Okinawa | Awamori Distillery Tour

Okinawa | Awamori Distillery Tour

from $600.00

[Private Masterclass]
$300 USD per person
Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants

Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance

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Taste the unforgettable flavor of Okinawan culture on a guided tour of an award-winning awamori distillery

Details

Private Experience
Location: Tomigusuku City, Okinawa
1.5 hours
20 people max per booking. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English

Ryukyu Soul in Spirits

With rich flavor and richer taste, nothing is more representative of Okinawan culinary and spirits culture than awamori. Though indigenous to Okinawa with a heritage dating back over 500 years, Awamori is produced using imported distilling methods and has historically used imported long-grain Thai rice since its very origins, showcasing the undeniable prevalence of trade and diplomacy for the ancient Ryukyu kingdom. Creating this iconic drink requires not only time - sometimes up to 10 or 20 years - but also a range of complex processes that combine both fermentation and distillation. With the Japanese fermentation superstar of koji as its base starter, steamed rice is then added, kickstarting the fermentation process. The mash is then distilled and filtered, before being placed in storage vessels, which were traditionally clay pots made of a mix of local soil with minerals thought to aid in the awamori maturation process. As awamori ages, it continues to reveal rich, hidden depths of aroma and taste. Once a prized spirit proudly given as diplomatic gifts to neighboring kingdoms, observe the craftmanship of this spirit in contemporary times on a guided tour of one of the top awamori distilleries in the country.

What you’ll do

On a private guided tour of an award-winning awamori distillery, learn more about the history and production process of this local Ryukyu spirit. Observe both the kilns where awamori fermenting pots are fired and the tanks where awamori is distilled. End with a tasting of the distillery's top-ranked spirits.