Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Step into a world of tradition at the Yoichi Distillery, founded in 1934. With its historic stone buildings and rare coal-fired distillation, this site offers an evocative journey into the heritage of Japanese whisky.

Located at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula, Yoichi was chosen by Taketsuru Masataka—known as the “Father of Japanese Whisky”—as the ideal place to realize his vision. The distillery grounds are home to ten Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, including the Still House with its rows of copper pot stills and the iconic Kiln Tower. Red roofs set against green lawns and sturdy stone buildings made from local Yoichi stone create a landscape reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.

The distillery continues to preserve the world-rare tradition of direct coal-fired distillation. The intense heat, the crackling flames, and the sight of craftsmen shoveling coal into the furnaces all speak to the power of time-honored methods still in use today.

As you stroll through the grounds, the sweet aroma of the “Angel’s Share” drifting from aging casks mingles with the sea breeze. After exploring the Nikka Museum and touching the cool stone walls, pause to admire the amber glow of the whisky in the crisp Hokkaido air—a place where time slows, inviting you to fully savor the bounty of the northern land.

Surrounded by nature and conveniently located, Asarigawa Hot Spring is a relaxing hot spring area that serves as an ideal base for exploring Otaru.

Nestled among gentle mountain scenery, Asarigawa Hot Spring offers a peaceful escape just About 20 minutes by car from central Otaru. Long known as the city’s quiet inner retreat, it has been loved for generations as a place where travelers can unwind between sightseeing adventures. Stepping away from the lively streets of Otaru, visitors are welcomed by calm air, natural landscapes, and a slower pace of time.

The area features a wide range of accommodation options, including traditional hot spring inns, cozy cottages, pensions, and campgrounds. This variety attracts not only visitors from afar but also local residents seeking a refreshing getaway. Throughout the year, guests can soak in soothing hot spring waters while enjoying the changing seasons, or embrace winter with activities such as skiing. Easily accessible yet deeply relaxing, Asarigawa Hot Spring invites you to enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by nature.

Relive the Taisho-era romance at this nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property. Built over six years by a family of wealthy fishing magnates, this lavish villa envelops you in the luster of lacquer and the vibrant beauty of over 100 ceiling paintings.

Nestled in the Shukutsu district of Otaru, the Former Aoyama Villa stands as a breathtaking monument to the "herring magnates" who once dominated the region's seas. Constructed with the combined efforts of the Aoyama family during the early 20th century, this expansive 628-square-meter residence features 18 refined rooms. As you enter, the deep sheen of massive zelkova pillars and polished lacquer floors immediately captures the eye, reflecting a legacy of immense prosperity.

Every detail within the villa speaks of master craftsmanship. The intricate carvings of rosewood and sandalwood in the transoms exude a subtle, elegant fragrance, grounding you in the atmosphere of this grand estate.

At the adjacent Otaru Kihinkan, the experience reaches a stunning visual highlight. Looking up in the main hall, your gaze is met by 119 vivid ceiling panels painted by renowned artists with ties to Hokkaido. To complete your journey, savor signature herring dishes at the restaurant while overlooking the seasonal gardens. Between the savory flavors and the gentle sound of the wind, you will find a serene sanctuary where century-old beauty still thrives.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei Hot Spring is one of Hokkaido’s most celebrated destinations, where mineral-rich waters and seasonal landscapes blend seamlessly.

With a history of over 150 years, Jozankei is a tranquil retreat along the Toyohira River, lined with traditional ryokan inns and modern hotels set within a forested valley. The area features 56 natural hot spring sources, producing approximately 8,600 liters of thermal water every minute. The clear sodium chloride waters, naturally heated to 60–80°C, gently warm the body and leave a lasting sense of relaxation.

Each season brings a new face to the valley. Autumn is especially striking, as vivid red and golden leaves blanket the gorge. The bright red Futami Suspension Bridge offers one of Jozankei’s most iconic views, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water and birdsong.

Outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. From spring to autumn, visitors can explore hiking trails and river rafting, while winter brings excellent powder snow to nearby ski resorts. Free foot baths throughout the town provide an easy way to unwind during a stroll.

Paired with Hokkaido’s seasonal cuisine, Jozankei offers a refreshing escape where nature and onsen culture come together to restore both body and mind.

Located just outside Sapporo, this expansive farm offers hands-on programs where you can discover the charm of agriculture and food.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sapporo area, the farm provides immersive experiences that take you through every step—from sowing seeds to harvesting and cooking. Step into the fields and feel the cool touch of the soil, breathe in the earthy aroma carried by the breeze, and awaken your senses. Seasonal programs vary throughout the year: sow seeds in spring, harvest in summer, and cook freshly picked vegetables in autumn. With around 50 different activities available annually, there’s something for everyone—including programs suitable for young children—making it a popular destination for families to learn about food and healthy eating together.

After farm work, relax at the on-site Farmhouse Restaurant, where a buffet featuring seasonal vegetables harvested from the farm and surrounding areas. Enjoy crisp textures and the natural flavors of freshly harvested vegetables, a true taste of Hokkaido. You can also visit the farm’s market to purchase local ingredients and processed goods. These hands-on experiences with nature and crops will create unforgettable memories of your journey.

Walk through vast green pastures, meet grazing sheep, and experience the natural cycle of life—Eco-rin Village is an eco-themed park where sustainability comes to life.

Eco-rin Village spans an impressive 150 hectares, most of it dedicated to farmland where up to 1,000 sheep graze freely. Guided by the vision of reducing environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable society, this community values deep connections with nature.

Over the years, Eco-rin Village has focused on safe food production, dairy farming, and growing flowers to decorate its restaurants. It also promotes eco-friendly practices such as recycling food waste and livestock manure into organic fertilizer and developing technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions. Today, visitors can enjoy hands-on programs like wool crafts and forest play, along with the park’s star attraction—the World’s Largest Tomato Tree in Tomato Forest. Its breathtaking scale is a must-see.

The on-site restaurant “Rakuda-ken” and the Welcome Center offer local cuisine and shopping experiences. Looking ahead, the west area will be transformed into a Nature Learning Field inspired by SDGs, introducing new spaces and programs to deepen environmental education. Eco-rin Village continues to evolve as a place where people can experience Hokkaido’s rich nature and take home new ideas and inspiration for living more sustainably in everyday life.

Directly connected to the Chitose River, this aquarium lets you observe salmon swimming upstream and discover the life of various freshwater fish up close.

Located in the Hanazono area of Chitose, this interactive aquarium offers a fun way to learn about the ecology of freshwater fish. Inside, About 10,000 creatures—including freshwater species from around the world—are on display. The dynamic presence of White Sturgeon and the legendary Ito swimming in the large tanks is truly captivating. The shimmering water and graceful movements of the fish create a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws visitors in.

The highlight of the facility is Japan’s first Underwater Observation Zone, where you can peer through glass directly into the riverbed of the Chitose River. Here, you can witness different natural dramas throughout the seasons: salmon fry in spring, Ugui and Cherry Salmon in summer, and salmon returning upstream to spawn from autumn through winter.

The touch pools—where visitors can feel baby sturgeon or try the “doctor fish” experience—are also popular. Spend a special moment engaging your senses with the vibrant life nurtured by the clear waters of the Chitose River.