Whiskey Horōheki (loosely translated to ‘whiskey wanderlust’) was more than a trail across Japan; it was an experience that brought together a small group of passionate individuals bound by a common love for whiskey and the stories it tells.

Curated by the Single Malt Amateur’s Club-India, this 10-day journey across Osaka, Tokyo and Yoichi offered something far deeper than just a tasting tour – it was about camaraderie, cultural immersion, and discovering whiskey in the context of a nation that treasures quiet craftsmanship.

The idea for this trail emerged over time, the club has always pursued whiskey beyond the bottle, exploring its history, people and influence on culture. Our earlier trail to Scotland, aptly titled ‘Whisky Wanderlust’, had cemented our belief that whiskey journeys should be immersive and deeply personal.

With Japan rising steadily in its global whiskey reputation, it felt natural to undertake a new adventure in a country that approaches the craft with ritual-like discipline.

From the outset, it was clear that Japan would present a different kind of whiskey experience. The bars are intimate, often seating fewer than a dozen people. Distilleries are built around precision and calm.

Every setting we encountered prioritised silence and mindfulness. Even the act of ordering a dram felt ceremonial. It quickly became clear that this trip would demand more from us than enthusiasm. It asked for patience, respect and an openness to doing things differently.

About adaptation

In Osaka, the journey began with the iconic Yamazaki Distillery. Nestled among bamboo groves and framed by gently falling snow, it offered a serene welcome. Yamazaki’s story – rooted in the pioneering work of Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru – reminded us that Japanese whiskey has always been about adaptation, not imitation.

The stills, the water source, the layout of the warehouses, all reflected choices driven by philosophy rather than trend. The tasting included the Yamazaki Puncheon, Spanish Oak, and the ethereal Mizunara expression – each dram offering subtle complexities of fruit, spice and floral elegance.

The surprise of the session, however, was the 25-year-old Sherry cask whiskey, its deep notes of raisins, star anise and dried figs lingering long after the glass was empty.

From the Yamazaki tasting room to the streets of Osaka, the tone of the trip was set. That evening, at Bar Freedom, Tony-san introduced us to an impressive range of whiskies from across Japan.

Among the standouts were the Shizuoka (K & W), Mars The Y.A, Yamazakura Sakura Cask, and the sherry-laden Kanosuke and The Yuza. More than just labels, these expressions gave us a taste of regional diversity and emerging distillers worth watching.

Refined, meditative

By the time we arrived in Tokyo, we had learned to move differently. Groups split in two at bars that couldn’t seat more than five or six people at a time. At Campbeltown Loch, with spiral steps leading into its whiskey-filled cellar, we navigated language barriers with a mixture of gesture, Google Translate, and genuine warmth.

Here, vintage drams like a 30-year-old Claymore and a Scoma 24-year-old Springbank offered a peek into another era of whiskey-making – earthier, oilier, unmistakably old school.

Bar Kage in Ginza provided a contrasting mood: refined, serene and almost meditative. We were ushered into a softly lit room where silence was the natural language.

The tasting lineup unfolded like a carefully scripted play: Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood, Marsmalt Triple Cask, Kanosuke Nouveau Beginnings, Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt, and finally, Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky, Cask No. 14056, bottled at 57% ABV. Each dram was as deliberate and introspective as the space itself.

Then came Chichibu. Not many visitors get to see this distillery, and our access was made possible through years of relationships in the whiskey industry. Chichibu is compact and hands on, run by a dedicated team led by Tai Chi-san, who welcomed us personally.

The Mizunara wash-backs, the small stills, the attention to detail at every turn – it all spoke to a distillery operating at the edge of passion and obsession. We tasted their new make, and expressions like the Wine World Reserve, Red Wine Cask, Double Distillation, Classic Edition, and a floor-malted bottling titled ‘On The Way’. Each revealed a different facet of Chichibu’s house style: fresh, layered, often boundary-pushing.

Sensory experiences

Beyond the dram, Japan’s broader cultural canvas wove itself into our journey. Mount Fuji, with its pristine waters and reverence in local culture, reminded us how nature informs Japanese identity. Even in whiskey, this connection is clear.

Water sources, seasons – and even altitude – contribute to how whiskies evolve. Carrying back a bottle of Fuji’s spring water wasn’t just symbolic, it was a way of taking a piece of that influence home.

At bar Tamahiko in Ikebukuro, the sensory experience was taken even further. Kimizuka-san, the owner, paired his rare whiskey collection with a vinyl music setup that bathed us in jazz as we sipped whiskies like the pre-royal warrant Laphroaig 15-year-old, 12-year-old Dalmore (Japan release), a 1960s Vat 69, and a Turnbull Glenlivet from the late 1800s.

Other rare drams included Old White Horse, Glen Scotia 5-year-old (1950s), and a 1960 Old Crow. This was more than ambience, it was context. Each note of music enhanced what we tasted.

The Bow Bar in Sapporo, run by Junya-san, was a different kind of experience altogether. Here, rules were strictly enforced. Respect wasn’t a suggestion, it was expected.

In exchange, we were allowed to sample some of the finest and rarest whiskies in his collection, such as a 17-year-old Silver Seal Springbank, a 12-year-old Glenesk Silver Seal, and a Château du Lacquy Armagnac. The message was clear: some things are worth earning.

Our visit to Nikka Yoichi brought things full circle. The coal-fired stills, the quiet of the coastal distillery, and the respect for tradition made it a fitting final note. Even though the tour was in Japanese, we didn’t need a translation. The hum of the stills, the crackle of coal, and the scent of spirit were universal. Looking back, several aspects stand out for those who may be inspired to undertake a similar journey:

• Travel with intention: Japan demands your attention. From how you sit in a bar to how you speak to a distillery guide, everything carries weight. Enter each moment with purpose.
• Respect the scale: Unlike whiskey experiences in other parts of the world, Japan’s spaces are intimate. Travelling in small groups ensures you don’t overwhelm the space or the host. It also allows for deeper connections among travellers.
• Plan every detail: Reservations for bars and distilleries are essential. Some venues take only a handful of guests at a time. Do your research and book well in advance.
• Let the whiskey breathe. Don’t try to cover everything – focus on a few meaningful experiences and give them the space they deserve. A great dram is not just about the flavour, it’s about the memory you create around it.
• Culture before curiosity: Learn the customs. From taking off your shoes to how you place your glass down, these seemingly minor actions reflect your respect for your hosts.
• Embrace the unexpected: Not everything will go to plan, and that’s part of the charm! A missed train can lead to a local meal you’ll never forget. A full bar may introduce you to a hidden gem down the street.
• Document with sensitivity: It’s tempting to photograph everything, but some places in Japan value privacy and presence. Ask before you shoot. Better yet, take mental pictures.
• Curate your companions: The people you travel with make the journey. Choose companions who share your values, not just your interests.

The trail we followed wasn’t just a map of distilleries and bars, it was a path through hospitality, history and humility. We weren’t just drinking whiskey, we were experiencing how a nation receives it, presents it, and celebrates it.

Whiskey Horōheki reminded us that great whiskey journeys aren’t about checking boxes or chasing trophies. They’re about slowing down, tuning in, and allowing the place to shape your understanding.

For those considering a similar experience, I would say this: prepare well, travel light, stay curious, and let Japan reveal itself, one dram at a time. To the journey, the companions, and the quiet joy of discovering whiskey where it lives and breathes, Kanpai!!