Fuji Gotemba Distillery: History, Owner and Facts and FAQ
Updated: 6 hours ago
Fuji Gotemba sits on the southeastern flank of Mount Fuji, in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is Kirin's only whisky distillery, and one of the few in the world that makes both malt and grain whisky and handles everything from mashing to bottling on one site.
In this guide
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Fuji Gotemba at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery | Fuji Gotemba |
Country / region | Shizuoka, Japan |
Owner / producer | Kirin |
History | Kirin dates the distillery to 1973, when it began operating. Wikipedia gives 1972 and says it was established by Kirin Seagram Ltd, now the Kirin Distillery Company. |
Whisky identity | Producer of malt and grain whisky |
Visiting | Check the current official visiting arrangements before travelling. |
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Where is Fuji Gotemba distillery?
The distillery is in Shibanta, in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Chubu region, Japan. Wikipedia gives its height as 620 metres above sea level. The official address is 970 Shibanta, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0003.
At a glance
Location: Shibanta, Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture
Owner: Kirin, through the Kirin Distillery Company
Water: underground water from Mount Fuji
Climate: an average annual temperature of about 13 degrees Celsius, with frequent fog through the year (Kirin)
Make: both malt and grain whisky, produced and bottled on one site (Kirin)
History and owner
Kirin dates the distillery to 1973, when it began operating. Wikipedia gives 1972 and says it was established by Kirin Seagram Ltd, now the Kirin Distillery Company. The two sources differ by a year, so treat the founding date as 1972 or 1973 depending on whether you count establishment or first operation. It is owned by the Kirin group.
Kirin describes the site as having the ideal conditions for whisky: Fuji water, mild average temperatures and regular fog. Wikipedia adds that the climate was felt to be the closest in Japan to Scotland, and lists four pot stills.
Stills and production
Kirin's tour page mentions a newly added pot still and three types of still used to make grain whisky, which it calls the distillery's biggest feature. It also mentions wooden fermentation vessels, installed to produce a wider range of spirit. Capacity and still sizes are not given on the pages we read.
Visiting Fuji Gotemba
Kirin runs a standard tour and two premium tours. Prices and hours below were read on 20 October 2026, so check before you travel.
Standard tour: about 80 minutes including tasting, 500 yen including tax for adults aged 20 and over. It starts with a 12 metre projection mapping theatre and covers distillation, fermentation, the packaging line and a tasting of Kirin Single Grain Japanese Whisky Fuji and Kirin Whisky Riku. Soft drinks are offered to those who cannot taste.
Premium tour, malt whisky edition: about 100 minutes, 5,000 yen including tax, aged 20 and over only. It includes a maturation warehouse and tasting of cask samples.
Premium tour, grain whisky edition: about 110 minutes, 5,000 yen including tax, aged 20 and over only. It also includes a maturation warehouse.
Free to enter without booking: an exhibition area, the distillery shop, a paid tasting corner (last entry 3.30pm), the Kirin forest walk and a rooftop observation deck with views of Mount Fuji.
Tours need a reservation. The distillery is closed on Mondays (open on a Monday public holiday, closed the next weekday), over New Year and on temporary closure days. There is no restaurant on site. People driving, cycling or under 20 cannot use the paid tasting.
Official page: Kirin Fuji Gotemba distillery tours and access.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Fuji Gotemba?
The Kirin group, through the Kirin Distillery Company.
When was it founded?
Kirin says 1973. Wikipedia says 1972.
Does it make both malt and grain whisky?
Yes. Kirin says it makes both and handles everything from mashing to bottling on site.
Why was Gotemba chosen?
Kirin points to Fuji water, an average 13 degree climate and regular fog. Wikipedia adds that the climate was felt to be the most similar to Scotland.
What is its water source?
Underground water from Mount Fuji.
Can you visit?
Yes, by reservation. The standard tour costs 500 yen and lasts about 80 minutes. It is closed on Mondays.
Sources and gaps
Facts in this post come from the official Kirin Fuji Gotemba page (read 20 October 2026) and from
Wikipedia: Fuji Gotemba distillery.
Gaps: still sizes, capacity, the range and ABVs were not on the pages read. The Kirin English-language and Kirin Whisky brand pages were not reached. Whisky Clan does not publish tasting notes in its distillery profiles.
What makes Fuji Gotemba distinctive?
Producer of malt and grain whisky.
Fuji Gotemba whisky bottles and releases
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Fuji Single Malt | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Producer of malt and grain whisky |
Fuji Single Grain | NAS / release varies | Check bottle | Producer of malt and grain whisky |
Fuji Single Blended Japanese Whisky | NAS | Check label | Fuji malt and grain components in a single-site blend |
Bottle range update: source-documented expressions are listed alongside the original research. Historic and limited releases are not live stock guarantees.
The table records named expressions, not live stock. Bottle strength and cask treatment can vary by market and release. Always consult the producer.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about Fuji Gotemba
Where is Fuji Gotemba based?
Shizuoka, Japan.
Who owns Fuji Gotemba?
Kirin.
What is notable about Fuji Gotemba?
Producer of malt and grain whisky.
Which bottles does Fuji Gotemba have?
Fuji Single Malt, Fuji Single Grain. Releases and availability change.
Can you visit Fuji Gotemba?
Check the distillery's official visitor or tour information before making travel plans.
Sources and editorial checks
The original history, references and research remain in this guide. Whisky range and visitor information may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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