A Gourmet Pilgrimage and Sparkling Shakotan Blue: Discover Yoichi, Shakotan, and Otaru
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 2 days and 1 night
- Main methods of transportation
- Car
Located in western Hokkaido, the town of Yoichi sits at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula. Surrounded by both mountains and the sea, this nature-rich town has long flourished in fishing and agriculture. It is renowned throughout Hokkaido as a treasure trove of high-quality, fresh ingredients.
On the second day, head to Cape Kamui in the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. From the dramatic cliffs that jut out into the Sea of Japan, you can admire the breathtaking view of the shimmering waters known as Shakotan Blue—a sight you will never forget.
This is a perfect 2 days and 1 night recommended route that allows you to savor local flavors, explore scenic wonders, and enjoy sightseeing in Otaru on your way back.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
New Chitose Airport
Let’s Head to Yoichi!
The opening of the Hokkaido Expressway section between Otaru Junction and Yoichi IC has made traveling from New Chitose Airport to Yoichi much more convenient. You can now enjoy a smooth and comfortable drive without worrying about getting lost. It’s the perfect way to start your Yoichi adventure!
Enjoy Lunch at the Smoked Cuisine Restaurant "Kemukaro"
A Specialty Restaurant by Nanpo Ryutaro Shoten, Famous for Smoked Delicacies
At Kemukaro, a cozy restaurant created by the renowned Nanpo Ryutaro Shoten, known for its expertly crafted smoked products, you can savor a unique lunch experience featuring smoked cuisine. The restaurant is set in a charming, renovated traditional Japanese house with a warm, retro atmosphere.
One of the most popular dishes is the Smoked Beef Stewed in Red Wine, where tender smoked beef is slowly simmered in rich red wine. You can also enjoy their signature smoked coffee and a variety of lunch menus that highlight carefully selected smoked ingredients.
If you're looking for a special food experience in Yoichi, this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch infused with the delightful aroma of smoke.
- Address
- 余市郡余市町港町75-2
- Telephone Number
- 0135-48-5100
- Open
- 11:00-15:00（LO 14:30）
- Closed
- Wednesdays, Thursdays
Must-Visit Spots! Discover Local Flavors in Yoichi
- Nanpo Ryutaro Shoten
- Founded in 1948, this long-established smoked foods specialty shop has been carefully preserving traditional smoking techniques. They mainly use fresh seafood from Yoichi, along with a variety of carefully selected ingredients, and smoke each item with great attention to detail. Their most popular product, Smoked Hair Crab, is an exclusive delicacy you can only purchase here.
Address: 余市郡余市町港町88
TEL: 0135-22-2744 - https://nptomedon.com/2019/11/19/%e7%87%bb%e8%a3%bd%e5%b1%8b%e3%83%bb%e5%8d%97%e4%bf%9d%e7%95%99%e5%a4%aa%e9%83%8e%e5%95%86%e5%ba%97%e3%81%ab%e3%81%a4%e3%81%84%e3%81%a6/
- Rita Farm & Winery
- This winery is committed to crafting natural wines using 100% grapes grown in their own vineyards. They focus on a winemaking process that respects nature and carefully limit production to maintain quality. In addition to wine, they also offer a selection of processed farm products such as cereals and juices.
Address: 余市郡余市町登町1824
TEL: 0135-23-8805 - http://www.rita-farm.jp/
- FRUTICO
- FRUTICO is a charming shop that serves rich, fresh fruit gelato and smoothies made from homegrown fruits. One of its biggest attractions is the wide variety of seasonal flavors that change throughout the year, making every visit a new, delicious experience.
Address: 余市郡余市町大川町8-31
TEL: 080-7294-3654 - https://fruticoyoichi.com/index.html
Introducing unique tastes you can only find in Yoichi, a treasure trove of fresh ingredients.
Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Yoichi Distillery
Indulge in beautiful scenery and delicious whiskey
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.
- Address
- 余市町黒川町7-6
- Telephone Number
- 0135-23-3131
- Open
- 9:15-16:15 (last departure for guided tours at 14:45)
- Closed
- Irregular holidays
[Dinner & Stay] Yoichi SAGRA
Experience unique hospitality with the rich, local ingredients of Yoichi.
Yoichi SAGRA is an Italian auberge passionately run by a chef-owner who was so captivated by the charm of Yoichi that he moved here from Sapporo. Guests can indulge in an extraordinary stay where the main purpose is to savor exquisite dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with Yoichi’s distinctive local wines.
Enjoy the luxury of dining and staying in the beautiful natural surroundings of Yoichi—an experience that can only be found here.
- Address
- 余市郡余市町登町987-2
- Telephone Number
- 0135-22-2800 *Please refrain from calling during lunch and dinner hours.
- Open
- 12:00-14:00 Lunch (Wednesday-Sunday)
18:00-22:00 Dinner (Tuesday-Saturday)
*All by advanced reservation only
Cape Kamui
Spectacular view of the beautiful “Shakotan Blue” as clear as blue.
Cape Kamui is an 80-meter-high cape that juts out into the Sea of Japan from the northwestern part of the Shakotan Peninsula. From the parking lot, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the tip of the cape via the "Charenka Path," a walking trail with some ups and downs. As you proceed along the path, you can enjoy the varied landscape of Cape Kamui and the Shakotan Blue sea. When you reach the tip, you will find a viewpoint with a 300-degree panoramic view. The rounded horizon will give you a sense of the Earth's curvature.
- Address
- 積丹郡積丹町神岬町
- Telephone Number
- 0135-44-3715
- Open
- [Kamui Banya] Restaurant/11:20-15:30, Shop/10:30-16:00
Enjoy Uni (Sea Urchin Rice Bowl) in Shakotan
A Seasonal Delicacy with Rich Sweetness, Available Only for About 3 Months from June to August!
Shakotan Town is famous for its premium uni (sea urchin) rice bowls, offered at numerous restaurants with a strong commitment to quality. Some are run by local fishermen, while others specialize in serving natural sea urchin with absolutely no additives. During the uni season from June to August, the town is bustling with visitors who travel from far and wide to savor this unforgettable taste.
- Address
- 積丹郡積丹町
- Telephone Number
- 0135-44-3715（Shakotan Tourist Association)
Strolling Through Otaru
A Day Trip Might Not Be Enough! Discover the Countless Attractions of Otaru
Otaru is a treasure trove of fascinating sightseeing spots! Around the famous Otaru Canal, you’ll find the lively Sakaimachi Shopping Street lined with souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and delightful sweets stores.
In addition to historic buildings and art museums, there are also many hands-on experiences such as making music boxes and glassware.
With so much to see and do, a single day might not be enough to fully enjoy all that Otaru has to offer.
- Telephone Number
- 0134-33-2510（Otaru Tourist Association)
