The Ultimate Guide to Buying Japanese Whisky in Japan

*—Written by a Japanese Local Whisky Enthusiast—*

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and you love whisky, you’re in for a treat. Japan is home to some of the finest and most sought-after whiskies in the world, with brands like Suntory, Nikka, Mars, and Chichibu gaining a cult-like following. As a Japanese whisky lover myself, I want to share a deep and detailed guide on how you can make the most of your time in Japan by finding the best places to buy Japanese whisky—including Suntory’s legendary bottles—and how to get them as cheaply as possible.

Whether you’re walking through Tokyo’s department stores, browsing discount liquor shops in Osaka, or exploring the peaceful whisky distilleries in the countryside, this guide will cover everything you need to know. I’ll also introduce how to use the popular proxy shopping service “Buyee” to get your favorite bottles sent abroad, and share some local insider tips that most tourists (and even some Japanese people!) don’t know.

Table of Contents

1. Why Japanese Whisky Is So Popular
2. Top Suntory Whiskies to Look For
3. Best Places to Buy Japanese Whisky in Japan
4. How to Get Suntory Whisky as Cheaply as Possible
5. How to Use Buyee to Buy Japanese Whisky from Abroad
6. Visiting Distilleries: Buy Limited Bottles at the Source
7. Packing, Customs, and Export Tips
8. Conclusion: My Final Advice as a Japanese Local

1. Why Japanese Whisky Is So Popular

Japanese whisky has gained international acclaim for its delicate balance, craftsmanship, and consistency. Inspired by Scottish techniques but adapted to the Japanese climate and taste, it has a reputation for elegance and harmony. Suntory, founded in 1899, and Nikka, founded in 1934, are the two most iconic companies, with Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki from Suntory often considered crown jewels.

International awards and limited releases have made these whiskies not only delicious but also collectible. Unfortunately, growing demand has outpaced supply, causing prices to skyrocket in many countries.

But in Japan? There are still plenty of opportunities to buy whisky—often at more reasonable prices, and sometimes exclusive bottles that never leave Japan. But you need to know where to look.

2. Top Suntory Whiskies to Look For

Before you go hunting, here’s a shortlist of Suntory whiskies you should look out for while in Japan:

・Yamazaki 12 Year – A classic, smooth single malt with notes of dried fruit and mizunara oak. Hard to find, but still pops up in Japan.
・Yamazaki Limited Editions – These include 18 Year, 25 Year, or special bottlings. Very expensive but prized by collectors.
・Hakushu 12 Year – A lighter, herbal single malt from the mountains. Refreshing and very Japanese in style.
・Hibiki Japanese Harmony– A beautifully blended whisky with floral, honey, and orange peel notes. Great for gifting.
・Hibiki 21 Year – Legendary. If you find it, expect to pay over ¥80,000 (\~\$500) or more, but it’s unforgettable.
・Suntory Toki – An affordable, lighter blend great for mixing and daily drinking.
・Kakubin – The standard whisky for Japanese highballs. Simple but very drinkable and cheap.

3. Best Places to Buy Japanese Whisky in Japan

Let’s dive into the specific places where you can buy whisky during your trip.

3.1 Airport Duty-Free Stores

Japan’s international airports like Narita, Haneda, and Kansai have excellent duty-free shops. You’ll find exclusive bottlings here, including gift sets and limited Yamazaki or Hibiki bottles. Best of all, you don’t pay consumption tax (10%).

Pro Tip: You can often reserve bottles online through airport websites before you travel, to ensure you don’t miss out.

3.2 Department Stores (Depachika)

High-end department stores such as:

・Isetan Shinjuku
・Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi
・Takashimaya Osaka
・Hankyu Umeda

…have gourmet food basements (“depachika”) with luxury wine and spirits shops. These stores often carry Yamazaki 12, Hakushu 12, and Hibiki Harmony. Staff are knowledgeable and the environment is elegant.

Pro Tip: Ask about “limited store releases” — some bottles are sold only at a specific department store chain.

3.3 Liquor Discounter Chains

Some of the best bargains are found at discount liquor chains. These shops don’t always look fancy, but they’re great for deals:

・Yamaya – Large chain with excellent prices on both Suntory and foreign whiskies.
・Liquor Mountain – Focuses on premium and rare whiskies.
・Don Quijote – This chaotic store often hides gems. Look in the glass cases!
・Shinanoya – Specialist whisky store with domestic and international offerings, including older Suntory bottlings.

3.4 Electronics Stores (Yes, Really!)

Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and sometimes even Sofmap carry a good alcohol selection on their upper floors.

Why?Because alcohol is taxed like any other product, and these stores apply point-back campaigns—like 10% of your purchase as store points, making the net price lower.

3.5 Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

You won’t find Yamazaki 18 in 7-Eleven—but you *will* find Suntory Toki, Kakubin, or canned highballs. Perfect for casual drinking or souvenirs.

4. How to Get Suntory Whisky as Cheaply as Possible

Let’s be honest—Japanese whisky isn’t cheap anymore. But you can still get good deals with these strategies.

4.1 Buy Tax-Free

Always carry your passport. Many stores (Don Quijote, Bic Camera, department stores) offer tax-free purchases for tourists over ¥5,000. That’s a 10% savings right away.

4.2 Use Point Systems

Bic Camera: Earn 5–10% points back on purchases.
Don Quijote: Get a “majica” card and stack it with tax-free savings.
Yamaya: Sometimes runs seasonal coupons.

4.3 Compare Prices on Kakaku.com

It’s Japan’s top price comparison site. You can search by product name and find which retailer is offering the lowest price, sometimes even including location.

4.4 Buy in Bundles

Look for gift sets or bundles, especially at department stores or online shops. Yamazaki + glasses or Hibiki + mini-bottle sets can offer better value than buying separately.

4.5 Explore Secondhand Market

Japanese stores like:

・Kingram
・Hard Off (Liquor Off section)
・Komehyo

…sometimes sell unopened bottles at resale prices. Legally and culturally, secondhand doesn’t mean lower quality in Japan—it may just be excess stock or collector trade-ins.

5. How to Use Buyee to Buy Japanese Whisky from Abroad

If you can’t visit Japan right now, or want to keep buying after your trip, Buyee is a powerful tool.

What is Buyee?

Buyee is a proxy shopping service that lets you buy from Japanese websites like:

・Yahoo! Auctions
・Rakuten
・Mercari
・Amazon Japan

They receive the item in Japan, then ship it to you internationally.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Buyee account(

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buyee.jp

(https://buyee.jp/))
2. Search for whisky using the Japanese name (e.g., 山崎12年 for Yamazaki 12).
3. Place your orde – you can bid on auctions or buy directly.
4. Choose packaging– Buyee will consolidate and protect fragile items.
5. Pay for international shipping – EMS and DHL are recommended for alcohol.
6. Receive your whisky at your home country.

Caution: Some countries restrict alcohol imports. Always check customs regulations before ordering.

6. Visiting Distilleries: The Best Way to Buy Exclusive Bottles

If you have time, visiting a whisky distillery in Japan is one of the most memorable ways to experience the culture—and buy rare bottles.

6.1 Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (Osaka Area)

・Offers guided tours and a museum.
・Has a gift shop with exclusive bottlings (e.g., Yamazaki Distillery Edition).
・Booking ahead is essential.

6.2 Hakushu Distillery (Yamanashi Prefecture)

・Surrounded by forest and clean mountain air.
・Sells exclusive “Hakushu Distillery Edition” bottles.
・Booking required.

6.3 Chita Distillery (Aichi Prefecture)

Not open to the public, but you can find Chita whiskies in the surrounding region.

Important: Distillery editions are often not available anywhere else. They’re affordable (around ¥5,000–8,000) and very collectible.

7. Packing, Customs, and Export Tips

7.1 Carry-On vs Checked Luggage

You can’t bring liquids over 100 ml in your carry-on. Always check in your whisky. Wrap it with bubble wrap or buy a whisky travel case.

7.2 Customs Allowances

Every country has different rules. As a general rule:

・USA: 1 liter duty-free per person
・EU: 1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV
・Australia: 2.25 liters per adult

Check official government websites to avoid surprises.

8. Conclusion: My Final Advice as a Japanese Local

As a Japanese person and whisky fan, I truly believe that Japan is one of the best places in the world to buy whisky—not only for price, but also for selection and experience. If you’re traveling here, take the time to explore the many ways to buy: from chaotic Don Quijote shelves to serene distillery shops. You’ll not only find great whisky—you’ll also create lasting memories.

And if you’re abroad, don’t forget Buyee and other services. Japanese whisky is more accessible than ever, and the right knowledge makes all the difference.

Happy whisky hunting! Kanpai (cheers) from Japan 🍶🥃