Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho | Location, atmosphere and visiting tips

Basics

Location: Otaru, Hokkaido
Type: Yokocho (bar alleys)
Address: 北海道小樽市稲穂1丁目4-15

Good to know before you go

About 7 minutes from JR Otaru Station; a retro Showa atmosphere, mainly evening use.
Italian, yakitori, Genghis Khan lamb and bars are among the shops.
Hours and closing days vary by shop; check the official site for current status.

The position is approximate.

You must be 20 or over to drink in Japan. If you are driving, you cannot taste. Opening days, fees and booking details may change. Check the official site for the latest information before you visit.

Breweries and distilleries nearby

Sake

Checked against official sources

Tanaka Shuzo Kikkogura Brewery Viewing

Otaru, Hokkaido

At Otaru's Tanaka Shuzo Kikkogura, which brews all year, you can view the koji room and tanks through glass and taste afterwards.

Booking: No reservation needed

Wine

Checked against official sources

Hokkaido Wine (Otaru Wine Gallery)

Otaru, Hokkaido

A reservation-based tour covering the company history, a virtual vineyard, the oak-barrel cellar and a tasting in the underground Keller3 room.

Booking: Reservation required

Beer

Checked against official sources

Otaru Beer Zenibako Brewery

Otaru, Hokkaido

A paid brewery tour with tasting at Otaru Beer's Zenibako brewery, held twice a day by phone reservation.

Booking: Reservation required

A worker adding coal to the fire under a pot still

Whisky

Checked against official sources

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Yoichi, Hokkaido

A distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido. The free guided tour (with tasting) is by reservation and in Japanese only.

Booking: Reservation required

Beer

Secondary sources (not confirmed with the facility)

Streetlight Brewing

Sapporo, Hokkaido

A brewery and taproom in Soen, Sapporo. It opened the taproom in 2022 and began brewing its own beer in 2023.

Booking: No reservation needed

Frequently asked questions

What is Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho?

Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho (Otaru, Hokkaido) is a Yokocho (bar alleys). A yatai village near Otaru Station; the official site lists 12 shops.

Where is Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho?

It is in Otaru, Hokkaido. The address is 北海道小樽市稲穂1丁目4-15.

What should I know before visiting Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho?

About 7 minutes from JR Otaru Station; a retro Showa atmosphere, mainly evening use. Italian, yakitori, Genghis Khan lamb and bars are among the shops. Hours and closing days vary by shop; check the official site for current status.

Are there breweries or distilleries to visit near Otaru Yataimura Renga Yokocho?

Within about 30 km: Tanaka Shuzo Kikkogura Brewery Viewing (about 1 km), Hokkaido Wine (Otaru Wine Gallery) (about 5 km), Otaru Beer Zenibako Brewery (about 15 km), Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery (about 17 km), Streetlight Brewing (about 30 km).

What should I keep in mind before drinking?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Do not drink if you are driving. Many small bars charge a seat fee (otoshi or charge) or take cash only, so check the menu or the sign at the door before you go in.