Otaru 6hr 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 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.

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 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.

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 (Pass By)

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. Rope way price *roundtrip Adults: 1600 JPY Children: 800 JPY

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

5.0

12 reviews

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

5 stars

12
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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 12 reviews with 5 stars

Great day!

Published on Sep, 2024

Tom was knowledgeable, helpful, and interesting. We had a great time seeing Otaru and highly recommend his skills as a private guide.

Great experience in Otaru.

Published on Sep, 2024

We had an astonishing day! Such a lovely introduction and experience in Otaru. Tom was knowledgeable, personable, and fun to be with.

Enjoyable day trip with a fantastic guide

Published on Aug, 2024

Had a good outing with Michiko! She is a fantastic guide. Appreciate all her efforts and help! Her guidance and arrangement in getting us back to Sapporo station after our train from Otaru was cancelled due to some fatal incident was most helpful.

A great visit

Published on Apr, 2024

Our guide was very attentive to our requests, took time to explain history of what we were visiting. He was personable and knowledgeable about the area.

Interesting, Informative and Tasty

Published on Apr, 2024

Well planned and informative . Katsuki Kemanai was a delightful tour guide. She shared her knowledge of the history and culture of Otaru in an interesting and wide ranging tour that covered history of herring fishing and the wealth it brought, a tasting at a sake brewery, leading our group to a sushi lunch, a visit to the Herring Palace.