Hey everyone, welcome to Sapporo!
I’m a local who’s been living in Sapporo for 40 years, and today, I want to share a special day trip plan that lets you venture out a bit. Our destinations are Yoichi, famous for its whisky and apples, and the Shakotan Peninsula, home to the breathtakingly beautiful “Shakotan Blue” sea.
Sapporo’s urban vibe is great, but if you’re looking to experience Hokkaido’s grand nature and unique local flavors, this course is something I genuinely recommend. You can get there by rental car or public transport, so it’s pretty easy to plan. I’ll be sharing plenty of insights, including some tips only a local would know, so I hope you’ll stick with me to the end!
Getting to Yoichi & Shakotan from Sapporo: What’s the Best Way?
First off, let me explain how to get to the Yoichi and Shakotan area from Sapporo.
- Is a Rental Car the Most Convenient? Honestly, if you want to efficiently explore both Yoichi and Shakotan at your own pace, renting a car is probably your best bet. The Shakotan Peninsula, especially, has scenic spots dotted along its coastline, so being able to stop freely wherever you like is a big plus. From Sapporo city to Yoichi, it’s about an hour to an hour and a half drive via the expressway. From there, it’s about another hour to Cape Kamui at the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula. Just a heads-up, driving in winter can be quite challenging if you’re not used to snowy roads, so please don’t push it if you’re unsure. Summer drives, though, are absolutely fantastic! Rental car prices and availability can vary depending on the season, so it’s wise to check and book early.
- You Can Go by Public Transport Too! If you’re not keen on driving or prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can also take a combination of JR trains and buses. It’s about an hour to an hour and a half from Sapporo Station to Yoichi Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line. From Yoichi Station, buses run towards the Shakotan area. You can check timetables and fares on the JR Hokkaido (JR Hokkaido Railway Company) official website. Bus services can be infrequent, so it’s crucial to check the schedule thoroughly in advance, especially if you’re heading to the far end of Shakotan. Pay close attention to connection times.
First Stop, Yoichi! A Journey into Whisky and History
Alright, our first destination is Yoichi Town, famously known as the home of the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, which was also a setting for the NHK morning drama “Massan.”
- Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery You just can’t miss this place! The distillery grounds, with their solid stone buildings, feel like an old European town – it’s exciting just to walk around. This is where the passion of founder Masataka Taketsuru for whisky-making comes to life, and you can tour the distillation buildings and storehouses. Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery Official Website They offer free tours and paid guided tours where you can learn about the whisky production process and, at the end, enjoy some tasting (soft drinks for drivers and minors, of course!). Their limited-edition whiskies are popular souvenirs too. A little inside scoop from a local: This place is incredibly popular with visitors from both Japan and overseas, so it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and long holidays. If you want to take your time exploring or ensure a spot on a paid tour, aiming for a weekday morning or booking online in advance is a smart move. The free tasting corner can also have long lines at certain times, so it’s a good idea to visit with plenty of time to spare.
- Yoichi Space Museum (Space Apple Yoichi) Yoichi isn’t just about whisky, you know. It’s also the hometown of Mamoru Mohri, Japan’s first astronaut, which is why they have this wonderful facility. The “Yoichi Space Museum” (official name “Space Apple Yoichi”) is a place where you can have fun learning about space and science. It’s especially recommended for families with children. They also have a planetarium, so if you have time, definitely check it out.
Onwards to Shakotan! In Search of the “Shakotan Blue” Scenery
Once you’ve had your fill of Yoichi, it’s time to head to the Shakotan Peninsula. From here on, it’s a scenic drive along the Sea of Japan coast with stunning views!
- Cape Kamui The highlight of the Shakotan Peninsula has to be Cape Kamui. The “Charenka Path” promenade leads from the parking lot to the tip of the cape, and the blue of the sea stretching out on either side is truly breathtaking. This is the “Shakotan Blue.” Reaching the Cape Kamui Lighthouse at the end gives you a real sense of accomplishment. However, it’s often windy here, and it’s about a 20-30 minute walk one way to the tip, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. The cape has a unique atmosphere, partly due to its history of being off-limits to women in the past. The view from the observatory is absolutely spectacular. That said, the gate to the tip can sometimes be closed due to weather conditions, so there’s an element of luck involved. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy the Shakotan Blue sufficiently from partway along the path. Another piece of local insight: I’ve actually been to Cape Kamui myself, and even when I was younger, in my twenties, I remember the path to the tip being quite tough. So, if you’re planning to go, be mindful of your physical fitness and don’t overdo it. However, the view on a clear day and the exhilarating feeling when you finally reach the end are absolutely fantastic, so it’s well worth the challenge!
- Shimamui Coast Selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Beaches,” the Shimamui Coast is another spot you should definitely visit. After passing through a short tunnel from the parking lot, the cobalt blue sea that spreads out before you is like a painting. It’s stunning just to view from above, but if you have time, walking down to the coast itself is also nice. Be careful, though, as the stairs are steep.
- Cape Shakotan / Cape Ogon While perhaps not as famous as Cape Kamui or Shimamui Coast, the views from Cape Shakotan and Cape Ogon, which overlooks the port of Bikuni, are also wonderful. It gets particularly romantic around sunset.
- The King of Summer Delicacies: Sea Urchin! When you think of Shakotan, you can’t forget the summer sea urchin (uni)! The fishing season is from around June to August, and the fresh raw uni available during this period is exquisite. There are mainly two types, Murasaki Uni and Bafun Uni, with Bafun Uni generally said to be richer and sweeter. There are many restaurants in the Shakotan area serving uni-don (sea urchin rice bowls). Honestly, they can be a bit pricey, but I think it’s well worth it. Sea urchin fishing is dependent on the weather, so if there’s a period of rough seas (shike), there might be less uni available. If you’re set on eating it, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check with the restaurant.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary (The Ambitious Plan!)
If I were your guide, here’s how I might plan it:
- Morning: Depart Sapporo → Head to Yoichi. Tour the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery & buy souvenirs.
- Lunch: Either a light meal in Yoichi or head towards Shakotan and, if it’s summer, indulge in the much-anticipated uni-don! (Uni-don would be the main event for lunch!)
- Afternoon: Drive around the Shakotan Peninsula. Marvel at the views from Shimamui Coast → Walk the “Shakotan Blue” promenade at Cape Kamui (keeping your energy levels in mind).
- Break/Snack: After your walk at Cape Kamui, or on your way back towards the Bikuni area, take a break at a cafe with an ocean view, or stop by a local shop to try some soft-serve ice cream or sweets made with local Shakotan fruit.
- Evening: (If time permits) Watch the sunset from Cape Ogon, etching the beautiful Shakotan scenery into your memory as you head back to Sapporo.
This is just an example, so feel free to arrange it to suit your own interests and time.
A Few Travel Tips
- Best Season: Summer (June to August) is definitely recommended. The Shakotan Blue is at its most beautiful, and uni is in season. However, summer is also peak tourist season, so if you prefer fewer crowds, late spring (late May to early June) or early autumn (September) are also great times with pleasant weather.
- What to Wear: Even in summer, it can be windy along the coast, so having an extra layer is a good idea. You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking at places like Cape Kamui, so sneakers are recommended.
- Other: The sun can be strong along the coast, so sunglasses and sunscreen are also good to have.
In Conclusion
So, what did you think of this day trip plan exploring Yoichi and Shakotan from Sapporo? From a historic whisky distillery to seascapes that let you truly appreciate the blue of our planet, this area is packed with highlights. And there’s plenty of delicious food too!
It’s a bit of a drive, but I firmly believe it’s absolutely worth it. I really hope you’ll come and experience the grandeur and beauty of Hokkaido firsthand. I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable memory.
I hope this article helps with your travel planning. Waiting for you in Sapporo!
