Category: Yoichi

  • Kakizaki Store Yoichi: Cheap Seafood Market & Local Restaurant Guide

    Kakizaki  Store Yoichi exterior

    I stopped by Kakizaki Store in Yoichi on my way back from Otaru to Niseko.
    Kakizaki Store in Yoichi is a great stop if you are traveling from Sapporo to Niseko.

    It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Sapporo.

    This place is well known for cheap and fresh seafood.

    I bought crab, scallops, salmon, and hokke (Atka mackerel).


    About Kakizaki Store

    Fresh seafood at Kakizaki Store Yoichi

    Kakizaki Store is a local seafood market where you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

    It is popular with both locals and tourists.

    The inside feels like a lively local market, and the atmosphere is energetic and authentic.

    Friendly staff quickly pack seafood, which adds to the experience.

    This place feels very local, and most of the customers are locals.

    English support is limited, so it may be helpful to use simple words or gestures, or even Google Translate.


    Is It Crowded?

    It was not crowded at all on a weekday afternoon.

    However, it can be very crowded on weekends and during the summer season.


    In summer, fresh sea urchin (uni) is also available, which attracts more visitors.

    Restaurat on the Second Floor

    Restaurant on the Second Floor

    There is a restaurant on the second floor that is very popular.

    Usually, there is a long line, especially on weekends.

    When I visited, it was not busy, but I had already eaten lunch, so I didn’t go in.

    Parking Tips

    There are parking spaces next to the building and also behind it.

    I usually park in the back and enter through the rear entrance.


    Credit cards are accepted, so you don’t need to worry about carrying cash.


    What I Bought

    Crab and Scallops from Kakizaki Store Yoichi

    I bought crab, scallops, salmon, and hokke.

    Everything was fresh and reasonably priced.

    The hairy crab was about ¥3,300 (around $22), and the scallops (about 600g) were ¥1,850 (around $12).

    Both were much cheaper than what you would find in Niseko.

    You can find seafood here at prices that are hard to find in tourist areas.


    My Experience

    If you want to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended.

    This is a great place to experience a local seafood market in Hokkaido.

  • Nikka Yoichi Distillery Guide:Shop, Souvenirs & Tips

    I stopped by Nikka Yoichi Distillery on my way back from Otaru to Niseko.

    It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Sapporo.

    Even though I had just had lunch, I decided to stop by for a quick visit.


    Do You Need a Reservation?

    The factory tour is free, but a reservation is required in advance.

    Even without a reservation, you can still visit the shop and museum.


    Souvenir Shop

    The shop has a wide selection of whisky, apple wine, and unique souvenirs.

    There were also chocolates in small wooden barrels, which looked really nice.

    I didn’t plan to buy anything, but I couldn’t resist.

    It was not crowded because I visited on a weekday.

    However, it can get very busy on weekends.


    What I Bought

    I ended up buying two highball glasses and a bottle of whisky.

    There were so many options that it was hard to choose.

    Restaurant

    There is also a restaurant inside the distillery.

    It is usually very crowded on weekends, and there can be a long line.

    I wanted to try it, but I had just eaten lunch, so I skipped it this time.

    My Experience

    Even without joining the tour, it was definitely worth visiting.

    Next time, I would like to join the factory tour.

    If you are visiting Yoichi, this is a great place to stop by.