Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distilleries

Japanese whisky magnate Nikka operates two distilleries, one of which is only several hours north of Tokyo in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture. Using a process brought to Japan from Scotland by chemist Masataka Taketsuru at the turn of the 20th century, Nikka produces everything from low-cost convenience store mixer whiskies to award-winning single malts. Try them all at Nikka’s Miyagikyo Distillery, a lush, red-brick estate that uses water from nearby Nikkawa River to craft the company’s exclusive blends. Though free tours are in Japanese, English commentary is available using a downloadable smartphone app. No matter which language you listen to, the 70-minute tour culminates in a tasting of two types of whiskies and a tangy swig of apple wine.