About the Brand
Points of Distinction
- Located in the village of Nozawa Onsen, in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, famous for its natural hot springs and snow tourism
- Made with pristine natural spring water, snowmelt that takes 50 years to filter through Mt. Kenashi
- Distilled in copper pots using seasonal botanicals sourced from the peaks, slopes, and valley floor of Mt. Kenashi
- Named Japan’s Best New Distillery at the 2023 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition, and most recently won four double-golds and one gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the best results for any gin producer in the world
Nozawa Onsen Village, Kita Shinshu, is located about 90 minutes from Nagano City, in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Nozawa is a small village with a population of 3,600 that attracts skiers from all over the world during the powder snow season. The town gets its name from the famous natural mineral hot springs ‘onsen’, which date to the 8th century and has been a travel destination for Japanese nationals since the Edo period. The Nozawa Onsen Distillery is in the heart of the village, in a renovated canning factory, historically used by villagers for the preservation of both farmed and wild mountain vegetables.
Under the guidance of Head Distiller Isamu Yoneda, Nozawa Onsen Distillery Gins reflect the terroir of this remote village. Proud local traditions and unique festivals continue with a local community deeply protective of its unique culture and heritage. In Nozawa Onsen, you can hear the sound of rushing water everywhere. Over the course of 50 years, the snowfall on the mountain top filters through the earth to become pure spring water flowing through the village. Blessed with pristine mountain spring water and botanicals sourced from the peaks, slopes, and valley floor of Mt. Kenashi, you can taste the Spirit of Nozawa in every sip.
