In 1995, we established the Musee d’art Mercian KARUIZAWA and its surrounding park by converting old whisky warehouses on the grounds of Mercian Karuizawa Distillery - a plant that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. The complex was designed to create the feel of “a little village” by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the same architect responsible for re-modelling the Richelieu wing of the Louvre Museum and parts of the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.

Many visitors have continued to appreciate the distinctive atmosphere of our distillery in Karuizawa, which we established in an area ideal for whisky production owing to its pure water, clean air and clear mists (indicating the optimal damp climate). The new park also includes silver birches, larches and other age-old trees that we have nurtured for many years.

Visitors can view art exhibitions, participate in a guided tour of the distillery, purchase museum goods and enjoy wine and whisky - products that we are proud to offer.

This unique museum park, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005, continues to delight many visitors by combining the best of art, nature and food.