Hokkaido Drinks: Whisky, Sake, Wine, and Craft Beer

Nikka Yoichi whisky, Otokoyama sake, Tokachi wine, and Hokkaido craft breweries - where to drink and what to try.

Hokkaido produces some of Japan’s finest alcoholic beverages. The clean water, cold climate, and agricultural base create conditions suited to whisky, sake, wine, and beer production. A drinks-focused trip through Hokkaido can visit distilleries, breweries, and sake houses while covering some of the island’s most scenic areas.

Whisky

Nikka Yoichi Distillery

The birthplace of Japanese whisky, founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. Still uses coal-fired pot stills. Free self-guided tour, free tastings of 3 whiskies, and a museum covering the remarkable story of Taketsuru and his Scottish wife Rita. The distillery shop sells exclusive bottlings unavailable elsewhere. Located in Yoichi, 90 minutes from Sapporo by train (on the route to Otaru and Niseko).

Row of Japanese sake bottles displayed on a wooden shelf

Sake

Otokoyama Brewery (Asahikawa)

A 350-year-old brewery using Daisetsuzan spring water. Free museum, free tasting, limited editions in the shop. The water quality makes a noticeable difference. 15 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station. See our Asahikawa guide.

Kunimare Brewery (Mashike)

The northernmost sake brewery in Japan, in a small coastal town north of Sapporo. Worth a visit if driving the coast road.

Wine

Tokachi/Ikeda Wine Castle

Cold-climate wine production using hardy grape varieties. The chateau-style building offers free tastings and tours. The wines are modest by international standards but represent an interesting niche. Pleasant views. See our Tokachi guide.

Yoichi Wine

The Yoichi area (same town as Nikka Distillery) has been developing a wine region. Several small wineries have opened in recent years. The pinot noir shows promise. Combine with the distillery visit.

Craft Beer

Hokkaido has a growing craft beer scene built on clean water and local ingredients. Key stops:

  • Sapporo Beer Museum — the original, with beer garden and jingisukan
  • Otaru Beer — German-style brewery in a canal-side warehouse
  • North Island Beer — American-style craft in central Sapporo
  • Sapporo Classic — Hokkaido-exclusive beer available at every convenience store

See our craft beer guide for the full list with bar recommendations.

Non-Alcoholic

  • Hokkaido milk coffee — convenience store coffee uses Hokkaido milk by default. Noticeably richer.
  • Yubari melon soda — available in vending machines across Hokkaido
  • Lavender tea/drinks — seasonal in the Furano area