Hokkaido Day Trip Do’s: Walk Cape Kamui, Drink Nikka Whisky 

If you’ve never been to the northwest side of Sapporo, put it on your to-do list now! On a recent day trip, I had a fabulous time exploring the picturesque Cape Kamui that is popular for its “Shakotan Blue” ocean color.  Also on my itinerary was Nikka Whisky Distillery. Its  founder, Masataka Taketsuru, studied the craft in Scotland, and is hailed as the Father of Japanese Whisky.

Insider tip: A well-planned itinerary is required due to the infrequent bus schedule. From Sapporo Station, I rode a train to Yoichi Station and took a two-hour bus ride before arriving at Cape Kamui. That’s easily a one-day trip away from the city! But it was worth it. The walk to the tip of the cape and back was relatively easy. And the views? Spectacular. Cape Kamui was easily one of my most memorable spots in Hokkaido.

You can lose track of time just admiring the beauty around you. If you are taking the bus, make sure you don’t miss the last ride back to Otaru. Buses from Otaru to Cape Kamui only run during summertime, from late April until the end of October. The last bus can be as early as 3:17 pm. If you can get here by driving, do so, to give you more flexibility.
 
Nikka Whisky Distillery is just a seven-minute walk from Yoichi Station. I recommend taking the free guided tour around the distillery to learn more about Japan’s top whisky makers. (Make sure to reserve ahead of time due to pandemic restrictions.) The distillery also offers free samplings of its products as well as its signature whisky and other bottles for sale at the gift shop.  

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https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/hokkaido/