Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Working sake brewery that uses 100% Hokkaido-grown rice and continues brewing throughout the year. Inside the kura, visitors can observe the brewing process up close, gaining a firsthand look at how Japanese sake is created. The aromas of steamed rice, the quiet rhythm of craftsmanship, and the atmosphere of the brewery allow you to experience sake-making with all five senses.

After the tour, enjoy a tasting session featuring the brewery’s signature sake, including its flagship label Takaragawa. Take your time savoring each carefully crafted sip while soaking in the unique atmosphere of Otaru. It is a memorable stop where local ingredients, tradition, and flavor come together.

From traditional sake flasks and cups to elegant wine glasses, this specialty store showcases a wide variety of glassware created by artisans based in Otaru. Each piece reflects individual creativity and handcraft techniques, blending Japanese and Western styles in a way that feels both refined and approachable.

Enjoying Hokkaido’s local drinks in glassware made by Otaru craftsmen adds a deeper layer to the experience. As you browse, you may find a piece that feels just right for you—an item that not only enhances your drink but also serves as a lasting reminder of your journey through Otaru.

Set inside a historic stone warehouse along the Otaru Canal, Otaru Warehouse No.1 is a brewpub with an on-site beer brewery. Established in 1995, it is home to Otaru Beer, the city’s first local craft beer, which you can enjoy alongside lunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to dining, visitors can join a free brewery tour, offering a closer look at the beer-making process. Surrounded by the warm aroma of malt and hops, you can experience Otaru’s beer culture in a relaxed and atmospheric setting—an ideal midday stop on your journey.

OSA WINERY is a small, urban winery run by a husband-and-wife team in the heart of Otaru. From grape growing and winemaking to bottling and sales, every step is handled by the two of them, resulting in wines filled with care, patience, and a strong sense of place.

Because they spend most days focused on vineyard work and winemaking, the winery’s shop and tasting bar open only on Saturday afternoons. This limited opening makes a visit feel especially special—and is precisely what makes this stop possible on this itinerary. It is a hidden gem for those who want to experience the quiet passion behind Otaru’s emerging wine culture.

*Images shown are for illustrative purposes only.

Otaru sits next to Yoichi, the birthplace of Nikka Whisky. For the perfect finale to your journey, step into a bar named after Rita, the wife of Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, whose story is deeply woven into the history of Japanese whisky.

Here, you can enjoy Nikka’s flagship whiskies as well as limited bottles from the Yoichi Distillery, available by the shot. In a retro, softly lit setting, take your time savoring each glass and reflecting on the craftsmanship and legacy behind Japan’s whisky culture. It is a refined, unhurried moment—an ideal way to conclude a day in Otaru.

*Images shown are for illustrative purposes only.