Tankyu Distillery, a publicly owned, privately operated Craft Distillery in Higashikawa-Chou,Hokkaido, has launched guided tours. English-language tours are also available simultaneously.
Tankyu Distillery (Headquarters: Higashikawa-Chou, Kamikawa-Gun, Hokkaido / Representatives: Cho Ei Shun, Motoki Harigaya), which opened on August 27 last year,
As a “publicly established, privately operated” distillery, it produces gin, liqueurs, and whisky utilizing local specialties and resources.
Tours have been available since the month of opening, but guided tours are now starting.
Here’s an introduction to what the tour entails.
1. Overview
Tankyu Distillery Co., Ltd. (Location: Higashikawa-Chou, Kamikawa-Gun, Hokkaido; President: Cho Ei Shun) will launch the distillery guided tour “Discover” at its Higashikawa-Chou, Hokkaido facility. This tour offers a close-up experience of the craft gin and whisky production process.
This tour takes visitors through the distillery to “discover” the flavors Tankyu Distillery strives to create.Tankyu Distillery is surrounded by the snowmelt water of the Taisetsu mountain range and the rich natural environment of Higashikawa-Chou.
This approximately 60-minute guided tour takes visitors through the actual distillation facilities, including areas normally off-limits, to see how gin and whisky are created.Our distillery staff will clearly explain the entire process—from selecting raw materials to fermentation, distillation, and maturation—alongside Tankyu Distillery’s philosophy and the flavors we strive to achieve.
Incorporating the background of the craftsmanship and unique stories specific to Tankyu Distillery, the content is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, from first-time visitors to those familiar with spirits.The tour concludes with a tasting of Tankyu Distillery’s signature craft gin, “Yuki no Mado Dry Gin,” and a sample of the distillery’s unblended whisky (new make). You can savor the aromas and flavors while listening to the guide’s explanations.
For those who cannot participate in the tasting, such as drivers, we offer the option to take home a small bottle of the tasting samples.Experience the craftsmanship of Tankyu Distillery, shaped by the climate and culture of Higashikawa-Chou, Hokkaido. This tour offers a firsthand look at the production site and the time invested in the process.
Tours are held every weekend. Saturdays are in Japanese, and Sundays are in English. You can book in advance via the Tankyu Distillery official website.
Source: PRTIMES
2. About Tankyu Distillery
Hong Kong gin maker builds whisky distillery in Higashikawa-Chou, Hokkaido, Japan.
Operating under a “publicly established, privately operated” model with Higashikawa-Chou, Kamikawa-Gun, Hokkaido, the site covers 1,834 square meters with a floor area of 507.96 square meters. The construction budget of approximately ¥500 million is shared equally between Higashikawa-Chou and Tankyu Distillery.
The region utilizes meltwater from Hokkaido’s Taisetsu mountain range as its tap water source.
The facility incorporates cutting-edge technology, including the Dutch-made iStill next-generation still, enabling precise computer-controlled distillation, and an American-made mash filter that efficiently removes moisture from spent mash, facilitating the reuse of nutrient-rich residue.
The distillery aims to fuse cutting-edge technology with tradition, incorporating Japan’s traditional fermentation process using wooden vats.
Distillation begins in July 2025.
Annual whisky production capacity: Up to 60,000 liters.
Our goal at Tankyu Distillery is to capture the beauty found in the tranquility of Higashikawa, Hokkaido, through our spirits. We use locally sourced ingredients rooted in the land: the spring water of Higashikawa-Chou, selected as one of Japan’s “100 Famous Waters of the Heisei Era”; renowned local rice; and botanicals unique to the region. We express these landscapes through our spirits.
Leading our production team are Joseph Cheung Wing Chun, who developed the internationally acclaimed “Perfume Trees Gin” in Hong Kong, and David Da-Wei Hsieh, who brings experience as a distiller and blender from Scotland, the home of whisky.Through Japan’s meticulous craftsmanship, free-thinking approach, and proven distillation techniques, we pursue a truly unique flavor.
Product Information
Tankyu Distillery’s first release is the craft gin “Snow Window.” This refreshing, crisp dry gin launches in late August, followed by an Old Tom gin characterized by its gentle sweetness, releasing in September and beyond.
Both gins incorporate Higashikawa-Chou’s groundwater, rice koji made from Higashikawa rice, and, with the cooperation of the Higashikawa Forestry Cooperative, leaves from thinned Todomatsu spruce trees. We invite you to enjoy these craft gins, bottled with the quiet beauty of Hokkaido’s landscapes.
Refreshing yuzu and citrus notes, along with the aroma of Todomatsu fir, are complemented by the deep, layered flavor derived from the rice koji. The finish is crisp and refreshing, like melting smoothly into the snow. This is Tankyu Distillery’s first release—a quietly transparent gin that captures the essence of Hokkaido’s air.
In cocktails like Gin and Tonic or Dry Martini
Ingredients: Spirits (domestically produced), juniper berries, rice koji, Todomatsu fir, yuzu, lavender, etc.
Volume: 500ml
Alcohol Content: 45%
Suggested Retail Price: ¥4,950 (tax included)
3. Distillery Guided Tour “Discover” Overview
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
Location: Tankyu Distillery
23 Nishi 2-gou, Higashikawa-Chou, Kamikawa-Gun, Hokkaido 071-1402
【Program Details】
Distillation facility tour (including production area)
Explanation of craft gin/whisky production process
Tasting (Craft Gin, whisky Base Spirit)
Participation Fee: ¥2,000 (tax included)
Days: Generally Saturdays and Sundays ※Please check the reservation site for specific dates.
Guided Language: Japanese (Saturdays), English (Sundays)
Participants: Ages 20 and above
※ Alcohol will not be served to drivers
*Tasting samples may be taken home as an alternative
Reservation Method: Advance reservations required via official website
https://www.tankyudistillery.jp/distillerytour
4. About Publicly Funded, Privately Managed Facilities
In Higashikawa-Chou, blessed with a rich natural environment, sake breweries and wineries continue to open.
Amidst this, Joseph, with experience in Hong Kong, took notice of Higashikawa’s local products and water. He approached the town about establishing a distillery within the community. The town agreed, seeing the potential to create new local products by leveraging its unique characteristics through the production of whisky and gin. This led to the creation of a “publicly owned, privately operated” distillery—a rare model in Japan—born from the collaboration between the municipality and the private sector.
With members possessing connections in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the UK, Tanchuu Distillery aims to contribute to the region in ways only it can achieve.
Providing return gifts for hometown tax donations
Collaboration with the town through “whisky Barrel Donations”
Hosting the “Sake Festival” in collaboration with local breweries and wineries
Available as a return gift on Higashikawa-Chou’s hometown tax donation site starting August 12.
■ “Town of Photography” Higashikawa Shareholder Program (Hometown Tax Donation)
Donation Amount: ¥17,000
Contents: Yuki no Mado Dry Gin | YUKI NO MADO “DRY GIN” 500ml Bottle x 1
Higashikawa-Chou Special Site https://higashikawa-kabunushi.jp/goods/detail.php?id=de09e178e5e6658d2c65305e81e02dee
Rakuten Furusato Nozei https://item.rakuten.co.jp/f014583-higashikawa/0107-001/
Furusato Choice: https://www.furusato-tax.jp/product/detail/01458/6685984
5. Key Members
From left: Joseph (Cheung Wing Chun), Harigaya, David (David Shay)
Representative Director: Joseph Cheung Wing Chun (
) Distiller Joseph Cheung Wing Chun (Joseph) developed the craft gin “Perfume Trees Gin” in Hong Kong in 2018 alongside bartender Kit Chun.
This gin embodies Hong Kong’s tradition and vibrancy in a single bottle, earning international acclaim including recognition at the prestigious “WORLD GIN AWARD” competition.
Following the establishment of Tankyu Distillery Co., Ltd., he relocated permanently to Hokkaido, developing the “Snow Window” series that captures the scenery of Hokkaido. His goal is to create a drink that is “quiet and beautiful,” “minimal and elegant.”
Representative Director: Harigaya Motoki
After graduating from Hokkaido University Graduate School, he worked at the Hokkaido Trade Information Center of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), handling foreign corporate recruitment. He supported Tankyu Distillery Co., Ltd. in establishing its distillery in Higashikawa-Chou.
We believe Tankyu Distillery Co., Ltd., with its many members possessing international backgrounds, can make unique contributions to regional revitalization.
Master Distiller: Da-Wei Hsieh
Holds an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. Possesses solid knowledge of whisky science and production.
Worked as a Distillation Engineer at Edradour Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, mastering traditional Scotch production techniques, and served as Master Blender at a Speyside distillery.
Further refined his palate and blending skills.
Building on distillation techniques honed in Scotland, I aim to create whisky that embraces both tradition and innovation, incorporating the latest technology and theory.
