Only 90 Minutes by train from Sapporo can be found the delightful seaside town of Yoichi. In recent years, the region has become a centre of northern grape growing and winemaking, and this
overnight escape showcases Yoichi’s fine cuisine and beverages. Enjoy some of Japan’s most sought-after wine and whisky, as well as a lavish dinner at a unique winery-inspired hotel. This
unexpected gourmet journey is sure to be a highlight of any foodie’s trip to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
Itinerary
📍 Total transportation time (approximation): Sapporo Station to Yoichi Station: 1 h 30 min Otaru Station to Yoichi Station: 30 min Kutchan Station (Niseko) to Yoichi Station: 1 h
Set out for a day exploring Yoichi, one and half hour away from Sapporo by train. The coastal climate and fertile soil have turned this seaside town into one of Japan’s most popular wine producing areas.
Arrive at Yoichi Station where a local guide awaits. Move by car to a local winery to begin exploring the liquid landscape of the region. Meet the owner of the establishment and taste local vintages together, discovering what makes Hokkaido wine so special.
Return to town and drop by the local supermarket to explore Yoichi’s seafood to fully grasp the culinary scene here.
Short walk to the hotel and part ways with the guide, then check in and relax before dinner. At the hotel’s chic restaurant, savour a lavish dinner at that pairs western-inspired courses of local meat and seafood with regional and wine. The rarest Yoichi wine is highly sought-after, and tonight will be a chance to try some of these special vintages. This is a once-in-a-lifetime meal for wine lovers, carefully overseen by a highly regarded chef and sommelier duo who know the relationship between their cellar and the local dishes.
Tonight’s hotel is a unique treat – rustic yet modern – with spaces that are meant to capture the feeling of staying overnight in a wine warehouse. The exposed concrete and distinct lack of decoration is no accident; there are meant to be no distractions from the flavours of the wine served on the property.
Overnight in Yoichi
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
Today is a self-guided day.
Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:
After a light local breakfast served in-room, stroll the town with a sightseeing map. Walk to the ocean to see Siripa Cape, An important symbol of the town that features in indigenous Ainu mythology. Next, visit the pride of Yoichi, the venerable Nikka Whisky Distillery, established in 1934 by Taketsuru Masataka, the father of Japanese Whisky. He found that the conditions in Yoichi are suprisingly close to those in Scotland where he learned his craft. We suggest skipping the guided tour (offered in Japanese only) and instead visiting the musuem and shop on the premises, where guests can sample rare whisky for a small fee.
After self-guided, pick up luggage at the hotel and board a train to the next destination of the trip.
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
Lucas Arruda
Sales Manager, Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Hailing from Brazil, Lucas leverages a deep well of professional experience, destination knowledge and love of travel to his role as Sales Manager for Latin America. He initially joined EXO in our China offices, gaining a strong understanding of EXO services and products, which he brings to this new role.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Manager UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager German MarketEXO Sales Team
Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.
Amanda Pilar
Sales Director - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Amanda is a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management and calls Boston home. She first fell in love with Asia in 2012 then worked as a travel specialist creating bespoke luxury journeys to Asia for a leading US tour operator. Her passion to bring unforgettable travel experiences for all clients ensures she brings the best in terms of support for our trade partners in North America.
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager, North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
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Sales Manager Australia and New ZealandEXO Sales Team
As a former Olympic-qualifying athlete and lifelong travel industry professional, Nadine combines a wealth of experience with a competitive mindset to deliver top shelf services to our partners in Australia and New Zealand.
Alice Lefebvre
Sales Manager - FranceEXO Sales Team
Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.