Translation guide
A place where alcoholic spirits are produced. In Japanese, the term depends on the type of alcohol and context.
To refer to a distillery in general, especially for traditional Japanese spirits.
The most direct translation for 'distillery', used for any distilled spirits. Common in names and descriptions.
That distillery is famous for its whisky.
Literally 'sake brewing place', often used for facilities that produce sake, shochu, or other alcoholic beverages. Can include distillation.
That brewery also makes shochu.
Technically 'brewery', but sometimes used loosely for facilities that produce both brewed and distilled beverages. Not strictly a distillery.
Primarily means 'brewery'. Use only when context clearly includes distillation.
This brewery also distills craft gin.
To refer specifically to a facility that produces whisky.
The standard term for a whisky distillery. Often used in names like '山崎蒸留所' (Yamazaki Distillery).
I toured the Yoichi Distillery of Nikka Whisky.
Literally 'whisky factory', a more industrial term. Less common than 蒸留所 but understood.
That whisky factory offers tours.
To refer to a distillery that produces traditional Japanese distilled spirits.
A traditional term for a shochu distillery, using 蔵 (storehouse) which evokes a craft image.
I visited a shochu distillery in Kagoshima.
Specifically for awamori distilleries in Okinawa.
There are many awamori distilleries in Okinawa.
A more modern or formal term for a shochu distillery.
To refer to a distillery producing Western-style clear spirits.
To refer to a small-scale, artisanal distillery.
蒸留所 (distillery) is for distilled spirits. 酒造所 (sake brewery) is for sake and sometimes shochu. 醸造所 (brewery) is for beer, wine, and other fermented beverages. Use the specific term to avoid confusion.
Beer is made at a brewery, but whisky is made at a distillery.
For traditional Japanese spirits like shochu and awamori, using 蔵 (kura) instead of 蒸留所 adds a sense of heritage and craftsmanship. It's common in brand names and tourism.
This shochu distillery specializes in sweet potato shochu.
Micro-distilleries have been increasing in recent years.