Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Otaru.
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 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.

Overview

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 four-hours 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.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Asarigawa Onsen Hotel 2-670 Asarigawa-onsen, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0154
Authent Hotel Otaru 2-15-1 Inaho, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0032
Dormy Inn Premium Otaru 3-9-1 Inaho, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0032
Etchuya Ryokan 1-8-12 Ironai, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031
Ginrinsou 1-1-13 Sakura, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0156
Grand Park Otaru 11-3 Chikko, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0008
Hotel Inaho 3-10-12 Inaho, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0032
Hotel Neushloss Otaru 3-282 Shukutsu, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0047
Hotel Nord Otaru 1-4-16 Ironai, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031
Hotel Sonia Otaru 1-4-20 Ironai, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031
Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal 1-5-7 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031
Kourakuen 5-23-1 Shinko, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0152
Kuramure 2-685 Asarigawa Onsen, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0154
OKAGAWA PHARMACY 1-7-7 Wakamatsu, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0017
Otaru Asari Classe Hotel 2-676 Asarigawa Onsen, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0154
Otaru Furukawa 1-2-15 Ironai, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031
Otaru Guest House 3-9-5 Midori, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0034
Pension Shadow Classe 2-681-13 Asarigawa-onsen, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0154
Ryobo Hanaemi 2-686 Asarigawa Onsen, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0154
The Green Otaru Premier 3-5-14 Inaho, , Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0032
Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, JP, 047-0031

Pickup details

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. Read more ▼

Itinerary

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.

1 hour
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.

1 hour
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.

1 hour
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.

1 hour

Additional Info

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.

Free Cancellation

April 26100% refund

April 27No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start 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.

Reviews

4.7

15 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

14
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 14 reviews with 5 stars

Excellent way to spend the day in Otaru!

Published on Oct, 2024

Kazuo Sumi was such a great guide! He was very patient with our elderly parents and was great at explaining some of the beautiful art we saw. He was knowledgeable and an absolute joy to spend the day with. We highly recommend him!

Learning many details...

Published on May, 2024

Learning many details about the history as well as current features of Otaru City. A charming location where we also enjoyed sushi and other snacks. One of the highlights in our 2 week vacation to Japan. Arigato Roy Aoki!

Quality experience on Private Tour of Otaru

Published on May, 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour led by Mr. Roy Aoki. He shared historical details of the many attractions we visited. The Otaru Museum, Otaru canal, the Shopping Street, Sake Brewery and the Kamaboko Factory were definitely highlights. We will definitely recommend Roy Aoki to any friends and family who plan to visit Otaru.

Experience matters

Published on May, 2024

Rain started to fall and temperature dropped significantly and made walking around too chilling. It could've have been a disaster for a day trip but everything turned around when my guide turned up. Kumiko-san is not only knowledgable of the town and she quickly suggested a pivot to an indoor oriented itinerary The sake brewery was an absolute blast, and the Aoyama house is an amazing examples of fine craftsmanship in every corner, even in the toilets :). There was very few people in the house, made me felt a bit like I'm a on VIP tour. in this case the bad weather has become an advantage. The lunch place was at a local joint with no other tourist in the shop. The seafood don was delicious and very reasonably priced. To make it even more interesting, Kumiko-san told stories about her other customers, from rude tourist to VIP government officials, from entertaining to amazing. All in all I should thank Kumiko-san for a well executed tour and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone visiting the region.

Best tour in Japan.

Published on Apr, 2024

We were lucky enough to have Michiko guide us around Otaru today. She is very knowledgeable and her English is extremely good. She suggested we visit the herring mansion/museum which is the best example of a 19th century wealthy home that we have seen during our holiday throughout Japan. We were fortunate that we were early and there were only a few visitors at the same time. We then visited the ‘western’ glass museum which was breathtaking. The museum houses a huge collection of glass from around the world, many 19th century. There is blown glass, etched glass, enamel painted, fused glass, cast glass and stained glass. Tiffany, Lalique and many more masters. We then strolled along the canal and one street over to browse the tourist shops. Thank you to Michiko for a wonderful day.