Top Hokkaido Sake Brewery Tour

Make the most of your time in Otaru with a private half-day tour that’s customizable to suit your needs and interests. You’ll learn more about this historic town than you would wandering around alone, and you won’t waste time visiting places you’re not interested in. Check out the Otaru Canal, a sake distillery, sweet shops, restaurants, and more.

This private 7 hour walking tour with an experienced English speaking and Licensed tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Otaru while you are staying in Sapporo! Otaru is a port city that has historical buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into cafes and shops. The old stone warehouses and beautifully preserved canal help create the nostalgic atmosphere of the city’s townscape. Please choose 3 to 4 sights you wish to visit from our what to expect list and let your guide know to craft your own itinerary!

Escape rigid bus schedules and snowy driving risks with this meticulously planned private tour. We focus on comfort, timing, and authentic experiences. Optimized for Penguins: Our 7:30 AM departure ensures you arrive at Asahiyama Zoo in time to secure a prime viewing spot for the famous "Penguin Walk"—the winter highlight. Relaxed Pace: Unlike rushed group tours, we allocate a generous 2 hours at the zoo and 1 hour for lunch, allowing families to explore at their own pace without stress. Authentic Flavor: Warm up at the Ramen Village with local soy or butter-corn ramen, then explore 350 years of history at Otokoyama Sake Brewery with free tastings. Total Comfort: Enjoy door-to-door hotel pickup in a warm private vehicle. We even include a bonus stop at Sunagawa SA for famous local sweets on the return trip.

In 2024, ""Traditional Sake Brewing"" in Japan was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition honors unique brewing techniques using koji mold and the rich culture surrounding them. Otaru’s Tanaka Sake Brewery, home to the historic ""Kikkogura"" building, is a rare establishment where visitors can observe sake brewing year-round. On this special tour, you will step behind the scenes into areas normally off-limits to experience traditional brewing firsthand. You will observe the meticulous work of the Toji (master brewer) and the process up close, witnessing the skill and passion behind the craft. Through expert explanations of ingredients and methods, you will gain a deeper understanding of the art of sake. The tour concludes with tasting freshly brewed sake. Savor the aromas and flavors as you appreciate the allure of brewing. Create unforgettable memories with this experience where living Japanese tradition and culture come alive.

This tour will visit Otaru, once the distribution center of Hokkaido.Otaru is a town that became a popular tourist destination thanks to Japanese movies. On the Otaru Canal Walking Tour, we will stop at facilities of interest to our guests for an extraordinary experience.For example, you can stroll through the retro streets in the Sakai-machi shopping district and enjoy Otaru's famous glass and music boxes. You can also enjoy delicious food. Please let your guide know if there is any restaurant you would like to visit! Our nationally certified guides will be happy to show you around.

Discover the best of Otaru and Yoichi on this fully customizable private day tour, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel or chalet, traveling effortlessly in a spacious, climate-controlled vehicle. Visit renowned sites such as Nikka Whisky Distillery, charming Otaru Canal, historic Sakaimachi Street, and the panoramic views from Mt. Tengu. Benefit from insider tips and local recommendations from Hokkaido’s most experienced international transport provider. Perfect for families, groups, or culture lovers looking to explore at their own pace without the hassle of public transport, queues, or crowded tour buses.

This is one of the best tours to enjoy fresh beer in Japan. Take a premium tour to the Sapporo Beer Museum and spend time with your guide on the streets of Otaru! The only beer museum in Japan, you can learn about the relationship between beer and Hokkaido's development while sampling beer only available here. After the beer tour, enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere as you stroll through the streets of Otaru.This tour is enjoyable not only for beer lovers, but also for those who love the atmosphere of the Meiji Era in Japan and for families. Please let the guide know if there is any restaurant you would like to visit!

This exclusive small-group tour from Sapporo, led by an English-speaking assistant, offers an immersive local experience using trains and buses. Enjoy a pleasant 4km walk through Yoichi and Otaru, gaining insights into local culture and daily life. Explore the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery for authentic whisky, then visit Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura for free tastings of 10 types of Japanese sake. Stroll Otaru's historic Sakaimachi Street, a "living museum," and enjoy a romantic Otaru Canal Cruise at dusk with beautifully illuminated buildings. This tour is ideal for active travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond typical sightseeing, those passionate about Japanese food culture and history, and individuals preferring intimate, locally-focused, and sustainable travel.

In this 8-hour tour, you can visit both Otaru and Yoichi with a licensed guide and a private vehicle. The famous Otaru Canal and historical buildings, such as stone warehouses, contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru’s townscape. Otaru is home to a large number of Hokkaido’s remaining historical buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into cafes and shops. Yoichi is a small coastal town located about 30 30-minute drive from Otaru. Yoichi is home to the Yoichi Distillery owned by Nikka Whisky. The town is also famous for its fruit, particularly apples, and is becoming increasingly popular as a wine region. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an eight-hour tour that's best for you!

Step into the historic charm of Otaru, a beloved port city in Hokkaido known for its romantic canal views, preserved architecture, and delicious sweets. Once a hub of trade and culture, Otaru has transformed into a favorite getaway spot where visitors can enjoy a perfect balance of history, scenery, and local flavors. This self-guided experience allows you to explore the city freely, without the structure of a guided tour. We’ll provide you with recommendations for Otaru’s best sightseeing spots, from the iconic Otaru Canal and the nostalgic Music Box Museum to elegant glassware shops and vibrant local markets. You’ll also find suggestions for must-try restaurants and dessert shops, so you can savor specialties like fresh Hokkaido seafood and Otaru’s famous cream puffs.

Leave the big city behind and visit the scenic towns of Yoichi and Otaru. Hear the fascinating love story behind the founding of the Nikka Whiskey Distillery as you tour the grounds and taste some of the world’s best scotch. Visit the enchanting harbor town of Otaru; explore unique museums, walk past winding canals, and learn about the town’s industrial heritage. Enjoy personalized service on this private tour with hotel pickup for your group of up to 15 people.