Nestled in the village of Nozawa Onsen, located in the northern Shinshu region of Nagano Prefecture, a new distillery quietly opened its doors in December 2022. As the village bustles with skiers and snowboarders during the winter season, “Nozawa Onsen Distillery” has begun crafting small-batch single malt whisky and craft gin using locally sourced ingredients and botanicals.
Upon hearing whispers of this distillery, I found myself venturing to Nozawa Onsen Village. The distillery, situated near the iconic Oyu Hot Spring, stood in a building that exuded a sense of history—a former factory that once supported the village by preserving vegetables and ingredients in cans, now renovated for a new purpose.
As I pushed open the heavy door, I was greeted by a space filled with the romance and dreams of men. Barrels of spirits were stacked and stored as far as the eye could see. Beyond the walls, stills lined up, and artisans silently devoted themselves to their craft. It was a scene that seemed to stop time itself, and I couldn’t help but be entranced.
What sets Nozawa Onsen Distillery apart is its use of local blessings to create unique craft gin and whisky. Snowmelt water that traverses the village for 50 years, gushing hot spring water, delicious water born from these sources, and locally grown herbs and plants—all are expertly utilized to create flavors found nowhere else.
Visitors can sample four types of original gin for a mere 500 yen. I promptly made my way to the tasting counter, where the staff kindly explained the proper way to enjoy each gin—first straight, then on the rocks—to appreciate the differences in taste and aroma.
My personal favorite was “NOZAWA GIN.” Rich with a woody aroma, a complex flavor unfolds in the mouth. I couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle.
Nozawa Onsen Distillery has only just opened. The whisky is still aging, with completion expected in three years. In the meantime, many people will undoubtedly visit this unique distillery. It’s the perfect spot to drop by after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
This distillery is quickly becoming a new attraction in Nozawa Onsen Village. A sanctuary for craft gin and whisky, nurtured by snow and hot springs. Its future developments are not to be missed.
