What to do and see in Otaru, Hokkaido: The Best City Tours

August 10, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

Top right: The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum Middle right 1: - Glass Works in Otaru Middle right 2: - Temiya old railway line
Restaurants in Otaru

1. Explore Otaru & Yoichi

Sapporo Station, 3 Chome-4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0806, Japan Travel Hokkaido
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

Visit the beautiful seaside city of Otaru, known for glasswork, great seafood, desserts and distilleries.  In the morning, head into Yoichi Distillary, where the world-famous Nikka Whiskey is produced.   Continue on for a tour of Otaru city for some relaxing time spent along the canal and historic Sakaimachi street area and a delicious seafood lunch. Finally, take the ropeway up Tengu Mountain to see the panoramic views of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. 

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, All activities, Driver/guide, Local guide, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By vicentejoseb966

We were only the 2 of us (due to Covid limited trip bokings) so we felt really personal and intimate. Beautiful scenery around Yoichi & Shakotan Blue enhanced by the explanations of the guide. The guide (Yama-san) has a very good English understanding so the communication was easy. It was very nice from him of taking pictures of us on the different locations. Being an all day tour, we had plenty of time at each stop to enjoy all there was to see and do (the guide adapted very well to our more "adventurer" personal expectations). Overall, a really nice and memorable experience. Highly recommended.

2. Sapporo and Otaru Private Sightseeing Tour with Licensed Guide

Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore Sapporo and Otaru in a day with an English speaking guide! You will learn not only its background but also local life by visiting the landmarks. This tour starts and ends at the hotel you're staying at. This 9-hour tour features; a friendly, licensed and local guide, a better understanding of Otaru and Sapporo. There is no need to research transportation on your own as all transportation is provided. This tour features Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street (Musical Box Shop, Kitaichi Glass Shop, LeTAO, etc.) and landmarks in Sapporo. No rush, comfortable and flexible with your request.  There is a stop for lunch, but lunch is at the customer's expense. The sake tasting is included in the tour price.

Inclusions: English speaking licensed guide, Private tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, [Guide only] Walking tour , [w/ Vehicle] Transportation by private vehicle, Local taxes

Exclusions: [Guide only] Transportation for you and guide: Train 1500 yen per person + 3000 yen per taxi, [w/ Vehicle] Highway fee 2480 to 2740 yen and Parking fee 1000 to 2000 yen, Lunch, Entrance fees

Reviewed By luzonersseetheworld

We spent a most amazing 10 days in Hokkaido thanks to Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel. The attention to details and our preferences were much appreciated. Our travel consultant Eriko Kakudate san took the extra mile by personally meeting with us prior to the trip. Our preferences and interests as well as our budget and the length of our stay were taken into consideration to carefully plan a trip that was unique, fulfilling and enjoyable. We enjoyed the suggested destinations largely because they weren't the usual tourist traps. We had private lessons in glass blowing, soba making and Japanese sweets. We enjoyed our interaction with the locals and the exposure to the culture. We did not feel rushed at all in our itinerary and had time to spend in places where we wanted to stay longer. Eriko san was very thorough and communicated with us as needed specially when we had to reschedule our trip. We appreciate her work and dedication. We are thankful that she took the time to meet us upon arrival and again on two other occasions to ask how we were and even share a meal. She is an asset to HTIT. Our personal driver Shuji Takeuchi san was likewise excellent. He was very professional and recommended good places to eat in and experiences to try (like the onsen and eating local food). He made sure we were comfortable with the vehicle we used and offered even free use of his wifi and AC to charge our phones. He even volunteered to take our photos. We appreciate that he was mindful that one of us had physical limitations. He assisted us each time we checked in our hotels and helped us with room preferences. Our trip was made memorable largely because of HTIT. It was the best way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our thanks to HTIT, Eriko san, Shu san and all the wonderful people we met. We shall return.

3. Private Tour - A trip to appreciate craftworks in Otaru

Otaru Station, Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 2-chōme−22, JP otomo travel

Otaru is a town in Hokkaido famous as a popular tourist spot in Japan, and also famous for craftworks. This is a tour to discover why it is called “the town of craftworks”. You will make your own glasswork on this tour! An up-and-coming craftsman will teach you how to make one. Although it is a bit hot when you are crafting, the feeling after your work has done is beyond description! You will also visit other kinds of craft and professional shops such as an embroidery shop, a candle shop and a “Soba” restaurant, a popular Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. You will be surprised by their passion and skill! Don’t forget to book your trip to discover the “town of craftworks”!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private Tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs, and extra activities for your own, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Train ticket fee, Bus ticket fee, Boat ticket fee

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

4. Otaru Full-Day Private Trip with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency

This value-packed trip with a nationally-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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch, Private transportation

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

5. Otaru Half-Day Private Trip with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency

This value-packed trip with a nationally-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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch, Private transportation

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

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