From Sapporo: Private Day Trip to Otaru
ID: GYG387183-701040
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
06:00 hours
Description
Explore the old port town of Otaru with a friendly guide on a personalized private experience. Visit historical warehouses, canal-side glass workshops, and see the famous Otaru music boxes.
Explore the old port town of Otaru on your own personalized private tour, leaving from nearby Sapporo with your knowledgeable guide. You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them.
Hop on a train to Otaru, 30 minutes northwest of Sapporo, where you’ll see a side to Japanese history vastly different from the temples and shrines you’d expect. Discover Japanese colonial architecture, old port markets, and steam clocks.
The small harbor city of Otaru seems like a relic from a bygone era, you’ll get to explore this fascinating pocket of Japanese history. See the perfectly preserved western-style buildings of Sakaimachi-dōri, an old merchant street harking back to Otaru’s late 19th-century history as a powerful port city. Swivel your head between elegant buildings on Nichigin-dōri, the old “Wall Street of the North”, just around the corner.
Stroll along the cobbled pathways of the pretty canal along Ishikari Bay, an old-world promenade illuminated by the golden glow of oil lamps in the early evening. See how it's lined with old warehouses converted into antique stores and cafes, or hop on a canal cruise for a different vantage point.
Discover the city’s famous glass-blowing industry and shop for intricate souvenirs, or see the Otaru Music Box Museum’s collection of 25,000 music boxes (or customize your own brand-new one).
If you are brave enough, try the squid ink ice-cream and grab a bite to eat. You could enjoy freshly brewed draft beer at the Bavarian-style Otaru Brewery beer hall or sample sake at the Tanaka Sake Brewery before heading back to Sapporo.
Highlights
- Be matched to a knowledgeable local guide based on your interests and personality
- Wander alongside the historical canal, browsing shops and cafes housed in old warehouses along the way
- See the city’s incredible glass blowing industry, or visit the Otaru Music Box Museum
- Visit Tanaka Sake Brewery after sampling unique ice-cream flavors
- Travel by train to enjoy the view between the 2 cities
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• If required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options in Otaru
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
• From any location in Sapporo — the local partner will reach out to you beforehand to confirm your requested location
• If you are staying in the centre of Sapporo, the host will meet you at your hotel (please specify the name and address of the hotel)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
