Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The "Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Yoichi Distillery" was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who learned the art of whisky making in Scotland, the homeland of whisky. The distillery, with its red roofs and soft stone buildings set against the green of lawns and trees, evokes the beautiful landscapes of Scotland. Here, traditional methods are used to continue producing malt whisky.

The "Nikka Museum," which offers a detailed introduction to the history of Nikka Whisky and a paid tasting corner, is also worth a visit. Additionally, ten buildings, including the Kiln Tower (First Drying Tower), are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.

Free guided tours, which last about 70 minutes (about 50 minutes for the distillery tour and 20 minutes for free tasting), are held 12 times a day for groups of 1 to 9 people.

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.

Using their great wealth amassed through the herring fishing trade, the Aoyama family constructed this stunning villa. Japan’s finest craftsmen spent 6 years perfecting the wood-frame construction while famous artists adorned the interior with original paintings, calligraphy, and more than 2,000 panes of handmade glass. Be sure not to leave before grabbing a bite! This residence-turned-preserved-villa now houses a delicious restaurant serving traditional herring cuisine, a reminder of how the family made its fortune.

Jozankei hot spring is a famous hot spring with over 150 years of history. With superb access, it is just About 60 minutes by taxi from central Sapporo. Loved as "Sapporo's Inner Sanctuary", you can easily visit for a day trip or during your sightseeing, making it popular with both tourists and locals.

The hot spring town along the Toyohira River features many inns and hotels, offering day-trip bathing and Ashiyu (foot baths). It is the perfect place to relieve your travel fatigue.

Its main attraction is the magnificent nature. The autumn foliage season (mid to late October) is truly breathtaking; the entire valley is vividly colored. The scarlet "Futami Tsuribashi" (Suspension Bridge) over the Toyohira River is a popular photo spot on social media.

Activities abound year-round: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the "Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort" in winter, or rafting, canoeing, and hiking from spring to autumn. Experience both the soothing hot spring and active nature here.

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 nutrition together.

After farm work, relax at the on-site Farmhouse Restaurant, where a buffet featuring seasonal vegetables awaits. Enjoy the crisp textures and natural flavors that fill your mouth, savoring the unique 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.

A unique eco-themed park in Eniwa blending nature, learning, and sustainability.

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 learn how to build a sustainable future.

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.