Kagoshima Hinokami Whisky Experience: Unique Anechoic Chamber Tasting

Tour Description

This tour features the distillery's exclusive "SPECIAL PLAN" (90 minutes) for a remarkable sensory experience.

Your journey commences with a guided exploration of the complete whisky production process. Stroll through the production area alongside knowledgeable staff and observe their rare, on-site cooperage up close.

The pinnacle of your experience is found within the world's first "anechoic chamber" and vision-restricting "Red Room." In this entirely silent environment, devoid of external noise and distractions, your senses are intensified, enabling you to perceive the whisky's most subtle and vibrant characteristics.

After this engaging session, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a premium tasting at the elegant bar located within the Visitor Center. Unwind and relish a selection of unique craft whiskies while enjoying sweeping views of the stunning East China Sea and Mount Kaimon.

Highlights

• World-First "Anechoic & Red Room" Tasting The standout experience involves whisky tasting within the inaugural anechoic chamber paired with a vision-restricting "Red Room." By eliminating external sounds and modifying your sight, your olfactory and gustatory senses reach their peak, enabling a profound engagement with the whisky’s subtle fragrances.
• Premium Tasting Flight at the Visitor Center BAR Following the tour, indulge in a premium tasting at the elegant bar located in the Visitor Center. Relish and contrast a variety of unique craft whiskies while enjoying sweeping views of the impressive Mount Kaimon and the East China Sea.
• Exclusive Access to a Rare Cooperage with the Artisans Venture behind the scenes into one of the few cooperages (barrel-making workshops) in Japan. Led by the very distillers, you will witness their dedication and artistry firsthand through the narratives of the artisans.

Itinerary

• [Departure] Pickup at Your Selected Location Meet your private driver at either Kagoshima-Chuo Station or Marine Port (Cruise Terminal)or Kagoshima Hotel
• Arrival & Welcome Reception Arrive at the Hinokami Distillery Visitor Center for guest check-in.
• Introduction to Hinokami’s Philosophy Discover the unique history, passion, and craftsmanship behind Hinokami’s premium whisky making.
• Malt Whisky Production Tour Go behind the scenes to see the actual malt whisky production floor up close.
• Immersive Tasting in the "Anechoic & Red Room" Experience a world-first tasting inside the silent anechoic chamber and the vision-limiting Red Room to heighten your senses.
• Exclusive Shopping at the Distillery Shop Browse the on-site shop featuring limited-edition whiskies and original distillery items perfect for souvenirs.
• Drop-off at Your Pickup Location Board your private vehicle for a comfortable ride back to Kagoshima-Chuo Station or Marine Port.

Price Details

Included

• Experience fees
• Alcoholic beverage
• Round-trip shuttle

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned

Important Information

• Punctuality & Arriving Early

The charter taxi will depart exactly on schedule. Please ensure you arrive at your selected pickup point (Kagoshima-Chuo Station or Marine Port) at least 10 minutes prior to departure.

• Dress Code & Footwear

For your safety during the distillery tour, please wear comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes. Note: High heels and sandals are strictly prohibited on the production floor.

• Advanced Booking Required & Age Limit

This tour is strictly by advanced reservation only. Bookings cannot be accepted for groups consisting entirely of guests under the age of 20.

• Distillery Operation Schedules

Please note that the operation of distillery machinery and equipment varies depending on the season and the day of the week.

• Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

For guests who prefer not to consume alcohol, soft drinks will be provided as an alternative to the whisky tasting.

• Photography Policy

Photography is permitted inside the distillery. However, any actions that disturb other guests or compromise safety may be restricted at the discretion of our staff.

Purchase Notice

• Age Requirement: By Japanese law, the legal drinking age is 20. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited.

• Minimum Participants: This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Alcohol consumption is not allowed for guests who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Soft drinks will be provided instead.

• Meeting & Pickup Points: The charter taxi departs from and returns to either Kagoshima-Chuo Station or Marine Port. Please select your preferred location when booking.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee