1-Day Yoichi & Otaru Walking Tour: Nikka Whisky, Japanese Sake & Otaru Canal
Tour Highlights
Join a small-group walking tour of Yoichi and Otaru with an English-speaking guide, traveling by local trains and buses for an authentic look at local life. Visit the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery to explore its exhibits and enjoy whisky tastings, then stop at the historic Tanaka Sake Brewery for a tour and free sampling of various sakes, including freshly made unpasteurized sake. Stroll through the nostalgic stone-built streets of Otaru Sakaimachi, and finish the day with a romantic 40-minute evening canal cruise, where the sunset-lit historic buildings offer a beautiful view only seen from the water.
Schedule
8:00am Meet in front of Hokkaido-Sapporo Tourist Information Center, JR Sapporo Station West Concourse North Exit
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Transfer to Yoichi Distillery by train + walk.
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10:10am-11:00am Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
The Yoichi Distillery, Nikka’s first distillery founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, was built in Yoichi, Hokkaido to recreate a Scottish-style environment. It features four exhibits on whisky making and Taketsuru’s life, a paid tasting bar, and distillery-exclusive products for sale.
*Charges apply at the tasting corner.
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Transfer to Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura by local bus + walk.
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12:15pm-12:50pm Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
Tanaka Shuzo, a sake brewery in Otaru founded in 1899, features the historic Kikkogura stone warehouse (c.1905). Thanks to Hokkaido’s cool climate, sake is brewed year-round. Visitors can tour the brewery and enjoy free tastings of about 10 kinds of sake and liqueur, including freshly made unpasteurized sake.
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Transfer to Otaru Sakaimachi Street by private car
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1:00pm-2:40pm Stroll around Sakaimachi Street in Otaru
Enjoy free time for lunch along Otaru’s historic Sakaimachi Street, savoring fresh Hokkaido seafood and local specialties while soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.
**Lunch is not included
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3:00pm-3:40pm Otaru Canal Cruise
Enjoy a 40-minute Otaru Canal cruise.
*Subject to cancellation due to weather or operational conditions; an alternative may be provided if needed.↓
Walk to Otaru Station
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4:00pm Arrive at Otaru Station, Tour Ends