Known as a village of pristine water where rikyu prepared tea ceremonies, yamazaki gorge boasts a humid climate ideal for barrel aging. in 1923, this location was chosen for japan's first domestically produced whiskey distillery, and since then, it has continued to produce a wide variety of malt whiskeys. visitors can tour the distillery and, after being guided through the manufacturing process, enjoy a luxurious whiskey and water tasting made with the same water used in the distillation process. (advance reservations are recommended for tours. tastings are also available for a fee at the yamazaki whiskey museum's tasting corner.)