Which/Where to Buy Japanese Whisky in Tokyo?

coota1268 on 20/01/2018 - 13:31
Last edited 20/01/2018 - 13:46

Hi - I have some friends that don't drink heading to Tokyo for a short trip. They have graciously offered to bring me back some Whisky (If they can find some for the right price)…

From what I've read, it's alot harder to find Japanese Whisky now and the price seems to have increased a fair bit as it's become more popular.

I was thinking about asking them to bring back the following, provided they are not more than $50AUD/ 5,000 Yen Per Bottle:

Yamazaki:

Single Malt/NAS (Ideally I'd like the 12yr, but It's gone upto $200AUD)

Hibiki:

Harmony Blend (Again, 12 might be too expensive)

Hakushu:

Single Malt (I think this is called Distillers Reserve in Australia. The 12yr is too expensive)

Nikka:

From the Barrel (Cause it's dirt cheap and strong)

Should I be considering any other Japanese Whisky that would come in (or below) ~$50AUD? Also, for anyone that has been to Tokyo recently, where are some good places to look for deals?

Thanks.

Travel

Comments

Zabar on 20/01/2018 - 13:46

I haven’t been since 2016, but I don’t think you’ll find those 12s for under $50. The no age statement versions might be close though. Nikka 500ml bottles are a lot cheaper.

If you can’t find anything else, Kakubin is super cheap compared to here.

There are bottle shops around the city. BIC Camera and Yodobashi stores also sell whiskey.
Randxyz123 on 20/01/2018 - 13:58

Not a chance for under $50 for those.

As for where to buy, there are various small shops around that should be able to provide a recommendation for your budget. I bought some from a small store in a train station don't remember where though.
kasumi on 20/01/2018 - 14:28

I was lucky to be able to buy Hibiki from Isetan, Shinjuku (food hall) in Nov. It was around AU$60 or so with tax back. When we went back to search for some Hakushu for my friend, all the above named were gone, and i was told they sell out quick. You can search at food halls at the large department stores as they do have an alcohol section. EDIT: these would be the no age Whiskies

We also found some liquor (Hibiki) at the local supermarket near our hotel. The Hibiki was JPY5,378 inc tax

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/10722/55754/7df39dbb-d…

Even Johnny walker was cheap at the supermarket

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/10722/55755/c3acbfe9-3…
mbck on 20/01/2018 - 15:32

Yamasaki is worth it. Hibiki is great too but I prefer Yamasaki(can't go wrong with either) just my 2c

Won't find anything less than 50 that's worth it. Chita just burns for me
slknv on 20/01/2018 - 16:30

Came back couple of weeks ago - some reason most places I went to were out of yamazaki. Ended up with some hibiki and nikka, and sake and umeshu for the wife. Tell your mates to try the local don quixote - at least they're open late. Leaving narita, the 18yo are around Y50,000 - still cheaper than local prices.
jimbobaus on 20/01/2018 - 17:10

Very hard to find it last time I was there
In the end only place I found that had it I stick was a bottle shop (the only one) at Tokyo central station.
So bought 3 bottles.
They had Yama and Hibiki.
I highly reccomend there as it was a headache running around looking for it
jace88 on 20/01/2018 - 18:20

I bought from Tokyo airport to save me carrying.
- kasumi on 21/01/2018 - 10:50
  
  Can be a hit or a miss though. They were sold out at the airport too when we left
  - jace88 on 21/01/2018 - 14:56
    
    That's true, it is a bit of a risk depending on how specific your wishlist is. At Tokyo airport though I realised all those things I bought around the place and carried everywhere (eg the banana sweets) could all be bought for similar pricing at the airport! Made me regret carrying and walking with them throughout Tokyo.
  - Calcifer on 25/07/2018 - 11:26
    
    How do they go for duty-free pricing?
Seraphin7 on 20/01/2018 - 19:11

You won't get it for under $50, but the Hibiki is a fine drop!