Don Quijote’s Finest Japanese Whiskies — Perfect Souvenirs
One of the quietly popular pleasures of traveling in Japan is discovering Japanese whisky that you can only find here.
In recent years, Japanese whisky brands have gained global recognition, and their delicate yet layered flavors have caught the attention of visitors from around the world. More and more travelers now enjoy the experience of finding a special bottle that feels uniquely tied to their journey.
One of the easiest places to pick up Japanese whisky while traveling is Don Quijote, a familiar spot for Payke users. With its convenient locations and wide selection, it’s the perfect place to stumble upon a bottle you’ll want to take home, even in between sightseeing stops.
This time, we’re introducing four recommended whiskies born at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
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The “Fuji” Series: Japanese Whisky from the Foot of Mt. Fuji
Source：KIRIN Official Website
The KIRIN Japanese Whisky Fuji series is a whisky brand that proudly carries the name “Fuji,” one of Japan’s most iconic symbols.
Source：KIRIN Official Website
The beautiful flavors of this whisky are created at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, blessed with ideal natural conditions for whisky making. Pure underground water from Mt. Fuji, cool and clear air, and a misty climate all come together to shape its character.
Source：KIRIN Official Website
The Fuji Gotemba Distillery is especially renowned for its expertise in producing a wide range of grain whisky base spirits. Its rich and expressive grain whiskies are highly regarded worldwide.
By refining both grain and malt whisky techniques and crafting diverse base spirits, the distillery gave birth to three distinct expressions of Fuji: Single Grain, Single Malt, and Single Blended. Each bottle reflects meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in what can truly be called a beautiful whisky.
Japanese aesthetics extend beyond flavor to design as well. The packaging features Mt. Fuji, and the base of the bottle is finished with an amber reflection shaped like the mountain itself. Just holding it evokes a sense of Japan’s landscape, making it a perfect souvenir filled with both visual and emotional appeal.
KIRIN Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji（700ml）
Source：KIRIN Official Website
Blended exclusively from malt whiskies produced at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, this single malt allows you to experience the beauty of Fuji with every sip. Its defining feature is a rich, fruity aroma created by a variety of carefully crafted malt base spirits.
KIRIN Single Grain Japanese Whisky Fuji（700ml）
Source：KIRIN Official Website
This single grain whisky is blended solely from grain whiskies produced at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery. It offers a sweet, elegant, and multi-layered flavor profile, created from a diverse selection of grain base spirits.
KIRIN Single Blended Japanese Whisky Fuji（700ml）
Source：KIRIN Official Website
Blended only from malt and grain whiskies made at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, this single blended whisky delivers a harmonious, silky mouthfeel.
The balance between malt and grain creates a bright yet well-integrated flavor that feels refined and smooth.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy KIRIN Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji
【On the Rocks】
As the ice slowly melts, the aroma and sweetness gently open up, allowing you to savor the whisky’s delicate nuances at a relaxed pace.
How to prepare:
Place a large ice cube in a glass, gently pour in the whisky, and stir lightly with a stirrer.
Aroma & flavor:
Notes of ripe apple and white peach, with sweet, complex nuances reminiscent of crème brûlée. A smooth, velvety texture leads to rich fruit aromas and flavors that evoke a fruit tart. The sweet, mature finish lingers pleasantly.
Food pairings:
Smoked salmon, cheese platters, prosciutto, melon with cured ham, roasted nuts, and lightly smoked dishes. Especially good with tapas and appetizers.
【Highball】
The popularity of enjoying whisky with soda, known as the highball, is uniquely Japanese and widely loved by visitors as well.
How to prepare:
Add ice to a well-chilled glass, pour in Fuji, stir gently, then slowly add soda water.
(Fuji : Soda = 1 : 4)
Aroma & flavor:
Fruity notes of ripe apple, pear, and white peach, along with hints of honey. The refreshing carbonation tightens the flavor, leaving a clean yet lingering aroma.
Food pairings:
French fries, fish and chips, garlic shrimp, BBQ chicken, tacos. Perfect with fried foods and bold flavors.
A Friendly, Approachable Taste
KIRIN Whisky RikuⓇ 500ml
Built primarily from diverse base spirits crafted at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, Riku is designed to complement Japanese food culture. It features gentle sweetness with aromas reminiscent of yellow peach, orange, and apple, paired with a clean, smooth mouthfeel.
Some carefully selected imported whiskies are blended.
One of its key features is the non-chill filtered method, which preserves the whisky’s natural aroma and flavor components by skipping chill filtration.
With a bold 50% alcohol content and refined aromatic complexity, this whisky delivers both strength and elegance.
Recommended Way to Enjoy
Thanks to its rich aromatic profile, Riku shines even as a highball, filling your glass with a lively fragrance.
How to prepare:
Add ice to a well-chilled glass, pour in Riku, stir gently, then slowly add soda water.
(Riku : Soda = 1 : 5)
Japanese Masterpieces You Can Find at Don Quijote
So, What did you think?
Both the Fuji series and Riku are available at Don Quijote locations nationwide. They’re perfect for enjoying during your trip, savoring Japan after you return home, or gifting as a meaningful souvenir.
The blessings of Mt. Fuji, skilled craftsmanship, and memories of Japan.
Be sure to pick one up at Don Quijote and take a piece of your journey home with you.