Mars Komagatake Distillery
Miyada, Japan
Hombo Shuzo’s malt whisky distillery at Miyada Village, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of Kiso Komagatake in the Central Alps at 798 m elevation. Established in 1985 as Mars Shinshu Distillery (equipment relocated from Yamanashi); distillation was suspended from 1992 and resumed in 2011 after 19 years. Renamed Mars Komagatake Distillery on 1 March 2024 to align with the Single Malt KOMAGATAKE brand. Hombo describes slow maturation in misty forest conditions and sells Single Malt KOMAGATAKE plus other Mars whiskies, wine and beer at the visitor building. During the production season (typically late August through end of June) visitors can see mashing, fermentation and distillation from an observation passage; about July–late August is a maintenance period. Self-guided distillery tours and a bar/shop are offered; admission is free, tastings are charged. Groups limited to nine people.