The nearby mountains provide a source of fresh, clear spring water, and is an essential part of our product. Kiyokawa—which means "clear river"—is nestled in the mountainous region of the Japanese Alps.
Our Story
From Japan's Eternal Hometown
Where untouched scenery depicted in popular Japanese songs can still be found.
日本を代表するふるさと
Our Spirits don't start at the distillery.
It all begins here.
Welcome to Iiyama, Japan's eternal hometown. Set high in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, known locally as "Japan's Hometown", this idyllic region enjoys some of Japan's most precious and untouched scenery—a landscape celebrated in songs and folklore.
The Origin
Pure Mountain Spring Water
Our distillery prides itself in spirits as simple and natural as the fields and skies surrounding it. We connect our spirits with their origin, working with the pure environment to create a unique experience for the senses.
Here, rich malted barley and pure mountain spring water are transformed into whisky that matures through sharply defined seasons, exposed to dramatic shifts in temperature and atmospheric pressure—often even within a single day.
We connect our spirits with their origin, working with the pure environment to create a unique experience for the senses.
Our Heritage
Japan's First Farm to Bottle
Kiyokawa's Iiyama Mountain Farm Distillery has been producing spirits since 2019 in Iiyama City, creating a distinct brand of spirits with unique heritage and high provenance.
Our agricultural corporation allows us to cultivate our own barley, rice and wheat for the production of whisky, gin and vodka. A close-knit team of expert distillers and local farmers, each with generations of knowledge, grow, ferment, distill, mature and bottle, entirely on site.
Growing barley in Japan's rugged mountain terrain is no small feat, with weather conditions that challenge even the hardiest of crops. But this very commitment to cultivating barley in such an environment—a first for the country—is what gives Kiyokawa whisky its extraordinary character.
Our Journey
Milestones
2019
Distillery Founded
Kiyokawa's Iiyama Mountain Farm Distillery begins production, pioneering Japan's first farm-to-bottle concept.
2021
First Awards
Nobushi Blended whisky wins Gold at The Spirits Business competition.
2023
Diamond Certified
Kiyokawa Distillery receives Diamond Certification for extraordinary taste and quality.
2024
Global Recognition
Wins at Global Vodka Masters and Global Gin Masters, establishing Kiyokawa as a world-class distillery.
Gallery
Life at Kiyokawa
Official UK Importer
Japanese Whisky & Spirits is proud to be the official UK importer of Kiyokawa spirits. We bring the authentic taste of Japan's first farm-to-bottle distillery directly to whisky enthusiasts across the United Kingdom.