Otaru 7hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide Sapporo Dpt
Sapporo
Discover Otaru's charm on a private 7-hour tour from Sapporo. Customize your itinerary and explore top spots with a licensed guide.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sapporo - Meet your guide in Sapporo and start a tour! You will then take the train to Otaru. The trip is 45 minutes!
  • Otaru Canal - The Otaru Canal is a classic staple when it comes to famous sightseeing spots of Hokkaido. Once the distribution hub of Hokkaido, it boasted a population that even surpassed that of Sapporo. At that time the canal was used to offload ships via barges, and was established to lengthen the distance that goods could be distributed. Eventually the canal was no longer necessary to serve its function once the docks were established and was to be landfilled. However it currently stands as a place for citizens and tourists alike to relax and enjoy with its promenades and gas lamps lighting the riverbanks.
  • Otaru Art Base - Otaru City’s historical buildings of the early 20th century are now used as various resources for tourism. The Otaru Art Base located opposite the Otaru Canal across Rinkosen Street is one such facility. There are four historical buildings where 20 of the largest banks in Hokkaido were gathered, formerly the center of Hokkaido’s economy known as “North Wall Street.”

What was the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch as seen in the picture is now home to the Nitori Museum of Art, and includes displays such as Japanese and foreign paintings, wood carvings, and more. In the basement you will find the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery.

  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street - If you’re travelling for pleasure, then you’ll want to enjoy gourmet and shopping. Both can be done at Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street, located on the inland side of Rinkosen Street, parallel to the Otaru Canal. It is a one-way street that stretches about 900 meters from North Wall Street to the Marchen Crossroads where you will find the Bank of Japan Otaru Branch. Both sides of the street are lined with old merchant shops and Western-style buildings. Nearby to the Otaru Canal, it is another very popular tourist spot.
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura - Otaru may be known for its nostalgic influence of historic Western buildings and glass crafts, but there is also a spot that conveys the history of Japan from long ago. One of these places is the Tanaka Sake Brewery, founded in 1899. Many types of alcoholic beverages are manufactured here, including plum wine, sweet sake, and of course the beloved local sake of Otaru, Takaragawa. Because the cool climate of Otaru allows for the manufacture of sake year-round, the Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura is a great place to visit at any time of the year.
  • Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum - Anyone can enjoy strolling the various beautiful landscapes of historical Otaru. Overlooking this beautiful seaside city and the Sea of Japan is Mt. Tengu, about 15 minutes by car from the Otaru IC. The Mt. Tengu Ropeway can take you from the foot of the mountain to the very top, a total distance of 735 meters, in about 4 minutes.
    From the mountain summit you can even get a great view of the Shakotan Peninsula.
  • Sapporo - Return to Sapporo with your guide. Your train ride back will be about 45 minutes.
What's Included
  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Sapporo
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
What's Not Included
  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information

This tour is perfect for those staying in Sapporo who wish to visit Otaru privately!

This value-packed journey with a government-licensed, experienced multilingual tour guide is an excellent and efficient way to discover Otaru!

Otaru is a renowned historical city and a popular vacation destination in Hokkaido. However, if it’s your first time visiting, it can be challenging to know where to go and what to see. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top sightseeing spots, restaurants, and sweet shops for first-time visitors to Otaru.

Share your interests with us, and we will tailor a tour that suits you best!

Note1: Please choose your must-see spots from a list provided in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note
2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification, issued by the Japanese government, requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

  • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Sapporo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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