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Chugoku Jozo (Sakurao) distillery site, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan

Sakurao Distillery: Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima

7 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 20 hours ago

Sakurao Distillery is the whisky distillery of Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co., Ltd. in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It makes single malt Sakurao and the blended Togouchi whiskies.


In this guide




Sakurao at a glance


Distillery fact

Verified detail

Distillery / brand

Sakurao

Country and region

Hiroshima, Japan

Ownership / operator

Sakurao Brewery and Distillery

History

On 1 September 2023 the company announced travel retail exclusives for airports: Single Malt Japanese Whisky Sakurao and Sakurao Shiki, and Blended Japanese Whisky Togouchi and…

Whisky identity

Japanese single malt and distinct Togouchi whisky branding.

Visiting

Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling.


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Where is Sakurao Distillery?


The company says the distillery was founded in Sakurao, directly facing the Miyajima World Heritage Site in the heart of Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima. Its address is 1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 738-8602, Japan.


Company and history


  • The company's president and CEO is Koichiro Shirai, named in a September 2023 press release.

  • The company says its whiskies come from a distillation technique passed down over a hundred years, in the sea and mountain setting of Hiroshima.

  • A French retailer profile dates the story to 1918, when the Chugoku Shurui Jozo distillery was founded in Hiroshima. A Japanese whisky database entry says the whisky venture was launched to mark the centenary of the Chugoku Brewery. Both are secondary sources.


Whiskies


On 1 September 2023 the company announced travel retail exclusives for airports: Single Malt Japanese Whisky Sakurao and Sakurao Shiki, and Blended Japanese Whisky Togouchi and Togouchi Shiki. The Shiki series is named for the four seasons of Japan. Whiskybase describes Sakurao as a brand producing both single malt and blended whiskies.


Gaps


We did not confirm stills, capacity or the exact date the whisky distillery opened. The official website is sakuraobd.co.jp, which also lists a visitor centre and tour booking.


What makes Sakurao distinctive?


Japanese single malt and distinct Togouchi whisky branding.


Sakurao whisky bottles and expression comparison


Bottle / expression

Age

ABV

Cask maturation / notes

Sakurao Single Malt

NAS / varies

Check label

Japanese single malt and distinct Togouchi whisky branding.

Togouchi Single Malt

NAS / varies

Check label

Japanese single malt and distinct Togouchi whisky branding.


This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.


Explore more Japan distilleries


Continue exploring whisky distilleries from Japan.



Frequently asked questions about Sakurao


Hiroshima, Japan.


Sakurao Brewery and Distillery.


Japanese single malt and distinct Togouchi whisky branding.


Sakurao Single Malt, Togouchi Single Malt. Some editions may be historical.


Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.


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Sources, image credits and official links


Sources: Sakurao Brewery and Distillery press release, 1 September 2023; Whiskybase brand page; Premium Grands Crus retailer profile; Japanese Whisky Dictionary distillery entry. Read on 21 October 2026.


Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.



About the author


Filip Janczak, Whisky Clan 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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