Hakkenzan Sapporo Local Wine Research Institute Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minami Ward, Sapporo; President: Shunichi Kamewada, hereinafter "Hakkenzan Winery") has officially launched its guided tour and shuttle service starting December 2025, following trial operations that began in April 2025 for the guided tour and October 2025 for the shuttle service.
In response to feedback that many visitors find the winery "difficult to reach by public transportation" and "hesitant to drive on snowy winter roads," the winery has transformed the journey itself into a "luxurious experience to enjoy scenic views, wine, and gourmet food" by combining shuttle services from Makomanai Subway Station and the Jozankei Onsen area.
This new tourism model caters not only to Sapporo residents' micro-tourism needs but also to business travelers from outside Hokkaido and Jozankei Onsen guests looking for activities during their spare time.
Background and Purpose of the Renewal
Hakkenzan Winery is located approximately 40 minutes by car from central Sapporo, yet access by public transportation has been a challenge. Winter snow driving concerns have particularly deterred many potential visitors. Trial shuttle services from Makomanai Subway Station and the Jozankei Onsen area revealed usage patterns that exceeded expectations for a simple "winery tour," including:
Sapporo Residents' "Micro-Tourism": Local residents seeking nearby extraordinary experiences and wine enjoyment without driving responsibilities for weekend refreshment.
Business Travelers' "Spare Time Activity": Business visitors from outside Hokkaido with a few hours before their flights who want authentic Hokkaido experiences without traveling far from the airport.
Elegant Stopover Between Jozankei Onsen and Makomanai Station: Travelers stopping at the winery for lunch and wine while traveling between the hot spring resort and the station, transforming the journey into a trip highlight with a new route dynamic.
Based on this feedback, the winery has officially launched packaged plans combining guided tours and shuttle service, contributing to winter tourism activation in Sapporo.
Concept: "This Scenery and Breeze, the Best Hidden Ingredient"
Wine is not completed solely within the bottle. The moment visitors stand at the foot of Mount Hakkenzan, feeling the breeze while gazing at the scenery and tasting the wine, the flavor truly comes to life. To maximize this experiential value, the winery has renewed the following six points:
Six Renewal Points Based on Customer Feedback
Access Renewal: From Fixed Schedule to "Flexible Shuttle"
While the trial operation in October had a fixed schedule, the service now offers more flexible shuttle arrangements according to customers' arrival times and preferences (advance reservation required).
Learning: Introduction of Slide and Video Lectures
Responding to feedback that "the vineyard is not visible in winter," the winery now uses slides and videos to explain the vineyard's appearance throughout the four seasons and the winemaking process, providing deeper knowledge about wine production.
Gourmet: Wine Pairing with Baked Confections
To elevate the tasting experience, the winery has partnered with "MERI MERO," a popular shop in Sapporo's Odori area specializing in rich baked confections and wine, to offer wine-paired treats.
Winter Limited: Heartwarming "Hot Wine" Service
From December to March, the tasting menu includes hot wine as a winter-limited offering, providing an extraordinary experience of enjoying warm wine amidst snowy landscapes.
Lunch: Introduction of "Coq au Vin" (¥3,850 including tax)
The on-site restaurant offers "Coq au Vin" (chicken simmered in red wine) exclusively for plan participants (reservation required). Additionally, one half-bottle of red wine is provided for every two people (e.g., three people receive two bottles). The meal can be paid for using the ¥5,000 voucher included in the plan.
Benefits: From "Souvenir Wine" to "Discount Voucher"
In response to requests to "choose your preferred wine," the fixed souvenir wine has been replaced with discount vouchers that can be freely used at the shop on the day of visit.
New Plan Overview (Revised December 1, 2025)
Guided Tour Hours: Morning session 10:45 AM / Afternoon session 2:45 PM (Duration: approximately 70 minutes)
Shuttle Plans:
Plan ① Kitchen & Marche Voucher Course (with shuttle): ¥5,500 (including tax)
Safe for non-drinkers. ¥5,000 voucher for dining and shopping.Plan ② Winery Mini Guided Tour Course (with shuttle): ¥5,500 (including tax) ※Recommended!
Winery tour + MERI MERO baked confection wine tasting + shuttle service.Plan ③ Full Course (with shuttle): ¥10,500 (including tax)
¥5,000 voucher + guided tour + tasting + shuttle service.Plan ④ On-site Meeting Winery Guided Tour Course (no shuttle): ¥4,000 (including tax)
Winery tour + MERI MERO baked confection wine tasting.
About Limited Coq au Vin: Available for Plan ① and ③ participants using the "voucher" at the restaurant (Price: ¥3,850 including tax) ※Reservation required (includes red wine half-bottle / one bottle per two people, two bottles for three people)
Shuttle Points: Makomanai Subway Station, Jozankei Onsen area
Guided Tour Capacity: 40 people (minimum 2 people)
Reservation Methods: Reservation Form, email, or phone
Regular Holidays: Wednesdays and Thursdays during winter (December to March)
Comment from Planning Manager (Sales and Marketing Director: Koichi Matsushima)
"We addressed customer feedback: 'I want to enjoy wine, but driving back is a concern.' This plan transforms both the excitement of traveling from Makomanai Station to Jozankei Onsen and the lingering warmth of returning to Makomanai Station after the hot springs into 'a luxurious journey enjoying wine and gourmet food.'
For Sapporo residents, the round-trip journey without driving becomes 'a little weekend luxury' away from daily routine. Please enjoy a blissful glass of wine while viewing the beautiful winter scenery of Mount Hakkenzan."
Facility Information & Contact
Hakkenzan Sapporo Local Wine Research Institute (Hakkenzan Winery)
- Address: 194-1 Toyama, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Website: https://www.hakkenzanwine.com
- Phone: 011-596-3981
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Contact: Koichi Matsushima
- Email: 8wbiz@hakkenzanwine.com
※Based on internal research: As of January 1, 2026, confirmed service provision status on official websites of all wineries located within Sapporo city for "winery guided tours with tasting."
