Things to do in Yoichi

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Hokkaido

Otaru Tenguyama

Otaru Tenguyama stands at an elevation of 532.5 meters and is a premier viewpoint offering panoramic views of Otaru city. From the summit, you can see the entire cityscape of Otaru, and at night, the city lights along the coastline sparkle like jewels. This night view is considered one of Japan's top three nightscapes, alongside the views from Mount Hakodate and Mount Moiwa in Sapporo.Three Major Night Views of Hokkaidois counted as one of them. In winter, Mount Tengu is blanketed in snow, creating a romantic atmosphere. Known as a filming location for the snowy scenes in the movie "Love Letter," it attracts many fans. Breathtaking views from the mountaintop By taking the ropeway with a capacity of about 30 people, you can reach the mountaintop from the base in approximately 5 minutes. At the mountaintop, there is an observation deck offering panoramic views of Otaru's cityscape, Otaru Bay, and Ishikari Bay. On clear days, you can even see the distant mountains and Shakotan Peninsula. Additionally, the following facilities are available at the summit: · Tengukan · Otaru Ski Museum (both offer free admission) There are three observation decks around the ropeway station, each offering a different perspective of Otaru's scenery. The first observation deck is particularly popular as it allows visitors to capture both the cityscape and the ropeway in one shot. Tengu Statue and Power Spot Behind the ropeway station, there is a statue of a tengu with a long nose. It is said that touching this nose will make your wishes come true, making it a popular spot. Nearby, you'll also find the Tenguyama Shrine. The Charm of Nature and the Four Seasons Within the mountains, there is a cherry blossom tree called "Tengu Sakura," where you can enjoy taking photos with the city of Otaru and the sea as your backdrop. Additionally, tulips, German irises, chamomile, and many other flowers adorn the scenery throughout the four seasons. Additionally, at the free "Chipmunk Park," you can purchase food and experience feeding adorable chipmunks. For those who want to enjoy nature, we also recommend the walking path known as the "Mountain Top Forest Bath." This approximately 20-minute stroll may even allow you to encounter wild birds along the way. Activities At the mountaintop, there's an activity called "Tenguyama Slider" where you can slide and play on the grass (Fee: 310 yen). It's fun for both children and adults. Winter delights In winter, Mount Tengu is covered in a blanket of snow, creating a magical landscape. The foothills are open as a ski resort, offering a variety of activities that even beginners can enjoy, including snowshoeing experiences in addition to skiing. Summary Otaru Tenguyama is a captivating spot where you can enjoy breathtaking views, nightscapes, nature, and activities, making it a worthwhile tourist destination to visit year-round. The night views and winter scenery are particularly must-see attractions.

No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Japan

Otaru Aquarium

Located north of Otaru City, Otaru Aquarium is extremely popular with tourists, exhibiting a wide variety of fish and marine life from cold seas to temperate zones. In addition to thousands of fish of hundreds of species, including herring, Atka mackerel, and flounder from Ishikari Bay, the aquarium also houses the rare harbor porpoise. The biggest attraction of this aquarium is the animal events, with dolphins, penguins, seals, and sea lions all worth seeing. The feeding time of the walrus, which weighs over one ton, is a must-see, full of humor.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Otaru

Otaru Mt.Tengu Ropeway

Tenguyama Ropeway From the mountain base to the summit, spanning 735m in total length with an elevation difference of 271m The 30-person capacity ropeway operates with a travel time of approximately 5 minutes. Trains run at 12-minute intervals (6-minute intervals during peak hours). Enjoy an aerial stroll while taking in the nostalgic streets of Otaru. A 5-minute aerial stroll overlooking the streets of Otaru The ropeway, which opened in December 1979, is a three-cable system (one haul rope and two track ropes) with a capacity of 30 people, reaching the mountaintop in approximately 5 minutes. The view from the ropeway of Tenguyama, Otaru's symbolic mountain, It will make your Otaru sightseeing memories even more memorable.

No. 11 of Night Attractions in Hokkaido

Otaru Canal

The Otaru Canal is a popular tourist attraction representing Otaru City and Hokkaido. Along the canal, brick warehouses stand in rows, now repurposed as unique shops such as glass craft stores and cafes. On the opposite side, oil lamp-style streetlights line the path, creating a charming retro and romantic atmosphere. Especially on winter nights, the scenery becomes even more magical and beautiful. The canal opened in 1923 and once supported the prosperity of this area, which was called "Wall Street of the North," by being used for loading and unloading cargo. Today, part of the canal has been reclaimed and is used as a road. A stroll along the canal Taking a walk along the canal during the daytime is a very pleasant experience. One side features a long promenade lined with Victorian-style street lamps, creating a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. Along the path, you can often see artists painting. On the other side, rows of brick warehouses create a picturesque spot perfect for photography, complemented by the blue sky and its reflection on the water surface. Gourmet and Shopping You can enjoy Otaru souvenirs and local cuisine at shops and restaurants converted from warehouses. The particularly popular "Otaru Canal Dining Hall" features retro interiors recreating the streetscapes of the Showa era, gathering famous ramen shops, Genghis Khan (Daruma) grilled lamb, crab dishes, and conveyor belt sushi. During meal times, there may be waiting periods. Popular photo spots The "Asakusa Bridge" at the southern end of the canal is a classic photo spot. The view extending from the bridge to Chuo Bridge is known as a representative landscape of the Otaru Canal. There is a tourist information center near the bridge where you can obtain maps and sightseeing information. Benches are also available, making it convenient for taking breaks. Rickshaw Experience You can also ride a rickshaw near Asakusabashi. A traditional-costumed rickshaw driver will guide you in Japanese, allowing you to enjoy the retro streetscape more deeply. Estimated price: · Approx. 10 minutes: ¥2,000 per person / ¥3,000 for 2 people Canal cruise Sightseeing by boat on the Otaru Canal is also popular. The departure and arrival point is Chuo Bridge, and the tour takes approximately 40 minutes to navigate the canal. Estimated price: · Daytime: ¥1,500 (Children ¥500) · Evening: ¥1,800 (Children ¥500) Nighttime Charm At night, the streetlights illuminate, creating a magical atmosphere as their reflections dance on the warehouse walls and canal waters. Especially on snowy winter evenings, the quiet and romantic scenery captivates many visitors. Nearby Tourist Spots Around the Otaru Canal, there are also the following attractions: · Taisho Glass Museum (Glass Craft Shop) · Otaru City Museum Canal Branch Summary The Otaru Canal is a captivating tourist destination that blends history, cuisine, and scenery, offering different charms during both day and night. It's one of the must-visit spots when sightseeing in Hokkaido.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Also known as Yoichi Distillery, it is a famous whisky distillery in Japan, producing the famous "NIKKAWHISKY" liquor by "coal direct fire distillation". Tourists who like whisky may wish to taste the fine wine and choose the one they like to buy back. The whisky brands produced by the distillery are: "21 Years of Bamboo Crane", "17 Years of Bamboo Crane", "20 Years of Yoichi" and "15 Years of Yoichi".

Meiji Shrine

2026 Global 50 - Ski Resorts

Kiroro Snow World

Kiroro Snow World is nestled among the forests and mountains of Hokkaido. In winter, it is known for its abundant snowfall and dry powder snow, with an average annual snowfall of over 20 m, making it one of the ski resorts in Hokkaido with a strong reputation for snow quality. The skiing area spans two mountains, Asari and Nagamine, and features 23 trails ranging from beginner to advanced. The longest trail extends over 4 km, meeting the needs of families while leaving plenty of challenge for advanced skiers. The 3,300 m Kiroro cable car runs directly from the base to high-altitude areas, making it easy for skiers to quickly reach the starting points of each trail. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the snow activity area also offers snow tubing, snowmobiles, and other activities, so companions who do not ski can also have a great time. In summer, the resort switches to a mountain forest vacation mode, with outdoor activities such as park golf, tennis, and Segway forest tours allowing visitors to get close to nature in the cool highland climate. After skiing, soaking in the hot springs is a classic way to wrap up a winter day.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Shiroi Koibito Park

Welcome to the Happy Dessert Paradise, themed around sightseeing, brain-teasing fun, tasting, and hands-on experiences! At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can not only view the production lines for Shiroi Koibito and other products, There are also immersive interactive exhibits where you can learn about the history of chocolate, and a café where you can enjoy ISHIYA's original sweets, and an experience space to make your very own Shiroi Koibito, ▲Take photos in an English garden where roses bloom in summer and lights sparkle in winter, adding a sweet touch to your memories. ▲Learn about chocolate and the history of Shiroi Koibito at the Chocolate Cottage, the Cacao Pod Learning Base, and the Shiroi Koibito Factory! ▲Dessert workshop · Dream experience workshop, learning base · Cocoa pod - let's make unique sweets! ▲Chocolate casual tea restaurant · Original desserts you can only enjoy here in Oxford

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Otaru

Funamizaka

Funamizaka is a slope hidden in a corner of Otaru City, and it is also one of the filming locations of the movie "Love Letter". Not only is this place far away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, but standing on a high ground can also overlook the beautiful sea in the distance, just like a beautiful scene in a movie. There is a scene in the movie "Love Letter" where, amid the melodious sound of the engine, the postman rides his motorcycle up the slope to deliver the letter, which is Funamizaka. Due to the popularity of "Love Letter", it has also become the location of many TV commercials. Aside from the influence of the movie, the scenery of this ramp itself is also very good. Not only can you photograph the railway passing by the train, but you can also photograph the street scene with snow on the roof on a sunny day after the snow.

No. 13 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Otaru Art Base

Otaru Art Base in Otaru City is a cultural facility where historic buildings and artworks blend together, serving as one of the city's premier art tourism destinations. The building, which symbolizes the streets of Otaru that once flourished as the economic center of Hokkaido and was called the "Wall Street of the North," is now utilized to display domestic and international artworks and crafts. Otaru is cherished by many tourists and art enthusiasts as a place where you can experience the history and culture of its peak prosperity in the early 20th century. Located within walking distance from the Otaru Canal, this facility is highly regarded as a place where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Otaru's history and culture, with many tourists combining their visit with a stroll along the canal. Experiencing art within historic architecture is a unique charm of Otaru, allowing you to spend special moments immersed in the city's nostalgic atmosphere. In this way, Otaru Art Base is a complex museum that combines the preservation of historic buildings with the dissemination of art and culture, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about Otaru's history, art, and architectural culture all in one place. This is one of the cultural and art spots you'll definitely want to visit when traveling to Hokkaido.