Mars Komagatake Distillery | VISITING EXPERIENCE

Mars Komagatake DistilleryDISTILLERY TOUR

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About the Distillery
Recommended Tour Points
Distillery Products
About the Tour

NEWS

2025.07.29New Product: New Release: Single Malt KOMAGATAKE

2025.07.07New Product: New Release: MARS WHISKY FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS

2025.06.04Award: Award: International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025 Spirits & Liqueur Category GOLD

About Mars Komagatake Distillery

Located at the foot of the Kiso Komagatake in the Central Alps mountain range of Nagano Prefecture, at an elevation of 798 meters, is the Mars Komagatake Distillery. During the operating seasons of the distillery, visitors can see the whisky-making equipment that is not usually visible, including the distillation pots, saccharification tanks, stainless steel fermentation tanks, and wooden fermentation barrels, as well as observe the manufacturing processes of saccharification, fermentation, and distillation.
Additionally, in the visitor center, there is also tasting and sales of distillery-exclusive whiskies, Mars wine, and Minami Shinshu beer. Please enjoy these along with the memories of your tour.

The Whisky Born at Mars Komagatake Distillery: Komagatake

DISTILLERY TOURMARS KOMAGATAKE

We sell Mars Whisky, starting with the “Single Malt Komagatake” that is nurtured by the “melting snow” and “deep fog” at the foot of Mount Komagatake in the Central Alps mountain range, as well as wine brewed from “Yama Sauvignon,” a specialty of Miyada Village.

MARS
KOMAGATAKE

In the visitor building within Mars Komagatake Distillery, we sell distillery-exclusive whisky, Mars wine, Minami Shinshu beer, and shop original goods. Behind the bar counter, bottles of various Mars whiskies and certificates from over the years are displayed.

To the Hometown of Komagatake

The “Single Malt Komagatake” produced at Mars Komagatake Distillery matures slowly, enveloped in the silence of the misty forest. The climate of the Komagatake Distillery, including temperature, humidity, and water, the process of producing the raw spirit, the storage environment and aging process, and even the thoughts of the makers—come and learn about the allure of “Komagatake” and Mars Whisky through a tour experience that engages all five senses.

Recommended Tour Points

Rich Nature

The Central Alps is the ideal place Hombo Shuzo sought for whisky making. The foothills of the Central Alps, designated as a national park and surrounded by the Southern Alps to the east, showcase a magnificent natural landscape all year round. Please take your time to fully experience the rich natural environment that nurtures Mars Whisky.

The Nature Around Mars Komagatake Distillery

The Journey of Mars Whisky

At the distillery, we display panels that narrate the journey of Mars Whisky, which began in 1949. We introduce the history, including Kiichiro Iwai’s significant contributions to the creation of Mars Whisky and the evolution of the distilleries that produce it. On the premises, we display the original Iwai-style distillation pot, which was operational until 2014. Please view it as a part of the history of Mars Whisky.

Operational Production Equipment

During the production period (from late August to the end of June the following year), you can see the processes of whisky making, such as mashing, fermentation, distillation, and storage. The raw materials being mashed right before your eyes are distilled into new make spirit, which will become a product after at least three years, and in some cases, it might take decades before being bottled. Please look forward to the day when the new make spirit you see on the tour is matured and bottled as whisky.
*Please note that from around July to late August, it’s the maintenance period, and the equipment is not operational.

The Miracle Brought by Barrels and Aging

In the warehouse, where a hint of moisture can be felt, slumbers the new make spirit of “Komagatake” among others, quietly aging. Various barrels, including bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Mars Winery wine barrels used for wood finishing, impart complex flavors and an amber hue to the whisky. This amber-colored miracle, left to the forces of nature and time, gives birth to a diverse range of whisky new make spirits.

Mars Komagatake Distillery's Barrel Warehouse

The Visitor Building Where You Can Enjoy Paid Tastings

In the visitor building, you can enjoy a bar where paid tastings of Mars Whisky, including “Komagatake” and “Iwai Tradition,” are available, as well as a shop where you can purchase distillery-exclusive products. The drink served at the bar counter, made from whisky barrel materials, offers a taste truly representative of this land, making you feel the crisp air, deep fog, and the scent of the majestic forest. Our staff also provide recommendations on our best bottles and delicious ways to enjoy them, so please feel free to ask.

Distillery Products
*Out of stock items may occur.

About the Tour

●Entry is limited to groups of up to 9 people.
*Entrance restrictions may apply during busy times if you do not have a reservation.

Reservation Calendar

●Contact Information　*Telephone Reception 9:00-17:00
TEL:0265-85-0017　FAX:0265-85-0018

FAQ

What can I visit?

You can view the actual manufacturing facilities (fermentation tanks, pot stills, etc.) from the observation passage. During the manufacturing period, you can also see the actual production site.

About the manufacturing period

It varies somewhat from year to year, but it is scheduled from around late August to the end of June of the following year. There is a maintenance period of about two months from around July to late August every year.

Tour of the barrel storage facility

We are currently suspending tours of this facility.

Is reservation necessary?

You can use the facilities without a reservation, but reservations are given priority during busy times.

I want to visit with 10 or more people.

We apologize, but due to facility constraints, we cannot accept visits with 10 or more people.

Visits by group buses or tours

We apologize, but visits with 10 or more people are not accepted due to facility constraints.

Is there an entrance fee?

Factory tours are free, but tastings are charged.

Can children also visit?

Children are welcome, but if everyone is under 20 years old, we cannot accept them.

Are you open on weekends and holidays?

We are open. * Except for the year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/3)
There may also be temporary closures on weekdays.

Do you have parking?

Free parking is available. However, we do not provide alcohol to drivers.

Can I have a meal?

We do not provide meals. Only paid tastings are available at the BAR attached to the shop.

What can I taste?

It varies depending on the season. There are about 20-30 types, mainly whisky. Orders are limited to one time and up to three glasses per person.

What products are available at the shop?

In addition to Honmachi Shuzo’s products, we also sell original goods. We also sell limited edition spirits available only at the distillery, although the quantity is limited.

Is it okay to just shop?

You can use only the shop or BAR without taking a tour.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is allowed, but staff may ask you to refrain from taking photos if it causes inconvenience to others. Please consult with us in advance for commercial photography or interviews.

Can you ship products?

We can ship within Japan at your expense. We do not offer international shipping.

Can I order by phone?

It is possible, but some products, such as limited editions, are not available. For details on sales, please contact us by phone or inquiry form.

Transportation Access

Location: 4752-31 Miyadamura, Kamiina-Gun, Nagano 399-4301, Japan

TEL: 0265-85-0017

FAX: 0265-85-0018

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Reception/Bar open until 3:30 PM)

Closed: 12/29-1/3 (Temporary closures may occur)

Admission: Free (tasting is paid)

Shop: Available (Bar & bottle)

Duration: Distillery (Self-guided Tour): About 20 minutes
Visitor Building (Bar & Shop): About 30 minutes

Parking: Free

If Using the Train If Using the Train

Take the JR Iida Line to ‘Komagane Station’ or ‘Miyada Station,’ then approximately 10 minutes by taxi

If Using a Car If Using a Car

About 5 minutes from ‘Komagane IC’ on the ‘Chuo Expressway’

If Using a Bus If Using a Bus

About a 20-minute walk from ‘Suganodai Bus Center’ bus stop