YOICHI
A Town of Whisky and Orchards
Savoring Yoichi
From the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, one of the birthplaces of Japanese whisky, to apple and grape orchards and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. Yoichi is a town of food and history well worth the short trip from Otaru.
Yoichi is a town on the Sea of Japan coast in southwestern Hokkaido. Known as the place where Masataka Taketsuru, “the father of Japanese whisky,” applied the techniques he learned in Scotland to begin serious whisky production. Fruit farming and fishing are also thriving here, giving Yoichi plenty to offer on the food side as well.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
ClassicArguably the top destination in Yoichi, this whisky distillery features classic stone buildings where you can tour the whisky-making process, followed by a tasting. For whisky lovers, it’s nothing short of a pilgrimage site. Some tours require advance reservation, so booking ahead is recommended.
📍 About a 3-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station | Book a tour here (official Nikka Whisky website)
Orchard Tours
GourmetYoichi is also known as a producer of apples, grapes, and cherries. From summer through autumn, many tourist orchards offer fruit picking, and wineries using locally grown grapes are scattered throughout the area. Being able to enjoy different fruit picking depending on the season is one of its appeals.
📍 Various locations around Yoichi (varies by orchard)
Seafood at Yoichi Port
GourmetFacing the Sea of Japan, Yoichi Port lands fresh catches like herring and crab. Local eateries near the port serve seafood rice bowls and beachside grilling made with the day’s catch—pairing a distillery visit with great food is part of what makes visiting Yoichi so satisfying.
📍 About a 10-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station
Outdoor Activities
ActivitiesBlessed with rich natural surroundings, Yoichi also offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and winter skiing. With plenty of fishing spots taking advantage of its Sea of Japan coastline, it’s a popular area among nature lovers too.
📍 Various locations around Yoichi
A Private Charter Taxi Is the Easy Way to See Yoichi
Yoichi is about a further 30-minute drive from Otaru. If you’d like to extend your Otaru sightseeing to include Yoichi’s whisky distillery and orchards, a private charter taxi with no transfers is a convenient choice.
It also fits neatly into a touring plan from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.