Last edit by: armagebedar
This thread is about where to find whiskey in Japan. Extended discussion about where to find Japanese whiskey elsewhere is off topic and will be removed.
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FlyerTalk is not a marketplace and nothing may be offered for sale or barter. The exception to this rule is those items in the Coupon Connection (C.C.) Forum, which is governed by specific posting rules, and access to which is granted once you have achieved 180 posts and 180 days as a member.
Consolidated "Buy Whiskey in Japan" thread (was: Haneda/Narita Duty Free Whiskey)
#556
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
^Explains what I've seen. I've figured that 1 or so but nothing on the shelf was due to just missing it. Thanks!
#557
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: Anything that still flies F
Posts: 66
Here has been my experience so far:
Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto
Failures: Pretty much nothing of note at any BIC Camera or Don Quijote stores, my significant other wanted to kill me after about the first 10 saying "why do we come look here when there is never anything around?". Lots of Chita and Hakashu everywhere, Nikka 12 being the best thing here.
Successes: Kawasaki-ya outside Kuromon Ichiba market was out of Yamazaki 18 and Hibiki 21 but they do carry it based on the signs on the shelves, but did have Hibiki 17 for about 11K; Yamazaki 2016 Special edition was about 15K. In Kobe I found a liquor store (english name I could not find) that had a couple bottles of some more exclusive stuff at not-to-unreasonable prices; Taketsuru 17 for 13K, Miyakigo 10 for 10K, Taketsuru 21 for 17K, Akashi 8 year sherry cask 6K. Some others.
Tokyo
So far haven't found anything of note yet. Went to BIG in Ginza as suggested here, and there was absolutely nothing except signs saying "we do not carry stock of Hibiki/Yamazaki 17/18/21". Was going to ask before I saw this, but figured this was because of all the FTers coming in
Going to check out a couple more places before I leave in a couple days; frankly a little tired of walking in only to see NAS Hakashu/Chita/Hibiki and other random Suntory products but I guess when in Japan...the search must continue.
Hibiki 30 and Yamazaki 25 are around just not willing to pay the 300K for it.
Interesting side note: wanted to try a lot of Sake while I was here and did tasting at a couple breweries in Kobe and Nara, but by far the best was Dassai Beyond (flagship Dassai for those of you who have tried the 50/39/23). While its $300 USD a bottle even here in Japan, they have a tasting room in Ginza (not far from BIG) that will pour you a wine sized glass for $5. Not sure how the math works out for them there but my companion and I sat there for a good hour drinking this exquisite sake and paid $35 at the end of the day. Worth it just to try!
Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto
Failures: Pretty much nothing of note at any BIC Camera or Don Quijote stores, my significant other wanted to kill me after about the first 10 saying "why do we come look here when there is never anything around?". Lots of Chita and Hakashu everywhere, Nikka 12 being the best thing here.
Successes: Kawasaki-ya outside Kuromon Ichiba market was out of Yamazaki 18 and Hibiki 21 but they do carry it based on the signs on the shelves, but did have Hibiki 17 for about 11K; Yamazaki 2016 Special edition was about 15K. In Kobe I found a liquor store (english name I could not find) that had a couple bottles of some more exclusive stuff at not-to-unreasonable prices; Taketsuru 17 for 13K, Miyakigo 10 for 10K, Taketsuru 21 for 17K, Akashi 8 year sherry cask 6K. Some others.
Tokyo
So far haven't found anything of note yet. Went to BIG in Ginza as suggested here, and there was absolutely nothing except signs saying "we do not carry stock of Hibiki/Yamazaki 17/18/21". Was going to ask before I saw this, but figured this was because of all the FTers coming in
Going to check out a couple more places before I leave in a couple days; frankly a little tired of walking in only to see NAS Hakashu/Chita/Hibiki and other random Suntory products but I guess when in Japan...the search must continue.
Hibiki 30 and Yamazaki 25 are around just not willing to pay the 300K for it.
Interesting side note: wanted to try a lot of Sake while I was here and did tasting at a couple breweries in Kobe and Nara, but by far the best was Dassai Beyond (flagship Dassai for those of you who have tried the 50/39/23). While its $300 USD a bottle even here in Japan, they have a tasting room in Ginza (not far from BIG) that will pour you a wine sized glass for $5. Not sure how the math works out for them there but my companion and I sat there for a good hour drinking this exquisite sake and paid $35 at the end of the day. Worth it just to try!
#558
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,915
A co-worker had asked me to pick up a Hibiki 21 for him if the opportunity presented itself. Randomly noticed it yesterday in the lobby gift shop of the Hotel Nikko Princess in Kyoto for Ą29,160, or Ą27,000 after tax rebate.
#559
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: Anything that still flies F
Posts: 66
Any chance you could get me one too? Live in the SF Bay area! The one thing I have been looking for with no luck...
#560
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,915
Unfortunately, I was already no longer in Kyoto when I posted that and now not even in Japan :-/ on my way back to the US. They did seem to have multiple bottles available though, if you can find another connection.
#561
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UFO
Posts: 34
I just came back from Osaka and it's as dry as a desert for the aged versions of the usual suspects, Yamazaki, Hibiki, etc. Kansai Airport - Terminal 2 had the duty free versions of Yamazaki 18/Hakushu 18 in full force for the same prices as Narita. (My budget airline was at T2, T1 had more stuff but I wasn't able to get in this time)
Even NAS versions of Yamazaki were no where to be found. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough in the super small shops, but rather the usual suspects, DonQi, Bics Camera and the massive department stores.
Prices were typical for what you can find back here in the states for the Coffey grain malts. Only thing decent of aged statement was Nikka 12, which was readily found everywhere.
Very disappointed with my whisky hunt. Then again I was able to try Yamazaki 2016 special at a bar and found it to be very good.
Even NAS versions of Yamazaki were no where to be found. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough in the super small shops, but rather the usual suspects, DonQi, Bics Camera and the massive department stores.
Prices were typical for what you can find back here in the states for the Coffey grain malts. Only thing decent of aged statement was Nikka 12, which was readily found everywhere.
Very disappointed with my whisky hunt. Then again I was able to try Yamazaki 2016 special at a bar and found it to be very good.
#563
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: Anything that still flies F
Posts: 66
I just came back from Osaka and it's as dry as a desert for the aged versions of the usual suspects, Yamazaki, Hibiki, etc. Kansai Airport - Terminal 2 had the duty free versions of Yamazaki 18/Hakushu 18 in full force for the same prices as Narita. (My budget airline was at T2, T1 had more stuff but I wasn't able to get in this time)
Even NAS versions of Yamazaki were no where to be found. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough in the super small shops, but rather the usual suspects, DonQi, Bics Camera and the massive department stores.
Prices were typical for what you can find back here in the states for the Coffey grain malts. Only thing decent of aged statement was Nikka 12, which was readily found everywhere.
Very disappointed with my whisky hunt. Then again I was able to try Yamazaki 2016 special at a bar and found it to be very good.
Even NAS versions of Yamazaki were no where to be found. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough in the super small shops, but rather the usual suspects, DonQi, Bics Camera and the massive department stores.
Prices were typical for what you can find back here in the states for the Coffey grain malts. Only thing decent of aged statement was Nikka 12, which was readily found everywhere.
Very disappointed with my whisky hunt. Then again I was able to try Yamazaki 2016 special at a bar and found it to be very good.
#564
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: Anything that still flies F
Posts: 66
What is reasonable? I only found one bottle of 12 and it was over $100 USD (which is more than I can find it for back home). Yamazaki 18 only saw a couple times for the ever-ridiculous $400+ price tag.
#565
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,912
I think what's reasonable and widely available is the Nikka 12 (4500-ish) and mini bottles of Hibiki 17 (as low as 680) and Yama/Hak 12 (as low as <600).
#566
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UFO
Posts: 34
#567
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
#568
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
Why don't you try reading the thread? You'll quickly learn that nobody can provide you with real-time store inventory, and any store that has it for a "reasonable price" will likely be sold out by the time you arrive. Happy hunting.
#569
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 449
P.S. the next time someone posts this question, everyone's answer should just be a page of LOL's!
#570
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, Priority Club Gold, Herts Pres Circle
Posts: 492
They also had the Hibiki 30 Year Old for 135,000 Yen.
After some hunting, found the Hibiki 17 Year Old in a back street Liquor Shop in Kyoto for 15,800 Yen... The Gold labeled one.
Same shop has the Yamazaki 12 Year Old and at least one more Hibiki 17 Year Old & 21 Year Old. Will update with prices if I can find the phone pictures.
Last edited by MHendo84; May 1, 2017 at 7:36 pm