► Note: This is an eco-friendly guided day trip to Yoichi and Otaru by public transport. Please contact us if you need an upgrade to a private car.
★
Special Arrangement: Whisky Tasting ExperienceIn the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and lead you to Yoichi to visit the
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, a renowned factory producing Scotch whisky, founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of whisky of Japan. Yoichi was chosen as the location for the distillery because of its proximity to Scotland in latitude and climate. Follow our guide to see the entire liquor making process - the distillery has been adhering to the traditional method of fermentation and distillation. Examine the museum inside to learn about the history of whiskey, visit the founder's home, and taste the full-bodied malt liquor and whisky, which would spice up your day.
Afterwards, head to Otaru and stroll along the city’s landmark
Otaru Canal, where the kerosene street lamps and the old warehouses along the banks speak of history and nostalgia, and that in a trance, you seem to see the busy scene of transporting goods on this canal. Watch the artists paint by the river and take a classic photo at the Asakusa Bridge at the southern end of the canal.
Next, wander through the
Sakaimachi Street to see the distinctive shops along the way, some of which are more than 100-year-old brands, selling local specialties, food, and most importantly, glass crafts, which have made Otaru known as the 'City of Glass'. Visit the
Kitaichi Glass Studio to see the making process of the glass products, admire the intricate hand-made glass artworks on display, and feel the power of the Japanese craft spirit passed down through generations. Stop by the
Otaru Music Box Museum to marvel at the sophisticated mechanical devices and carvings amid the melodious tunes. You can also learn to make a small music box here if you are interested. Our last stop today would be the
Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street, not long but packed with more than 20 sushi restaurants, a good choice for your dinner, as the sushi here is hailed as the best by the Japanese themselves. Finally, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel in Sapporo.
► Winter Activities upon Request: If you come to Hokkaido during the snow season (December to the next March) and love skiing, you can ask our travel consultants to replace this day or add a day to have fun in Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu ski area, Sapporo Teine Ski Area, or Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sapporo Prince Hotel (4 stars) or similar
