Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

4.7 (23 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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23 reviews

4.7

Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Japan Guide Agency

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Otaru.
Included: Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Included: Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list

Not included

Not included: Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Not included: Private Vehicle
Not included: You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Not included: Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

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

one hour Admission not included

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.
Otaru Sakaimachi Street

one hour Admission not included

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.
Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura

one hour Admission not included

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.
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum

one hour Admission not included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
Hotel Atlantis Otaru - Adults Only
Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru
The Green Otaru Premier
Hotel Inaho
Otaru Green Hotel
Etchuya Ryokan
Authent Hotel Otaru

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.