While Shiretoko in the east is known as the treasure trove of wildlife and nature, Shakotan in the west holds the same honor. Focusing on the central region of Hokkaido’s western coast and centering the itinerary around a Shakotan Peninsula jutting out to the northwest, let’s set off towards the ‘Shakotan blue’ sea. Make a beeline towards the peninsula after intoxicating your sight and taste with the beauty of Otaru’s canal and the delicious fruit-picking experience and whiskey factory tour at Yoichi-cho. Drink in the sight of the clear blue sea and the high and precarious cliffs and uniquely shaped rock formations as you cruise towards Shakotan Misaki (Cape Shakotan). Why not soak yourself in a hot spring right beside the cape while enjoying the picturesque scenery before you? Revel in the thrill of driving along the coastal line while on your way to another must-see spot, Kamui Misaki (Cape Kamui). Walk towards the tip of Kamui Misaki’s parking lot and you will reach the highlight of this trip, the sight of deep blue sea spread before your eyes.
The culinary highlight of this trip lies in the freshly picked fruits from the fruit plantations of Niki-cho (Niki town). Let’s savor your hand-picked fruit while surrounded by the sweet smell of cherries. After that, relish in summer’s offerings of the highest quality uni (sea urchins) in Shakotan-cho. Why not enjoy the rich and sweet taste of uni on a bowl of delicious rice? Such generous serving of fresh uni can only be found in Hokkaido. End your journey at Otaru’s wine gallery with wine soft serve ice-cream.
Otaru Canal
A leisurely scroll to view the most representative attractions of Otaru
Otaru Canal was completed in 1923 (Taisho 23). The south side was rebuilt in 1986 (Showa 61) to meet the opening of Otaru Rinkosen Street. The street and canal subsequently became popular spots for locals and tourists to take a stroll and plenty of photographs. At night, gas lamps light the street together with lights coming from the old warehouses to create a romantic, retro mood. At Temiyadori street, the north canal stands, quiet and subtle, unchanged since its olden days.
Nikka Whisky Co. Hokkaido Plant Yoichi Distilleries
Preservation of tradition through wine distillation using coal-fired stills
In 1934, (Showa 9) Nikka Whiskey’s founding father Masataka Taketsuru, upon seeing that Yoichi shared similar climate with Scotland, built Nikka Whisky Co. Hokkaido Plant in Yoichi. The distillery’s buildings have since been recognized by Japan as the country’s tangible cultural properties. The distillery’s famous “Single Malt Yoichi”, produced from the traditional manner of coal-fired still distillation, is a must-try for all visitors! After a tour of the whiskey plant, take a leisurely stroll along Yoichi river to catch an exciting view of salmons swimming upriver.
Cape Shakotan
Spectacular view of ever-changing, endless coastline
Cape Shakotan is located on the north-eastern tip of Shakotan peninsular. The cape offers attractions such as “Jorokoiwa” from the “legend of Yoshitsune”, extensive, beautiful and varying coastlines and lives up to it name as one of the “100 selections of Japanese beaches”. Rich with marine life since the days of herring fishing, the cape, as a natural harbor, is popular among anglers and divers.
Cape Kamui
Incredible 300 degrees view of the horizon
Cape Kamui extends sharply above the sea and offers an incredible view of the sea. To reach the cliff, located 770 meters from the parking lot, visitors have to pass through “Charenka’s Lane”, a boardwalk lined by two high cliffs. From the cape, visitors are awed by the panoramic 300 degrees view of the sea. Visit the cape in early summer is the time to enjoy Ezo Liquorice in full bloom.
Mount Kenashi Observatory
Top spot for a spectacular view of Otaru to Ishikari bay.
Mount Kenashi Observatory is located along National Route 393, which connects Otaru to Akaikawamura. At an altitude of 470 meters, the observatory offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the streets of Otaru, Otaru port and Ishikari Bay. Moreover, each season promises a spectacular view. Summer offers blue, clear oceans while autumn, red maple leaves. The observatory’s nightview of ferries lining the curve of the bay is popular even among locals. Due to snowfall, the observatory is closed for winter.
Hokkaido Wine
Wine-flavored ice-cream made from the top-grade grapes
Wine-flavored ice-cream is available at special counters in many of Hokkaido’s wine galleries. In particular, the especially fragrant Niagara ice-cream, is often praised for its authentic wine flavor. Popular among ice-cream lovers and wine lovers, the ice-cream is also particularly favored by driving wine-lovers who are usually not allowed to “drink” and drive. For non-wine-lovers, the milk (vanilla) flavor is a tasty option.
