whisky academy and regular tours through the distillery.

Conclusion

There are many factors that affect the flavor of whisky. High quality barley. Mineral rich water. The natural environment. And of course, the dedication of local distillers. When they come together in harmony, they produce an excellent whisky that reflects the character of the region.

Whisky in Nagano has a history going back over 50 years, and thanks to the recent boom in craft distilleries around Japan, has entered a new era. If you happen to traveling through the region, why not consider visiting one of its distilleries for another taste of Nagano?