Yoichi

The Spirit of the North: An Introduction to Yoichi

Yoichi is a rare gem on the Shiribeshi coast that manages to feel both industrious and incredibly peaceful. While many travelers rush past on their way to Niseko or Otaru, those who stop are rewarded with a rich tapestry of flavors and landscapes. It is a town defined by the sea and the soil, offering a slower pace of life where the salty breeze of the Sea of Japan mingles with the sweet scent of ripening fruit.

The layout of the town is remarkably walkable, centered around the majestic, stone-walled distillery that looks as if it were plucked straight from the Scottish Highlands. Beyond the whisky, the rolling hills of the hinterland are lined with neat rows of vineyards and orchards, earning Yoichi the reputation as the "fruit basket" of Hokkaido. Whether you are a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or a landscape photographer, Yoichi provides a sophisticated yet rustic escape.

A Love Story in Stone: The History of Yoichi

The modern identity of Yoichi was forged in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the "Father of Japanese Whisky," and his Scottish wife, Rita. After studying the craft in Scotland, Taketsuru sought a location in Japan that mirrored the cool, damp climate and peaty environment of the Highlands. He found his "New Scotland" in Yoichi. The distillery began by producing apple juice to stay afloat—utilizing the local fruit—while the first batches of whisky matured in oak barrels, forever linking the town’s economy to the art of distillation.

However, Yoichi’s history stretches back further as a vital settlement for the indigenous Ainu people and later as a prosperous herring fishing port during the Meiji era. The "Herring Mansions" (Nishin Goten) that still dot the coast are architectural reminders of a time when the sea provided immense wealth. This blend of indigenous roots, maritime success, and the international romance of the Taketsurus gives Yoichi a cultural depth that is unique in northern Japan.

Three Must-See Highlights of Yoichi

The Nikka Whisky Pilgrimage

No visit to Yoichi is complete without passing through the heavy timber doors of the Nikka Distillery. As a designated Cultural Property of Japan, the site still uses traditional coal-fired pot stills—a method now rare even in Scotland—to produce a heavy, powerful malt. Visitors can explore the original stone storehouses, the museum dedicated to Rita and Masataka’s life, and enjoy a guided tasting session that showcases the complexity of Hokkaido’s spirits.

Bountiful Harvests at Yamamoto Orchard

Yoichi is famous throughout Japan for its agricultural abundance, and visiting a local farm like Yamamoto Fruit Orchard is a seasonal highlight. From June through October, the hills come alive with color as cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, and apples reach peak ripeness. The "all-you-can-eat" farm experiences allow you to wander through the groves and taste the difference that Hokkaido’s rich volcanic soil and temperature fluctuations make in the sweetness of the fruit.

The Legend of Candle Rock

Just off the coast stands Rosoku-iwa, or Candle Rock, a 40-meter-tall sea stack that pierces the waves like a jagged needle. It is a spectacular sight at sunset when the light hits the tip of the rock, making it appear like a flickering flame. This geological wonder serves as the gateway to the Shakotan Peninsula’s rugged beauty, offering travelers a chance to see the "Shakotan Blue" water—a shade of turquoise so vivid it seems almost tropical despite the northern latitude.