Shizuoka Distillery: Shizuoka, Shizuoka
Updated: 23 hours ago
Shizuoka Distillery, officially Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery, is a craft whisky distillery in the Okushizu mountain area of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is known for inheriting equipment from the closed Karuizawa Distillery and for a wood fired still.
In this guide
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Shizuoka at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Shizuoka |
Location | Shizuoka, Japan |
Ownership | Gaiaflow |
History / origin | A Ginza cigar bar profile of the distillery says founder Taiko Nakamura was originally the head of a precision parts company with no background in brewing. He loved whisky, toured distilleries in… |
Whisky characteristics | Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases |
Visiting | Consult current official visitor information; not every distillery is open to tours. |
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Where is Shizuoka Distillery?
The distillery stands along a tributary of the Abe River in the Okushizu area of Shizuoka. The building is made with Shizuoka cypress, and the Japanese Whisky Dictionary describes it as set beside the Abe Nakagouchi river in the Tamagawa district.
Founder and history
A Ginza cigar bar profile of the distillery says founder Taiko Nakamura was originally the head of a precision parts company with no background in brewing. He loved whisky, toured distilleries in Scotland and decided to build his own, choosing Shizuoka so the whisky could be made in harmony with local nature.
In 2015 the company won an auction for equipment from the former Karuizawa Distillery. It took over one pot still and a malt mill, repaired them, and began full scale operation in 2016.
The two first distillation stills
Still K is the former Karuizawa still, a 1950s steam heated pot still named K for Karuizawa.
Still W is a direct fired still that burns wood, and the W stands for wood fired. The distillery is said to be the only one in the world using this method.
First releases
The profile lists Prologue K in 2020, Prologue W in 2021 and Contact S at the end of 2021, which combines spirit from both stills. Official bottlings are sold through Gaiaflow's Whisky Port shop.
Sources
Sources: Cigar Bar Supernova Ginza distillery profile, 19 October 2023; Japanese Whisky Dictionary distillery listing; Whisky Port by Gaiaflow shop pages. Read on 21 October 2026.
What makes Shizuoka distinctive?
Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases
Shizuoka whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Shizuoka Prologue K | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases |
Shizuoka Prologue W | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases |
Shizuoka Contact S | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases |
Named expressions include historic or limited releases and do not guarantee current availability, strength or specifications. Check the producer's labels.
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Frequently asked questions about Shizuoka
Where is Shizuoka located?
Shizuoka, Japan.
Who owns or operates Shizuoka?
Gaiaflow.
What is distinctive about Shizuoka?
Two distinct first distillation stills and limited Japanese whisky releases
What whisky is associated with Shizuoka?
Shizuoka Prologue K, Shizuoka Prologue W, Shizuoka Contact S. Current availability must be checked.
Can you tour Shizuoka?
Please check the producer's current visitor information; not all locations welcome visitors.
Sources and editorial checks
Existing history and sources are retained above. Ownership, operating status, bottlings and tours 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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