Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Yoichi Distillery was built in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who learned manufacturing techniques in Scotland, the home of whisky. The distillery continues to produce malt distillate using traditional methods in a beautiful setting reminiscent of Scotland, with its red roof and soft stone construction set against the green lawn and trees. The “Nikka Museum,” which introduces the history of Nikka Whisky and offers tastings for a fee, is also well worth a visit. Ten buildings, including the kiln tower (the first drying tower), have been designated as registered tangible cultural properties. The free guided tour takes about 70 minutes (distillery tour: approx. 50 minutes + free tasting: approx. 20 minutes), and is held 12 times a day for 1 to 9 persons per tour.

Surrounded by mountains, Asarigawa Onsen is easily accessible from downtown Otaru in about 20 minutes by car. It is well-known as the backwater of Otaru, and is recommended as a base for sightseeing in Otaru. The hot spring resort has a wide variety of facilities including hot spring bathhouses, cottages, pensions, and campgrounds, and is visited by many locals as well as tourists. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hot springs and skiing while feeling 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 Onsen boasts a history of more than 150 years and has long been known as “Sapporo's back seat,” and is also popular for its easy accessibility, being less than an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo. Many of the inns and hotels lining the Toyohira River valley offer overnight stays as well as day-trip bathing, and footbaths and handbaths are available for casual enjoyment.

Surrounded by abundant nature, the area is famous for its beautiful seasonal scenery, especially in autumn when the valley turns brilliant colors. The bright red Futami Suspension Bridge over the Toyohira River is a perfect photo spot.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a 30-minute drive away, and rafting, canoeing, and other activities that allow visitors to fully enjoy nature are available.

At this hybrid farm-market-resturant, prepare to get a true feel for Hokkaido’s food and agriculture! Enjoy home-cooked meals using farm-fresh vegetables, like salads and tempura, at the “Farm Village Restaurant.” This locale gives you the unique experience of sampling a wide variety of Hokkaido’s fresh agricultural goods from wheat to sugar beets. At the adjacent “Agricultural and Animal Product Direct Sales Market” see agricultural and livestock goods on sale from all over Hokkaido! You can buy not only fresh vegetables, but also dairy products like cheese, sake made from Hokkaido-grown rice, and wine made from Hokkaido-grown grapes. Don’t miss the chance for this multifaceted visit into the heart of Hokkaido’s farm and food culture!

An about 40-hectare space that encompasses the Galaxy “Ginga” Garden, which has multiple themed gardens; the Animal Farm “Midori no Makiba,” with its sheep dog shows; a restaurant; a garden shop; and more. The facility makes efforts to reduce their environmental impact—for example, by recycling the kitchen waste from the restaurant into organic fertilizer.

An aquarium where you can learn about the ecology of salmon and freshwater fish inhabiting the Chitose River. The museum displays approximately 10,000 fish from freshwater environments around the world, with impressive large tanks featuring white sturgeon and Sakhalin taimen swimming dramatically. The absolute highlight is Japan's first "underwater observation zone" where you can observe the actual conditions inside the Chitose River through glass. In March, you can see salmon fry; in June, you'll spot Japanese dace and cherry salmon; and from late August through winter, you can watch salmon returning to spawn. The experience zone is popular for its interactive tanks where visitors can directly interact with fish, including a touch pool with baby sturgeon and a doctor fish experience.