Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

4.9
6 hours
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Overview

What's Included

✓ Included

  • 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

✗ 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.

Itinerary

1
Stop 1
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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
Stop 5
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

Find Hotels in Otaru

Good to Know

  • 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.

Known For:

Most Visited Tours

Traveler Reviews

4.9
⭐ Top Rated 🏆 Travelers' Choice ✅ Free Cancellation

Where to Stay in Otaru

Handpicked hotels near your tour — book with confidence.

Motel inn Minami Otaru / Vacation STAY 50444

Motel inn Minami Otaru / Vacation STAY 50444

📶 Free WiFi
9.3 Exceptional
$61 /night
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Motel inn Minami Otaru / Vacation STAY 50438

Motel inn Minami Otaru / Vacation STAY 50438

📶 Free WiFi
8.2 Excellent
$75 /night
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逸居&海音#200平方海景别墅#小樽步行街浪漫街附近#可免费停放3台车#房间配有空调#暖气

📶 Free WiFi
8.7 Excellent
$203 /night
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