Yamanaka Ranch is located 30km southwest of Sapporo City. The main ranch can be found along route 393 in Ochiai, Akaigawa Village. Akaigawa Village was one of the first villages to join the “Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages Association” in 2005. The founder, Junko Yamanaka, started dairy farming at the ranch in 1970. Since then, Yamanaka has produced some delicious dairy products. Yamanka Ranch itself is a beautiful spot to visit. It is between Otaru and Kutchan, though you don’t have to travel to Yamanaka Ranch to enjoy its products. There are some small Yamanaka Ranch soft cream (ice cream) outlets around western Hokkaido. The ice creams sold here are only about ¥300 each. There is an ice cream store near Ishikari Beach, by the ocean. There is another in Otaru, plus another in Fukidashi Park at the base of Mt. Yotei, and the last is just across from Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. These are delicious ice creams that are a nice feature no matter where you are visiting in west Hokkaido.