✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Yoichi.
Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Yoichi is a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed like a precious pearl.
From savoring the finest whisky to basking in the breathtaking beauty of nature, Yoichi offers a range of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Get ready to be swept away on an enchanting adventure that will capture your heart and soothe your soul.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yoichi:
1. Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
A historic distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido that produces some of Japan’s most famous whiskies.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the history of Nikka Whisky and the whisky-making process.
Visit the museum to see a collection of historic whisky-making equipment and learn about the life of the company’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru.
Sample some of Nikka’s renowned whiskies in the on-site tasting room.
Don’t miss: Watching the mash and fermentation process in action, which takes place in traditional wooden washbacks. Also, be sure to pick up a bottle of Yoichi whisky to bring home as a souvenir.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to secure your spot, as they can fill up quickly.
While in Yoichi, consider visiting the nearby Yoichi Fisheries Museum and the Yoichi Kamaboko Village, where you can try some of the region’s famous fish cakes.
2. Yoichi Space Museum
The Yoichi Space Museum is a museum that focuses on space exploration and showcases Japan’s contributions to space science.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore exhibits on various topics such as the history of space exploration, rocket technologies, satellite communication, and celestial bodies.
The museum also features hands-on experiences where visitors can simulate missions, drive a rover, and try on astronaut suits.
Don’t miss: The museum’s full-scale model of the Hayabusa spacecraft, which successfully returned asteroid samples to Earth. Also, don’t miss the planetarium dome, which allows visitors to see the night sky and learn about cosmic phenomena.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers guided tours in Japanese, but English audio guides are available.
3. Yoichi Fishing Port
Yoichi Fishing Port is a picturesque port located in Yoichi town, Hokkaido, Japan. It is famous for its fresh seafood and is popular among tourists for its beautiful scenery.
What to see or do: – Watch the fishing boats come in and unload their daily catch.
Don’t miss: – Trying the local specialty, “Yoichi Kaisendon” (seafood bowl), which features fresh seafood from the port.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Yoichi Fishing Port is from May to October when the weather is mild and you can enjoy various outdoor activities.
4. Mount Yoichi
Mount Yoichi is a volcanic mountain located in the Yoichi town of Shiribeshi Subprefecture in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Hiking is the main attraction of Mount Yoichi. The hiking trail is well-marked and has stunning views of the surrounding area.
The trail takes about two hours to climb to the top, and it is a moderate hike.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the scenic views from the summit of Mount Yoichi. The rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean are breathtakingly beautiful.
Insider travel tips: It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothing while hiking. Carry enough food and water while hiking, as there are no facilities available on the mountain.
The best time to visit is between June and October. It is recommended to start the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
5. Mellow Cafe Yoichi
A cozy cafe located in Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while relaxing in the comfortable atmosphere of the cafe.
Don’t miss: Their famous house-made scones, which are baked fresh every day and pair perfectly with their beverages.
Insider travel tips: Mellow Cafe Yoichi is a popular spot among locals, so arrive early to secure a table or be prepared for a wait.
They often have seasonal specials, so be sure to ask the staff for recommendations.
6. Yoichi Motorsport Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and accomplishments of the Yoichi Motorsport Team, a renowned Japanese motorsport racing team.
What to see or do: View the impressive collection of race cars, including their famous red and white liveried Nissan GT-Rs and iconic Toyota Supra. Experience the team’s achievements through displays of trophies, photographs and videos showcasing their race victories.
Don’t miss: The chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a Nissan GT-R and take a virtual reality lap around the famous Fuji Speedway.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in the town of Yoichi, which is famous for its whiskey and seafood. Be sure to try some while you’re there.
7. Yoichi Wine Factory
Yoichi Wine Factory is a winery located in the town of Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery to learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the wines produced on site.
The winery has a wide variety of red, white, and sparkling wines available for purchase.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to taste the award-winning wines produced by Yoichi Wine Factory. The winery’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have won several awards in both domestic and international wine competitions.
Insider travel tips: – If you plan on purchasing wine to take home, consider joining the winery’s wine club for discounts and exclusive access to limited edition wines.
8. Yoichi Park
Yoichi Park is a beautiful park located in Yokohama, Japan.
What to see or do: The park is home to a variety of beautifully manicured gardens and winding paths perfect for a peaceful stroll. Visitors can also enjoy the large pond where they can rent paddle boats or feed the fish.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the park is the large rose garden which boasts over 2,000 roses of varying colors and types.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
9. Otaru Aquarium
Otaru Aquarium is a marine wildlife park located in the city of Otaru, Japan that features a variety of sea creatures local to the area.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe various marine species, including otters, seals, penguins, and sea lions. The aquarium also boasts a massive tank filled with various fish species from the Sea of Japan.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the exciting shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, as well as the opportunity to pet and interact with various sea creatures.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit around the feeding times to witness the animals in their most active state. The aquarium is typically less crowded on weekdays, so plan accordingly for a more peaceful experience.
Be sure to check out the nearby Yoichi town, famous for its whiskey distillery and picturesque scenery.
10. Sakaimachi Street
Sakaimachi Street is a bustling shopping street located in the quaint town of Yoichi in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: The street is lined with old-fashioned buildings and shops selling a variety of local goods such as wine, sweets, and crafts.
Visitors can also watch demonstrations of traditional glass-blowing and woodcraft.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Sakaimachi Street is the Nikka Whisky Distillery, which offers tours and tastings of their popular Japanese whisky.
There are also several cafes and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.
Insider travel tips:
11. Otaru Music Box Museum
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a unique museum located in the charming town of Otaru in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the museum can witness a vast collection of music boxes which range from simple traditional designs to intricately crafted pieces.
Entrance to the museum is free of charge and guests are welcome to explore the exhibition hall at their leisure.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the beautiful melodies that each music box produces. They are sure to enchant visitors with their delicate chimes and unique tunes.
Insider travel tips: For those interested in purchasing a music box as a unique souvenir of their trip, there are several shops located within the museum that offer a range of designs and styles.
Additionally, the town of Yoichi which is located nearby is famous for its whisky and makes for a great day trip.
12. Kitaichi Glassware Sakaimachi-honten
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the museum’s schedule for the live glass-blowing demonstrations, and consider taking a glass-blowing workshop yourself. You can also sample local seafood and sake at nearby restaurants.
13. Tengu no Kakuremino Maze
Tengu no Kakuremino Maze is a unique and entertaining attraction located in Yoichi, Japan.
What to see or do: The main highlight of this attraction is the interactive maze, where visitors can try to find their way through while wearing a special tengu mask.
The mask has long-nosed goblin features and is said to give the wearer supernatural powers to navigate the maze.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take funny photos with your friends while wearing the tengu masks.
Insider travel tips: Timing is everything at Tengu no Kakuremino Maze.
If you can, try to visit during the cherry blossom season or fall foliage season, when the surrounding nature is at its best.
Also, keep in mind that this attraction may not be suitable for those who are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, as the maze can be challenging to navigate at times.