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Highlights of Artistic Otaru
Otaru is a port city next to Sapporo. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Otaru prospered as a shipping port connecting Hokkaido with mainland Japan and overseas, and was well known as the foremost economic city in northern Japan. You can see the remnants of Otaru's glorious days in remaining bank buildings and warehouses. Otaru citizens renovated these assets to museums, restaurants and various shops. Why don't you walk in such a romantic city and enjoy a retro atmosphere?
Meeting Point
At your Hotel
At your Hotel
JR Sapporo Station
We take JR train to Otaru. It takes about 35 minutes from Sapporo. The fare is 750 JPY. On the train, you can see a nice shoreline of Sea of Japan.
JR Otaru Station
After arriving at Otaru Station, we take a walk to Otaru Canal. On the way there, we walk down a gentle slope where you can enjoy a scenery of historic remnants on both sides and Sea of Japan in front.
Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal, which is now the most popular sightseeing destination in Otaru, used to play an important role in marine transportation before the world war Ⅱ. It was reborn as a scenic spot with nice promenade and retro gas lumps.
Former Bank of Japan Street
This street was called "Japanese Wall Street" in the early 20th century. Many bank buildings with various architectural styles were built by the leading architects at that time. Otaru citizens have protected these buildings and have reused them as museums and restaurants. You can appreciate the artistic features in those buildings.
Nitori Museum of Art
This museum boasts many paintings by Japanese artists and others from overseas. It also displays Japanease-style wooden sculptures and stained glass works by Louis C. Tiffany.
Other than Nitoti Museum of Art, there are Stained Glass Museum and House of Western Art. You can make a choice.
The entrance fees are 1,500 JPY for Nitoti Museum of Art and House of Western Art, and 700 JPY for Stained Glass Museum.
These museums are closed on Wednesdays. In the case of Wednesday, you can visit other museums such as The Bank of Japan Museum and Otaru General Museum.
Sakaimachidori Street
Historic buildings such as warehouses and merchant houses were converted into nice shops. Various souvenir and food shops line up in about 1 km long street. You can eat lunch at a seafood restaurant and enjoy sweets shops. Especially, glasses and music boxes are popular craftworks in Otaru. Let's enjoy this pleasant street！
JR Minami Otaru Station
JR Minami Otaru Sation is about 10-minute walk from Sakaimachidori Street (The main building of the Otaru Orgel Doh).
If you would like to stay here longer, Sakaimachidori could be the ending point of the tour.
JR Sapporo Station
Ending Point
JR Sapporo Station or Sakaimachidori Street
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, The fee of transportation,admission and lunch for guide
The fee of transportation, admission and lunch for customers
Tour Important Information
・We walk a lot. So please wear comfortable shoes.
・Nitori Museum of Art, Stained Glass Museum and House of Western Art are closed on Wednesdays. In the case of Wednesday, we can visit other museums such as The Bank of Japan Museum and Otaru General Museum.
Important message from the guide
Please be noted that I cannot guide for a while . I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Otaru Tour Reviews
“Requested for Time extension”
We requested for another time extension with Ms. Michiko to guide us until dinner time because it was really great being with her, and we enjoyed her guidance and company
“Request for Time Extension”
We requested for another time extension with Ms. Michiko to guide us until dinner time because it was really great being with her, and we enjoyed her guidance and company
“Request for Time Extension”
We requested for an extension with Ms. Michiko to guide us until dinner time, and it was great.
