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Offered languages
- English
This exclusive small-group tour from Sapporo, led by an English-speaking assistant, offers an immersive local experience using trains and buses. Enjoy a pleasant 4km walk through Yoichi and Otaru, gaining insights into local culture and daily life. Explore the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery for authentic whisky, then visit Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura for free tastings of 10 types of Japanese sake. Stroll Otaru's historic Sakaimachi Street, a "living museum," and enjoy a romantic Otaru Canal Cruise at dusk with beautifully illuminated buildings.
This tour is ideal for active travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond typical sightseeing, those passionate about Japanese food culture and history, and individuals preferring intimate, locally-focused, and sustainable travel.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet in front of Hokkaido Sapporo Tourist Information Center, JR Sapporo Station West Concourse North Exit. The shutters are closed as it is before business hours. Please wait in front of the blue sign that reads "Hokkaido Sapporo Tourist Information Center.
Tour ends at Otaru Station around 4:00pm
Itinerary
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1
Yoichi Distillery was the first Nikka Whisky distillery established by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, and was built in Yoichi, Hokkaido in pursuit of an environment similar to Scotland. There are 4 exhibits showing whisky making and the life of Masataka Taketsuru, a tasting bar (charges apply), as well as products exclusive to the distillery on sale. *Charges apply at the tasting corner.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
Tanaka Shuzo is a sake brewery in Otaru City founded in 1899, and Kikkogura, the stone warehouse built around 1905, has been designated as a historic building of the city. Taking advantage of Hokkaido's cool climate, the brewery is able to brew all year round, which is rare in Japan. Visitors can see the manufacturing site and sample about 10 kinds of sake and liqueur for free throughout the year. Enjoy a taste of freshly made unpasteurized sake available all year round.
35 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Otaru Sakaimachi Street
Enjoy free time for lunch while admiring the view of retro stone buildings lined up along the historic Otaru Sakaimachi Street. Spend luxurious moments soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere while relishing fresh seafood from Hokkaido and local specialties.
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Otaru Canal
Enjoy a cruise (approx. 40 min). *The Otaru Canal cruise may be canceled due to weather or operational conditions In addition, depending on road conditions and congestion, customers may be guided to an alternative location.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a special tour for international visitors. Please understand that residents of Japan cannot make bookings for this tour
- The tour may be canceled or the course altered in case operation is suspended or inclement weather (poor visibility due to strong winds, snowstorms, etc.) is in the forecast
- Cancellation may occur due to traffic obstruction caused by heavy snowfall in Sapporo City, Otaru City and, Yoichi District
- Paid tastings are available at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, while Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura offers complimentary tastings of approximately 10 types of sake and liqueurs
- Customers under 20 years of age are not allowed to drink alcohol, but may participate in the tour
- Public transportation will be used to move around on this tour. Please note that seating is not guaranteed. A taxi may be used for transfer due to timetable revision and operation circumstances.
- In the event that the Otaru Canal Cruise cannot be operated (due to inclement weather, traffic congestion, or other circumstances), we will arrange the following alternative experience: Music Box Making Experience: Orgel Doh Yukobo or Orgeldoh® Kaimeiro. There will be no tour cancellations or refunds as a result of this change
- The times noted in the itinerary are estimates only, and may vary depending on circumstances
- If making plans for before or after the tour on the same day, and for those joining from outside Hokkaido, planning your schedule to have enough time is recommended
- The Hokkaido Sapporo Tourist Information Center, our meeting point, is closed with its shutters down at the time of the meeting as it's before business hours. Please wait in front of the blue sign that says "Hokkaido Sapporo Tourist Information Center"
- Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time
- Lunch is not included on the tour (customers are to purchase their own meals). Customers can enjoy their choice of meal at Otaru Sakaimachi Street
- Please wear shoes and clothing which are easy to walk in. A distance of about 4 km will be covered on this tour
- This tour involves walking outdoors. Please take measures against heat or cold depending on the season. Summer: Temperatures can reach up to 35°C. Please bring items that protect from the heat such as sunglasses, hat, parasol, neck cooler, etc. Winter: The tour may proceed in snowy conditions. Please be sure to dress warmly and wear non-slip footwear such as shoes with slip-resistant soles or rubber boots
- Large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour. Please have them delivered in advance, or leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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