When whisky lovers debate the world’s largest distillery, names like Glenfiddich often come up. However, nestled at the southeastern base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery claims a title few expect: the largest whisky distillery in the world.
Founded in 1973 by Kirin, one of Japan’s major beverage conglomerates, Fuji Gotemba was built with an ambitious vision—to produce world-class whisky in one of Japan’s most unique environments. The distillery spans an astonishing 520,000 square meters, a scale unmatched by any single whisky-making facility globally. The site was carefully chosen not only for its size, but for its exceptional water source and climate. The clean, soft waters from Mount Fuji and Gotemba’s cool, humid conditions—similar to Scotland’s—provide ideal whisky-aging conditions.
Unlike some of its competitors like Suntory and Nikka, who produce vast volumes across multiple distilleries, Fuji Gotemba consolidates a massive production capacity into a single location. The facility is capable of producing up to 12 million liters of whisky annually, which places it among the world’s whisky giants in terms of output.
One standout feature of Fuji Gotemba is its full-cycle production system. From grain selection and fermentation to distillation and maturation, everything is done on-site. The distillery also employs a variety of stills to create diverse flavor profiles, incorporating both Scottish and American techniques. This approach allows Kirin to craft uniquely balanced blends and single grain whiskies.
In recent years, the distillery has gained international recognition. Its Fuji Single Grain Whisky and limited edition bottlings are increasingly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. As Japanese whisky continues to gain prestige globally, Fuji Gotemba stands out not just for its size, but for its commitment to quality and innovation.
For those visiting Japan, a tour of the Fuji Gotemba Distillery offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most advanced and scenic whisky operations—with Mount Fuji providing a breathtaking backdrop to an unforgettable tasting experience.
