Southern Japan Whisky Tour: November 5-15, 2027
Charles Grabitzky, aka @whiskey_traveling on Instagram, will be leading his 9th Tour to Japan! Charles started taking groups to Japan in 2018 and since then, the country has blown up with new distilleries and incredible experiences. He started the Rascal + Thorn in 2014 with the goal of bringing people to whisky-making regions to have incredible, educational experiences. Japan has it all! Great whisky, culture and food. And this tour incorporates the best of the best in Central Japan.
Charles has led well over 30 whiskey tours around the world. Travel is his passion and making sure that his groups are comfortable and well taken care of is the essence of a Rascal + Thorn tour.
Distillery Visits
This is a whisky tour and distillery visits are the key experience. We will visit some of the best in the southern part of Japan. This is an off-the-beaten path trip. Our group will be spend 10 nights traveling around many areas. Because of the limited group size, Charles will be able to showcase these distilleries with more elevated experiences. We stay in Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Beppu, Fukuoka and Hiroshima.
Some of the distilleries on this trip include Hinokami, Kanosuke, Mars Tsunuki, Ontake, Osuzu, Kuju, Shindo and more! It will be a really great excursion in some beautiful parts of Japan.
Other Cultural Excursions
Japan is whisky heaven, but it is also one of the most beautiful countries on earth! On this trip you will visit some beautiful places and take it all in. It’s important to add some cultural sightseeing as well, and this trip will be a nice balance between both whisky and culture.
And food! We will be sure to reserve spots at some of our favorite dining establishments.
Distilleries
Hinokami, Kanosuke, Mars Tsunuki, Ontake, Osuzu, Kuju, Shindo and more!
Excursions
Shochu and Sake Making
Hot Springs in Beppu
Itsukushima Jinja Shrine Visit
Other cultural sights
**Please note, this itinerary is subject to change.
Friday – Group meets in Tokyo and flies to Kagoshima for 3 nights. Welcome dinner and whisky bars.
Saturday – Day trip to Hinokami and Mars Tsunuki. Lunch stop at Seafood Market. Dinner in Kagoshima.
Sunday – Day trip to Ontake and Kanosuke. Lunch stop on the coast. Dinner in Kagoshima.
Monday – Depart Kagoshima to Miyazaki for one night. Visit Osuzu Distillery.
Tuesday – Depart Miyazaki for Beppu for one night. Visit the hot springs!
Wednesday – Depart Beppu for Fukuoka for 3 nights. One the way visit both Kuju and Shindo Lab distilleries.
Thursday – Day trip to Nagasaki for cultural sights.
Friday – Free day in Fukuoka to visit temples, shopping and food! Whisky bars in the evening.
Saturday – Depart Fukuoka for Hiroshima for two nights. Afternoon visit to Itsukushima Jinja Shrine.
Sunday – Day trip to Sakurao Distillery
Monday – Tour ends in Hiroshima.
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$4995 USD PER PERSON (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
LIMITED TO 12 GUESTS MAXIMUM
A deposit of $1495 is due to secure a place on the trip.
2-NIGHTS CHICHIBU ADD-ON (2 nights prior to the tour) – includes train, accommodation, Chichibu visit and breakfasts – $1000
Reservations are taken on a first-come / first-serve basis. Limited spaces available on this trip and it will fill up due to the size of the group and popularity of this destination.
Single Supplement $1500
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of the tour. Please contact us for a Reservation Form or to ask any questions about the trip. We look forward to traveling with you!
**Please note, this itinerary is subject to change.
