Yakushima Densho Gura Shochu Distillery
Shochu is distilled liquor especially popular in Kyushu. It is typically made from rice, barley, buckwheat, and sweet potatoes or brown sugar. On Yakushima, it is generally made from sweet potatoes, which gives it a distinctive smell and smoky flavor.
The quality of shochu depends greatly on water conditions which makes the island of Yakushima, with is pristine waters, a logical choice to set up a distillery. The Yakushima Densho Gura Shochu Distillery, the main liquor producer on the island, was founded by the Hombo Company and started producing shochu on Yakushima in 1960. At the distillery, visitors can learn about the shochu brewing process, while the shop offers tastings of a variety of shochu as well as other liquors, such as sangria and whiskey made from local products.