Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide | 4 hours

15 Reviews | Otaru
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (12-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Child (6-11) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Infant (0-5) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
2 Adults x $194.73
$389.46
Approx Total
$389.46
Pickup included

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

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 â–¼

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

Sample Menu

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

June 19100% refund
June 20No 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.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

15 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    14
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 14 reviews with 5 stars

Great guide

Published on Jan, 2025

Roy was my guide and he was great! The restaurant he took us was great. His in depth knowledge about the city and its history was something we loved the most.

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!

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!

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!

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