Discover Otaru’s charm on a private 7-hour tour from Sapporo. Customize your itinerary and explore top spots with a licensed guide.
Discover Otaru’s charm on a private 7-hour tour from Sapporo. Customize your itinerary and explore top spots with a licensed guide.
- Sapporo - Begin your adventure in Sapporo with your guide and embark on a tour! You’ll then board a train to Otaru, a journey that takes just 45 minutes!
- Otaru Canal - The Otaru Canal is a quintessential landmark among Hokkaido’s renowned sightseeing destinations. Once the bustling distribution hub of Hokkaido, it had a population that even…
- Sapporo - Begin your adventure in Sapporo with your guide and embark on a tour! You’ll then board a train to Otaru, a journey that takes just 45 minutes!
- Otaru Canal - The Otaru Canal is a quintessential landmark among Hokkaido’s renowned sightseeing destinations. Once the bustling distribution hub of Hokkaido, it had a population that even exceeded Sapporo’s. During that era, the canal facilitated the unloading of ships via barges and was created to extend the reach of goods distribution. Eventually, the canal’s original purpose became obsolete with the establishment of docks, and it was slated for landfilling. However, today it serves as a serene spot for both locals and tourists to unwind, with its charming promenades and gas lamps illuminating the riverbanks.
- Otaru Art Base - The historical buildings of early 20th-century Otaru City have been repurposed as valuable tourism resources. The Otaru Art Base, situated across Rinkosen Street from the Otaru Canal, is one such attraction. It comprises four historic buildings that once housed 20 of Hokkaido’s largest banks, forming the economic heart known as “North Wall Street.”
The former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, depicted in the picture, now hosts the Nitori Museum of Art, showcasing Japanese and international paintings, wood carvings, and more. In the basement, visitors can explore the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery.
- Otaru Sakaimachi Street - For those traveling for leisure, indulging in gourmet delights and shopping is a must. Both experiences await at Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street, located inland from Rinkosen Street and parallel to the Otaru Canal. This one-way street stretches approximately 900 meters from North Wall Street to the Marchen Crossroads, where the Bank of Japan Otaru Branch is situated. The street is flanked by historic merchant shops and Western-style buildings, making it another highly popular tourist destination near the Otaru Canal.
- Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura - While Otaru is celebrated for its nostalgic Western architecture and glass crafts, it also offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich history. One such place is the Tanaka Sake Brewery, established in 1899. Here, a variety of alcoholic beverages are crafted, including plum wine, sweet sake, and the cherished local sake of Otaru, Takaragawa. Thanks to Otaru’s cool climate, sake production is possible year-round, making the Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura a delightful destination at any time of the year.
- Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum - Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the picturesque landscapes of historic Otaru. Overlooking this charming seaside city and the Sea of Japan is Mt. Tengu, just a 15-minute drive from the Otaru IC. The Mt. Tengu Ropeway transports visitors from the mountain’s base to its summit, covering a distance of 735 meters in about 4 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Shakotan Peninsula.
- Sapporo - Conclude your journey by returning to Sapporo with your guide. The train ride back will take approximately 45 minutes.

- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Sapporo
- Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Sapporo
- Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- 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.
- 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.
This exclusive 7-hour walking tour, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking and licensed tour guide, offers a wonderful and efficient way to discover Otaru while staying in Sapporo!
Otaru is a charming port city known for its historical architecture, with many buildings restored and transformed into delightful cafes and shops. The old stone warehouses…
This exclusive 7-hour walking tour, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking and licensed tour guide, offers a wonderful and efficient way to discover Otaru while staying in Sapporo!
Otaru is a charming port city known for its historical architecture, with many buildings restored and transformed into delightful cafes and shops. The old stone warehouses and the beautifully maintained canal contribute to the city’s nostalgic townscape.
Select 3 to 4 attractions from our ‘what to expect’ list and inform your guide to customize your itinerary!
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.