Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru
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Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru

Active
(3 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will visit Otaru, once the distribution center of Hokkaido.Otaru is a town that became a popular tourist destination thanks to Japanese movies.
On the Otaru Canal Walking Tour, we will stop at facilities of interest to our guests for an extraordinary experience.For example, you can stroll through the retro streets in the Sakai-machi shopping district and enjoy Otaru's famous glass and music boxes.
You can also enjoy delicious food.
Please let your guide know if there is any restaurant you would like to visit!
Our nationally certified guides will be happy to show you around.

Available options

4hr Private Walking Tour

only walking<br/>Pickup included

7hr Private Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours: Tours of approximately 7 hours are also available, depending on the port of call of the cruise ship. We will respond flexible<br/>Pickup included

5hr Tenguyama Ropeway Plan

Tenguyama Ropeway Plan: Enjoy a scenic ride on the Tenguyama Ropeway with panoramic views of Otaru and Ishikari Bay.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Admission fee for Nitori museum
Port or Station Pickup
Lisenced Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Otaru Canal is 1,140 meters long and features gentle curves, making it one of Otaru's most iconic tourist attractions.
The fantastic and nostalgic scenery of 63 gas lamps along the canal attracts many tourists.
The stone warehouses and old buildings along the canal have been reused as stores and restaurants, and together with the historical buildings and retro streetscape, have won many awards, including the 100 best cityscapes and 100 most beautiful historical climates in Japan. In addition, there are abundant sightseeing spots around Otaru Canal, such as historical buildings, museums, Otaru Sakai-machi-dori Shopping Street, Otaru Music Box Hall, etc., where you can fully experience the charm of Otaru.
Your guide will take you to places of your interest.

2

Otaru Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street is the main street of Otaru sightseeing, located close to the Otaru Canal, the most popular tourist attraction in Otaru, where the streets are formed by many historical buildings built in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods. The shopping street, with its time-travel-like atmosphere, is famous for its sweets, glass, and music boxes, and you can enjoy Otaru's typical restaurants and shopping.

3

This store specializing in music boxes is housed in a building built in the Meiji era (1868-1912). At the entrance, you will be greeted by a steam clock, the symbol of the store. The retro atmosphere of the store is filled with about 80,000 music boxes collected from all over the world. The music boxes come in a wide variety of designs and materials, including jewelry boxes, stuffed animals, wall hangings, ceramics, and other unique items.

4

LeTAO is one of Otaru’s must-visit landmarks, not just a patisserie but a cultural icon of the city. Famous for its signature “Double Fromage” cheesecake with a light and creamy texture, LeTAO attracts visitors from across Japan and abroad. The main store offers desserts and café menus available only here, giving you the chance to taste exclusive flavors in the very heart of Otaru. With its European-style building and tower, LeTAO also adds charm to the cityscape and makes a popular photo spot. Beyond enjoying sweets, you can browse a wide selection of chocolates and baked goods, ideal as gifts to take home. Visiting LeTAO on your Otaru tour is more than a stop for dessert—it is an experience of local culture, hospitality, and the city’s world-famous taste of Hokkaido.

5

A sake brewery that uses 100% Hokkaido rice to produce local sake all year round. At Kikkogura, visitors can join a brewery tour any time of the year to see the traditional brewing process up close and learn about the history of sake in Otaru. For those who prefer a lighter experience, the main store offers tasting opportunities and a wide selection of local sake and related products for shopping. The main store is also closer to the cruise port, so please let your guide know which location you would like to visit.

6

The atrium, which was originally a bank hall and extends to the second floor, is now a large art museum with six impressive classical columns.
Visitors can walk through the Lewis C. Tiffany Stained Glass Gallery on the first floor and admire modern and contemporary Japanese paintings.

What's not included

Personal Expense
Souvenirs
apx. 20-30 USD per person
Public transportation fee ( this is a walking tour. if you need to take bus or train)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
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2★
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1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Important notes

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

About Otaru

Otaru is a charming port city in Hokkaido known for its beautifully preserved canal district, historic warehouses, and vibrant music scene. Its picturesque setting and rich maritime history make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Otaru Canal

A beautifully preserved canal district with historic warehouses, shops, and restaurants. The canal is illuminated in the evenings, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Otaru Music Box Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and art of music boxes. The collection includes rare and beautifully crafted music boxes from around the world.

Museum 1 hour ¥500-¥1,000

Nikko Park Otaru

A large park with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a variety of plants. The park is especially stunning during the cherry blossom season.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaisendon

A bowl of rice topped with fresh, raw seafood. Otaru is famous for its high-quality seafood, making this a must-try dish.

Lunch Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies

Uni (Sea Urchin)

A delicacy in Hokkaido, uni is often served raw or in sushi. It has a creamy texture and a unique, rich flavor.

Snack Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies

Butter Curry

A rich and creamy curry dish that is a specialty of Hokkaido. It is made with a generous amount of butter, giving it a unique and indulgent flavor.

Dinner Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Onsen (hot spring) visits Café hopping Scenic walks Visiting museums Exploring historic districts

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) and Winter (December to February)

Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the city's attractions, while winter provides opportunities for winter sports and experiencing the famous Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

20-25°C in summer, -5 to 0°C in winter 68-77°F in summer, 23-32°F in winter

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Japanese
  • Widely spoken: English (limited)
  • English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Otaru is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of taxi drivers who may overcharge or take longer routes
  • • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
  • • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air
  • New Chitose Airport • 40 km from Otaru
By train

Otaru Station

By bus

Otaru Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most major attractions. Buses are punctual and easy to use with English signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Canal District Sakaimachi Street Temiyoshi Street

Day trips

Sapporo
35 km from Otaru • Full day

Hokkaido's capital offers a mix of urban attractions, historic sites, and natural beauty. From the famous Sapporo Beer Museum to the picturesque Mount Moiwa, there's something for everyone.

Yochi Town
20 km from Otaru • Half day

A charming town known for its hot springs, scenic views, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Niseko
100 km from Otaru • Full day or overnight

A world-renowned ski resort offering excellent skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. In the summer, it's a great place for hiking and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival • Early February Otaru Port Festival • Early August Otaru Cherry Blossom Festival • Late April to Early May

Pro tips

  • Visit the Otaru Canal in the evening for a magical experience with illuminated buildings and reflections on the water
  • Try local specialties like kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), uni (sea urchin), and butter curry for an authentic taste of Hokkaido cuisine
  • Explore the historic Sakaimachi Street for a glimpse into Otaru's rich history and traditional architecture
  • Attend a local festival, such as the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival or the Otaru Port Festival, for a unique and memorable experience
  • Consider renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk along the canal to explore the city at your own pace
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Childs
Age 2-11
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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