Hey loves, Sofia here! So, let’s spill the tea. When you think of Japan, your mind probably jumps to ancient temples, neon-drenched cityscapes, and maybe some seriously next-level sushi. And like, you’re not wrong, that’s all part of the magic. But what if I told you there’s a new wave crashing on Japan’s shores, a movement so cool, so aesthetic, and so incredibly delicious that it’s redefining the whole beverage scene? I’m talking about the craft gin revolution, or as I like to call it, the Japanese Gin-aissance! Forget everything you thought you knew about gin. This isn’t your grandma’s London Dry. We’re talking about a spirit that captures the actual soul of Japan in a bottle. Think of the zesty punch of yuzu, the tingly spice of sansho pepper, the delicate whisper of cherry blossoms, and the grounding zen of green tea. These distilleries are basically bottling the country’s seasons and landscapes. But it’s not just about the taste—it’s the whole entire vibe. These places are stunning, modern sanctuaries of botanical brilliance. They are architectural marvels, blending minimalist Japanese design with lush, natural surroundings. Visiting them isn’t just a tour; it’s a full-on sensory experience, a main-character moment waiting to happen. It’s about seeing the gleaming copper stills up close, learning from passionate artisans who live and breathe their craft, and of course, tasting gin so fresh and unique it’ll change your life. So, if you’re looking to level up your Japan itinerary with something that’s totally on-trend, endlessly photogenic, and authentically Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to explore the distilleries that are setting the world of spirits on fire. It’s time to sip, savor, and see a whole new side of Japan. Let’s go!
For a different but equally essential take on Japan’s modern drinking scene, you should also explore the fascinating world of Japanese highball culture.
Ki No Bi: Kyoto’s OG Gin, Like, Srsly Aesthetic
Alright, let’s begin in the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. This city embodies elegance, making it the perfect home for the distillery that essentially put Japanese gin on the world stage: The Kyoto Distillery, creators of the iconic Ki No Bi gin. This is no ordinary distillery; it’s a statement. It’s where centuries of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship receive a stylish, modern update. Ki No Bi means ‘The Beauty of the Seasons,’ and truly, no name could be more fitting. This gin captures the essence of Kyoto in a glass.
The Atmosphere: Tradition Meets Contemporary Style
Forget about dusty, industrial spaces. The Ki No Bi experience hub, known as ‘The House of Ki No Bi,’ is a beautifully restored traditional machiya (wooden townhouse) that’s a visual masterpiece. Picture stepping through a sliding wooden door into a room where dark, aged timber beams blend seamlessly with sleek, minimalist furnishings. The lighting is soft and ambient, creating a vibe that’s both exclusive and warmly inviting. It’s a perfect example of Japanese design philosophy, where every detail has meaning and purpose. The air carries a subtle scent of hinoki wood and botanicals. There’s a serene respect in the space, encouraging you to slow down and truly honor the craft. The main bar is an artwork in itself, featuring a polished wooden counter and a backlit display of exquisite bottles, each resembling a potion from a high-end apothecary. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours soaking in the peaceful energy. Every corner offers a photo-worthy moment, from the traditional inner garden (tsuboniwa) that invites nature inside, to the intricate wooden craftsmanship. It perfectly embodies their philosophy: honoring Kyoto’s deep heritage while innovating in modern distillation.
The Botanicals: The Heart of Ki No Bi
Here’s where Ki No Bi truly shines. The gin is crafted from six distinct flavor categories, each distilled separately before being masterfully blended. This is next-level precision and care, known in Japan as kodawari. Let’s explore this botanical lineup. The ‘Base’ features juniper, balanced with orris and hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood chips. Hinoki adds a transformative note, evoking the scent of a sacred Kyoto temple grove. The ‘Citrus’ element comes from vibrant yuzu, sourced from northern Kyoto Prefecture. This citrus isn’t just lemon-like; it’s complex, floral, and unmistakably Japanese. For ‘Tea,’ they use premium Gyokuro green tea from the historic Uji region, bringing delicate sweetness and umami richness. The ‘Herbal’ component includes sansho pepper—using both the berries and leaves—to deliver a uniquely Japanese, mildly numbing sensation that’s addictive. Ginger adds a clean, warming touch for the ‘Spice’ element. Lastly, ‘Fruity & Floral’ notes come from red shiso and bamboo leaves, imparting subtle sweetness and complexity. The result is a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors that’s elegant and distinctly Kyoto.
The Experience: What to Do
The House of Ki No Bi offers an immersive journey. You’re not just tasting gin; you’re discovering its story. Their gin tastings are famous, guided by experts who walk you through the six flavor elements, letting you smell and taste each distillate individually before sampling the final blended Ki No Bi. It’s an eye-opening experience that changes how you appreciate the spirit. You deconstruct the masterpiece before savoring the complete harmony. For those wanting a hands-on adventure, their gin-blending classes are a must. You get to become a master blender for the day, mixing the six distillates to create your own unique bottle of gin to take home. You decide the proportions, craft your personal profile, and leave with a truly special souvenir. It’s a fascinating, intimate process that deepens your respect for their Master Blender’s expertise. Or simply take a seat at the bar and enjoy a perfectly made cocktail. Their signature Gin & Tonic is crafted with a custom tonic water designed to complement Ki No Bi, garnished with a sliver of yuzu. It’s simple, elegant, and lets the gin shine.
Location & Details
The House of Ki No Bi is centrally located in Kyoto, making it an easy stop during your sightseeing. It’s near the Nijo Castle area, accessible by subway or bus. Visiting here is a wonderful way to unwind after a day of temple visits. You can explore Kyoto’s historic streets, maybe rent a kimono for the full experience, and then step into this modern sanctuary to taste the city’s innovative spirit. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the blending classes, as it’s a popular and intimate experience. Pair your visit with a stroll through Nishiki Market or a walk along the Kamo River for an ideal day in Kyoto.
9148 Gin in Hokkaido: It’s Giving Northern Botanical Realness
Let’s journey far north to the wild, expansive island of Hokkaido, a place worlds apart from the ancient temples of Kyoto. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, incredible powder snow, and an abundance of remarkable food, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, Sapporo, is home to the Benizakura Distillery. This distillery embodies the untamed spirit of the north and produces the intriguing 9148 Gin. The name is a clever wordplay—‘9148’ reads as ‘Kyuu-Ichi-Yon-Hachi’ in Japanese, echoing the sounds of their key ingredients. Benizakura Distillery celebrates the unique and sometimes surprising botanicals native to Hokkaido.
A Whole Mood: Sapporo’s Secret Garden
The atmosphere is everything here. Benizakura Distillery isn’t hidden in an industrial zone; it’s nestled within Benizakura Park, a beautiful private green space that feels like a secret garden retreat from the city. The distillery itself is a striking piece of modern architecture—a sleek black building with expansive glass windows that seamlessly blend indoors with outdoors. In spring, cherry blossoms envelop you; summer brings lush greenery; autumn showcases fiery red leaves; and winter covers everything in a serene white blanket of snow. Inside, the minimalist, industrial aesthetic prevails, with polished concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and warm wooden details. The shining copper alembic still, visible from the tasting area, serves as the centerpiece. It feels less like a factory and more like a chic, contemporary art gallery that happens to craft outstanding gin. The connection to nature is tangible—you can see the inspiration just outside the window, making the experience deeply grounded in its surroundings.
Spill the Gin: The Flavor Profile
If Ki No Bi embodies refined elegance, 9148 Gin exudes bold, rustic authenticity. The distillers are culinary adventurers, foraging for hyper-local ingredients that narrate Hokkaido’s story. Their flagship gin is a delightful wild ride for the palate. While it features classic juniper, the uniqueness shines through with additions like Hidaka kelp, a type of seaweed that lends a subtle savory umami note and a whisper of salinity reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze. It’s remarkable. Dried shiitake mushrooms add an earthy, woody complexity that’s both rich and comforting. To complete the blend, dried daikon radish strips—a staple in Japanese cooking—offer a gentle, peppery sweetness. Though it may sound unconventional, the result is a savory, complex, and utterly distinctive gin. It captures the essence of Hokkaido’s terroir—the forests, sea, and fields. Produced in small batches with ongoing experimentation, you might encounter limited-edition varieties featuring seasonal ingredients such as local haskap berries or mountain vegetables during your visit.
Your Itinerary Inspo: The Distillery Experience
Visiting Benizakura is an intimate and relaxed experience. You can tour the small-scale distillery for a close look at their beautiful still and production process. The passionate team is eager to share insights into their unique botanical selections and distillation techniques. The tasting room, with its large windows offering views of the park, is perfect for lingering. Sample their gins neat to savor the full flavor complexity, or enjoy them in expertly crafted cocktails. Thanks to the gin’s savory characteristics, it makes an exceptional Martini or Gibson. It also pairs wonderfully with food, and there’s often an on-site restaurant or café where you can indulge in a complete culinary pairing. Picture sipping a 9148 Gin and Tonic while enjoying dishes made from fresh, local Hokkaido ingredients—a perfect expression of the island’s farm-to-table (and sea-to-glass) ethos. Visiting here feels like uncovering a hidden gem where innovation and nature beautifully coexist.
Navigating the North
The distillery is situated in Sapporo’s Minami Ward, a short distance from the city center but easily reachable by subway followed by a brief taxi ride or a pleasant walk. The journey itself adds to the adventure, transitioning from Sapporo’s urban bustle to a serene, natural setting. You might combine your visit with exploration of nearby Makomanai Park or Sapporo Art Park for a full day of culture and nature. In winter, it offers a cozy refuge from the cold, while in warmer months, spending time wandering Benizakura Park before or after tasting makes for a truly refreshing and unique Sapporo experience.
Tokyo Riverside Distillery: Sustainable Sips? We Stan.
Now let’s return to the world’s largest and most vibrant metropolis: Tokyo. Known for being at the forefront of innovation, it’s no surprise that here you’ll find a distillery redefining what gin can be. Nestled in the trendy, emerging district of Kuramae is The Ethical Spirits & Co.’s Tokyo Riverside Distillery. And the name really captures it: this place isn’t just producing gin; it has a purpose. They are pioneers of sustainable distilling, turning ingredients that would otherwise be discarded into liquid gold. It’s eco-chic, delicious, and unmistakably Tokyo.
The Aesthetic: Eco-Chic Urban Vibes
Kuramae, often referred to as the ‘Brooklyn of Tokyo,’ is an ideal home for this distillery. It’s a community of artisans, coffee roasters, and independent shops set along the Sumida River. The distillery perfectly embodies this spirit. It’s a multi-level venue with a ground floor that serves as a bar, tasting room, and distillery all in one. The style is industrial chic: think exposed concrete walls, steel beams, and a massive, gleaming copper still proudly displayed behind the bar as the centerpiece. You’re literally enjoying a cocktail just a few feet from where it’s crafted. Natural light floods the space through large street-facing windows, creating an atmosphere that’s both creative and relaxed. It functions as a working distillery but is also designed as a social hub—a place where people gather, learn, and savor. The design is intentional and mindful, using reclaimed materials wherever possible and maintaining a raw, authentic feel that reflects their brand ethos.
The Story Behind the Spirits
What sets Ethical Spirits’ gin apart is its origin story. Their central mission is to minimize waste, especially from the sake and beer industries. Their flagship gin, ‘Last,’ is produced by redistilling sake lees—the paste-like sediment left from sake production. Sake lees are packed with rich flavor and aroma, yet much of it is discarded annually. By using this as the base spirit, they craft a gin with a unique creamy texture and a subtly sweet, fruity profile reminiscent of pear and apple—notes you won’t find in traditional grain-based gins. On top of this exceptional base, they add botanicals like cacao nibs sourced from a local Tokyo chocolatier, contributing a deep, bitter complexity. Another gin, ‘Revive,’ is made from surplus Budweiser beer leftover from the pandemic. They distill the beer into a spirit essence and then infuse it with botanicals such as juniper and lemon peel—a brilliant example of boozy recycling. This dedication to sustainability is more than a gimmick; it’s embedded in everything they do, resulting in gins that are both environmentally responsible and refreshingly inventive.
Tokyo Riverside Distillery: More Than Just Bottles
Tokyo Riverside Distillery is not merely a place to purchase gin—it’s a destination. The bar is one of the coolest in the neighborhood to enjoy a drink. The bartenders are true artisans, crafting inventive cocktails that highlight the distinct characteristics of their gins. You can order a tasting flight to sample their different varieties or try a signature drink like the Cacao Espresso Martini that’s sure to impress. The best part is the openness. You can sit at the bar, watch the distiller in action, and ask questions. They also host workshops and events, fostering a community built around a shared passion for craft spirits and sustainability. This approach breaks down the barrier between producer and consumer, making the experience intimate and engaging. It’s an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, a night out with friends, or a solo dive into Tokyo’s craft scene. You leave with not only a great buzz but also a meaningful story and a deeper appreciation for the city’s creative spirit.
Getting to Kuramae
Kuramae is easily reached via the Toei Asakusa and Toei Oedo subway lines, with the distillery just a short walk from Kuramae Station. The neighborhood itself deserves hours of exploration. Before your gin tasting, you might stroll along the Sumida River, enjoy specialty coffee at Sol’s Coffee, or peruse the exquisite stationery and lifestyle items at Kakimori. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the hectic pace of Shibuya or Shinjuku, offering a peek into a more creative, local side of Tokyo. A visit to the Tokyo Riverside Distillery makes a perfect anchor for a day discovering this vibrant area.
Sakurao Gin: That Seaside Glow-Up in Hiroshima
Our final destination brings us to the lively coastal city of Hiroshima. Known for its remarkable resilience and commitment to peace, Hiroshima also serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Seto Inland Sea. Along the shores of this sea, in the town of Hatsukaichi, lies the Sakurao Distillery. Nestled where the mountains meet the ocean, this unique landscape directly inspires their exceptionally crafted gins. Operated by a sake brewery with a history spanning more than a century, the distillery perfectly blends tradition with innovation, all set against a stunning backdrop.
Views for Days: A Distillery by the Water
Let’s be honest, the Sakurao Distillery’s location is truly spectacular. The building is a modern architectural marvel, perched right on the water’s edge with sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and the iconic Miyajima Island, complete with its famous floating torii gate visible in the distance. Its design is sleek and contemporary, with expansive glass walls that seemingly bring the sea and sky indoors. Inside, the visitor center is bright, airy, and spacious, featuring a lofty ceiling and stylish modern decor. The distillery tour guides you through their cutting-edge facility, showcasing hybrid stills imported from Germany. The entire site gleams with a meticulous sense of pride and precision. The highlight, naturally, is the tasting bar, strategically placed for optimal views. Enjoying gin while watching boats drift across the shimmering sea creates an unforgettable experience. It’s a world-class distillery in a truly world-class location.
A Taste of the Coast: Hiroshima’s Finest
Sakurao offers two signature gins, each telling a distinct story about Hiroshima. The ‘Original’ honors the mountains, featuring a blend of nine botanicals from the Hiroshima region, including fresh citrus like navel and sweet summer hassaku oranges, as well as hinoki and kuromoji, a fragrant spicebush. The standout ingredient, however, is cherry blossoms (sakura), which lend the gin a delicate and enchanting floral elegance. The second gin, the ‘Limited,’ pays tribute to the sea, venturing into truly remarkable territory. It incorporates seventeen botanicals, the most notable being oysters. That’s right—they distill oyster shells to extract a mineral essence that imparts a subtle brininess and a crisp, refreshing character. Far from fishy, it captures the clean, saline essence of a sea breeze. Paired with locally sourced lemons from Hiroshima’s seaside groves, this gin perfectly embodies the spirit of the Seto Inland Sea. Both gins celebrate the region’s rich natural bounty and the distillers’ innovative craft.
Make it a Moment: Tours and Tastings
Visiting Sakurao is a refined and engaging experience. They offer regular guided tours (reservations recommended) that cover the company’s history, its evolution from sake and shochu to gin and whisky, and its detailed production process. You’ll see the stills up close and learn about their distinctive botanical selections. The tour ends with a guided tasting in their elegant tasting room, providing a fantastic chance to compare the ‘Original’ and the ‘Limited’ side by side and appreciate how each botanical blend creates unique flavor profiles. The gift shop is equally impressive, featuring their full range of spirits, exquisite glassware, and local Hiroshima products—ideal for finding a truly special souvenir. The entire visit is seamless, informative, and fosters a deep appreciation for the craft and the stunning environment that inspires it.
Getting to the Good Stuff
Sakurao Distillery is located in Hatsukaichi, just a short trip from central Hiroshima. It’s easily accessed via the JR Sanyo Line to Hatsukaichi Station, followed by about a 15-minute walk. The perfect itinerary combines a distillery visit with a trip to sacred Miyajima Island. You can take a morning ferry to the island to explore the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating gate, meet the friendly local deer, then return to the mainland for an afternoon gin tasting at Sakurao as the sun sets over the sea. It’s a day that beautifully merges Japan’s ancient spiritual heritage with its vibrant modern craft culture.
Final Sip: Your Japanese Gin Journey Awaits
So there you have it! From the refined elegance of Kyoto and the untamed spirit of Hokkaido to the sustainably cool vibe of Tokyo and the coastal charm of Hiroshima, Japan’s craft gin scene is a vast world of flavor and style just waiting to be discovered. These distilleries are much more than mere factories producing spirits—they are cultural landmarks, sensory experiences, and a tribute to the Japanese dedication to craftsmanship, or shokunin. They perfectly embody modern Japan—a nation that honors its traditions while boldly embracing innovation. Each bottle tells the story of its region, its people, and its distinctive botanicals. So on your next trip, venture beyond the sake bar. Seek out these contemporary temples of distillation, engage with the passionate creators, and find the Japanese gin that resonates with your soul. Trust me, it’s a journey your taste buds will appreciate. Ganpai and stay vibey!
