Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Otaru!
Otaru is a famous historical city and popular vacation spot in Hokkaido. But if you’ve never been there before, it can be hard to know where to go and what to see. In this guide, We’ll introduce some of the best sightseeing spots, restaurants and sweet shops for those going to Otaru for the first time.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
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Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Otaru
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
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.
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
Traveler pickup
Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 2-chōme−22, JP Otaru Station
Otaru Port, 3 Minatomachi, 047-0007, Japan
Otaru Canal, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan 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, Hokkaido, Japan 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. 60 minutes
Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan 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. 60 minutes
Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan 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. 60 minutes
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan 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.
Rope way price *roundtrip
Adults: 1600 JPY
Children: 800 JPY 60 minutes
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Stay38335184325
07 Feb 2025
Our guide, Kate was very informative and knew the best places to take us as we visited during winter. It was very cold, windy and icy, but she managed to get us around safely.
L5714WWmichaelm
18 Dec 2024
Akiko was an absolute gem! From the moment I booked, she was incredibly communicative and ensured I saw all the key sights I was interested in.
The highlight was definitely the unexpected seafood lunch. Akiko seamlessly adjusted the tour to include a delicious feast of king crab and horsehair crab, which was an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the incredible food, Akiko was a fantastic guide. She shared fascinating insights into Hokkaido and Japanese culture, making the tour both informative and entertaining. I particularly enjoyed our visit to the sake brewery, where Akiko expertly explained the intricate process of sake making. It was fascinating to see the brewery in action.
The Canal was also breathtaking, especially with the fresh snow dusting the old warehouses.
Akiko was so down-to-earth and understanding when I was a little too ambitious with the food! I was eager to try the sea urchin, but I simply couldn't fit another full plate. Akiko kindly offered me some of her own, which was incredibly generous and delicious.
I highly recommend this tour with Akiko. She's knowledgeable, friendly, and goes the extra mile to make your experience truly special.
Kelly_D
10 Sep 2024
Tom was knowledgeable, helpful, and interesting. We had a great time seeing Otaru and highly recommend his skills as a private guide.
This tour in
Japan
is organized by
Japan Guide Agency
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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