Hokkaido Shrine and Otaru Highlights Day Trip from Sapporo

3.8 (4 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

4 reviews

3.8

Hokkaido Shrine and Otaru Highlights Day Trip from Sapporo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hokkaido Shrine and Otaru Highlights Day Trip from Sapporo, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Depart from Sapporo and journey to the awe-inspiring Hill of the Buddha, renowned for its majestic architectural beauty.

Next, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the historic Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park, which bursts with spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring.

After capturing sweet memories at the fairytale-like Shiroi Koibito Park, head to the classic and charming city of Otaru. Enjoy three generous hours of free time to explore at your own pace. Join your guide for an exclusive photo session at the vintage Former Temiya Railway Line, then wander along the scenic Otaru Canal, bustling Sakaimachi Street, or famous Sushi Street.

This special tour perfectly blends Hokkaido’s hidden scenic gems with Otaru's romantic atmosphere before returning comfortably to Sapporo in the evening.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 49 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Korean, English
Operated by: TOURSTORY

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Transportation
Included: English & Korean Speaking Staff

Not included

Not included: Meals
Not included: Travelers Insurance
Not included: Other Personal Expenses
Not included: Admission Fee to Hill of the Buddha

Itinerary

Hill of The Buddha

30 min Admission not included

[Admission is not included] The Hill of the Buddha is an awe-inspiring architectural marvel designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. The journey to the statue is a profound experience: after passing through a serene water garden and walking down a dimly lit, curved concrete tunnel, you emerge into a striking circular open-air space where the 13.5-meter-tall Buddha sits, bathed in natural sunlight. Surrounded by vibrant purple lavender in summer or pristine white snow in winter, it is a deeply moving and photogenic destination.
Stop 2

30 min

Located at the entrance of the Makomanai Takino Cemetery—the same grounds housing the Hill of the Buddha—is an unexpected and visually striking sight: an imposing lineup of 33 giant Moai statues. They offer a completely different vibe depending on the season, standing boldly against bright green grass in the summer, and charmingly wearing "hats" of thick, pure white snow during the winter months.
Hokkaido Jingu

30 min

Nestled within a vast, serene forest of ancient cedar and elm trees in Maruyama Park, the shrine offers a profound sense of peace and a striking contrast to the bustling city of Sapporo just outside its gates. Offering a deep dive into authentic Japanese culture and history, Hokkaido Shrine is the undeniable crown jewel and the most elegant highlight of this tour.
Maruyama Park

30 min

It is Sapporo's most beloved spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, boasting over 1,500 cherry and plum trees. The park transforms beautifully throughout the year, offering vibrant autumn foliage and a serene, snow-covered wonderland in the winter.
Shiroi Koibito Park

30 min

A fairytale-like theme park dedicated to Hokkaido's famous white chocolate cookies. It is the perfect place to capture sweet memories and photos.
Stop 6

10 min

[Optional] A vintage, abandoned railway line perfect for photography. You can opt to join your guide here right as free time begins for a dedicated photo session.
Otaru Sakaimachi Street

1 h 30 min

[Optional] Once the bustling center of Hokkaido's trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sakaimachi Street has been beautifully preserved and transformed into Otaru’s most romantic walking path. It is also a true paradise for dessert lovers, home to the flagship stores of Hokkaido's top confectionery brands like LeTAO, Kitakaro, and Rokkatei. Enjoying world-class sweets while browsing unique souvenirs makes this historic street the absolute highlight of any Otaru visit.
Otaru Canal

30 min

[Optional] A picturesque and iconic canal offering scenic views of historic stone warehouses that look beautiful during the day or illuminated at dusk.
Stop 9

one hour

[Optional] As a historic port city, Otaru is nationally renowned for having some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in Japan, famously inspiring the popular manga Shota no Sushi

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with ‘TOURSTORY’ flag upon arrival.
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall)
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with ‘TOURSTORY’ flag upon arrival.

End point

- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with ‘TOURSTORY’ flag upon arrival.
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall)
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with ‘TOURSTORY’ flag upon arrival.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
The duration of stay and the order of visits at each spot may change flexibly depending on the season and local conditions (weather, traffic) on the day of the tour.
As this is a group tour, the bus will depart on time without waiting for latecomers to respect the schedule of other guests. Please be punctual, as no refunds will be given for missed departures.
Please note: As this is a group tour, there may be guests who speak other languages traveling with you. We appreciate your understanding.
Many places in Japan still accept cash only, so please make sure to carry enough cash with you.
In case of sudden road closures during the tour, alternative routes may be used, which could result in delays or skipping some sightseeing spots.
Please note that partial admission fees apply to specific areas within Shiroi Koibito Park.

Options

Depart from Odori Station

Pick-Up Point: Odori Station Exit 31 (near by Kanamoto hall). Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details.

Starting point:

Ōdōri Station, Japan, 060-0042 北海道札幌市Chuo Ward, Ōdōrinishi, ２−２
Depart from Sapporo Station

Pick-Up Point: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet. Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details.

Starting point:

Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit), 3-chōme-12-2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan