The “Kagoshima whisky Trail,” a collaboration among six distilleries in the prefecture dedicated to whisky production to promote the appeal of their products both domestically and internationally, has been launched
On the 9th, representatives from six distilling companies operating distilleries in the prefecture visited Governor Shiota. They launched the “ Kagoshima Whisky Trail Council ” to collaborate and promote Kagoshima’s unique distilling culture and the appeal of its whisky both domestically and internationally.
Meeting Details
“Kagoshima Whisky Trail” Launches!Six whisky Distilleries in Kagoshima Prefecture, including the Kanosuke Distillery, are joining forces to launch the “Kagoshima whisky Trail (KAGOSHIMA WHISKY TRAIL)” in the fall of 2026.To mark the launch, representatives from the participating distilleries paid a courtesy call on Kouichi Shiota, Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture.In Speyside, Scotland—where whisky culture is deeply rooted—and in Kentucky, USA, it is common to enjoy trips that combine distillery tours with experiences of the region’s unique nature, culture, and local people.We, too, wanted to create a new form of travel in Kagoshima that allows visitors to experience the region’s charm through whisky, which is why we launched the “Kagoshima Whisky Trail.”“Kagoshima Whisky Trail”Six Distinct Distilleries Circling the Satsuma PeninsulaKagoshima is home to six distinctive distilleries, each shaped by the local climate and history of their respective regions. We hope that through a journey visiting these distilleries, you will enjoy encounters with Kagoshima’s nature, cuisine, culture, and people, and come to appreciate the unique charm of this region.Through the “Kagoshima Whisky Trail,” the Kanosuke Distillery will continue to share the unique appeal of Kagoshima’s distilling culture.・Komaki Distillery・Kanosuke Distillery・Hioki Distillery・Mitake Distillery・Mars Tsunuki Distillery・Hinogami Distillery(Listed in order from north to south)We will provide further details as they become available.
About Each Distillery
1. Komaki Distillery
Komaki Distillery began operations as a whisky distillery in January 2023. Built upon the foundation of a shochu distillery founded in 1909, it aims to produce whisky by flexibly incorporating the brewing techniques cultivated over its long history.
The distillery is also taking on the challenge of aging whisky in Yakusugi cedar barrels—a first in Japan—in pursuit of the unique maturity and depth of flavor that Yakusugi cedar imparts.Official Website: https://www.komakiwhisky.com/
2. Kanosuke Distillery
Under the motto “MELLOW LAND, MELLOW WHISKY,” the Kanosuke Distillery handles everything from the production of the base spirit to distillation and maturation entirely within Japan.Over 140 years of shochu-making expertise, combined with the sea breeze from Fukiagehama and the temperature fluctuations unique to Hioki, cultivate a mellow flavor reminiscent of a sunset.
The distillery also offers tours where visitors can explore the production facilities and aging cellars and enjoy tastings.Official Website: https://kanosuke.com/
3. Hioki Distillery
Hioki Distillery (HIOKI DISTILLERY), located in Hiyoshi-cho, Hioki City, is a distillery that is taking on the challenge of producing grain whisky originating in Kagoshima, building on the fermentation and distillation techniques honed through many years of distilled spirits production.
The base spirit, carefully distilled in stainless steel pot stills, is barrel-aged at its sister distillery, the Kanosuke Distillery. This process produces a spirit with a deep, complex aroma and a robust, distinctive flavor.Official Website: https://www.komasa.co.jp/
4. Mitake Distillery
Mitake Distillery is located on a hillside at an elevation of approximately 400 meters in the center of the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is blessed with a cool environment ideal for aging, overlooking Kinkou Bay and Ontake (Sakurajima), as well as an abundant supply of natural soft water that gushes forth at a rate of over 1,000 liters per minute.
Aiming to produce whisky that is “clean, aromatic, and full-bodied,” the distillery carefully selects its ingredients. While pursuing meticulous craftsmanship, it continues to explore new possibilities in whisky production.Official Website: https://www.nishi-shuzo.co.jp/ontake/
5. Mars Tsunukii Distillery
Mars Tsunuki Distillery opened in 2016 in Kaseda Tsunuki, Minamisatsuma City—the birthplace of Hombo Shuzo. The extreme temperature fluctuations characteristic of basins—with hot summers and bitterly cold winters—nurture a depth and robustness in the whisky unique to the southern climate.
At the distillery, visitors can tour the production facilities and, at the adjacent former Honbo family residence “Hōjō,” enjoy tastings of limited-edition whiskys and purchase original merchandise.Official Website: https://www.hombo.co.jp/visiting/tsunuki/
6. Hinokami Distillery
Launched in 2023 in Makurazaki, the southernmost tip of the mainland, Hinokami Distillery boasts a setting that is rare even on a global scale, featuring malt and grain production facilities, a barrel-making workshop, and a warehouse all on the same premises.
Guided by its “RED PHILOSOPHY”—which blends half a century of shochu-making expertise and passion with the unique climate of Kagoshima—the distillery pursues “elegant whiskys” with character. It continues on a journey of new challenges.Official Website: https://hinokami distillery.jp/
Upcoming Events
Hioki & Kanosuke Distillery Festival 2026 – Hioki Distilled Spirits Trail
An event where participants can experience distilled spirits culture by touring two distilleries—the “Hioki Distillery (Komasa Jozo)” and the “Kanosuke Distillery”—like a trail has been scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The event will feature a wealth of activities, including the sale of festival-exclusive bottles, special seminars led by the distillers, original cocktails, food trucks serving local cuisine, and live jazz performances. We’ll summarize the details in a separate article, so be sure to check it out.
Each distillery is currently planning and preparing for tours and events, and this site will be tracking and sharing the latest information as soon as it becomes available.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
