"Otaru Day Trip: Sakaimachi Stroll, Canal Views & Beer Tasting Adventure"
Joined 2025
Step into the nostalgic charm of Otaru, a romantic port city just 30 minutes from Sapporo. This full-day guided tour takes you through Otaru’s most beloved sights — from its iconic canal lined with gas lamps and stone warehouses to the vibrant artisan boutiques of Sakaimachi Street( the cultural and shopping heart of Otaru). This vibrant street blends history, craftsmanship, and local indulgences. Cap off your day with a refreshing "craft beer tasting" at the Otaru Bavarian style Beer Factory.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Inside of Sapporo Station at The White Circular Stone Structure in the south exit sliding doors.
- Inside of Sapporo Station at The White Circular Stone Structure near the south exit sliding doors. In front of the inner front door of Daimaru Department Store.
JR Otaru Main Train Station
We will arrive at The Otaru Main Train Station. The famous melon bread is sold at the Germain Bakery located within the station. The melon bread is tasty and very affordable. Guest purchased if desired.
Otaru Iconic Canal
We will stroll along the iconic Otaru Canal. Built in the 1920s, once used for transporting goods by boat. We will observe the stone warehouses and gas lamps along the canal that creates a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere.
LUNCH (somewhere) along Sakaimachi Street
Lunch(most probably a seafood type lunch) will be had somewhere along Sakaimachi Street/historic street filled with glass workshops, music box shops, sweet shops like LeTAO, and traditional crafts. Lunch will be of a seafood type: fresh sushi and sashimi, seafood rice bowls (kaisendon). NOTE: this tour is suitable for those guests that enjoy seafood dishes.
Sightseeing along Sakaimach Street
1:00-3:00pm will be spent strolling along this street and sightseeing the various spots of interest.
• Kitaichi Glass Making Factory.
• Music Box Museum & Steam Clock.
• Steam Clock(steams every 15 minutes).
• Candle Making Crafts Shop.
• LeTao Cheesecake (fees apply).
• The Otaru Bavarian Beer Factory.
The Otaru Bavarian Beer Factory.
Here guests will enjoy "beer tasting" for just alittle over 1 hour. Taste both German and locally made Otaru Beer at the Bavarian Beer Factory located along The Otaru Canal.
Otaru JR Main Train Station
Arrive back at Otaru Station and catch the JR Train back to Sapporo St.
Sapporo Train station
Arrive back at Sapporo Train Station at about 5:20pm. Guide will escort guests back to the original meet up point. By 5:30pm the tour will finish.
Ending Point
Sapporo Station at the original a.m. meet-up point.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Round trip (JR Train fare) from Sapporo St. to Otaru St (for guide)"
• Services of the Native English speaking Tour Guide.
• 1 large mug of beer at The Otaru Bavarian Beer Factory.
• 1 large glass of a non-alcoholic beverage for non drinkers.
• Lunch NOT included. Each guest will purchase their own.
• Guest transportation fees/ JR Train .800yen.
• NOTE: any craft activity on Sakaimachi St is OPTIONAL. Prices
stated here vary per acitivity. Per guest prices.
• Optional: Any craft activity (i.e. glass blowing, candle making
etc) on Sakaimachi Street. Prices vary: 2.000-5.000yen
• Optional: The LeTao Cheesecake (.500-.800yen)Each guest will
purchase their own.
• Optional: The famous melon bread. Each guest will purchase
their own. Approx. .180yen
Tour Important Information
•Wear appropriate clothes for the season. Otaru is a port city and
sometimes it gets windy, so a good windbreaker is recommended.
Likewise in winter, extremely cold so dress appropriately.
•Good walking shoes are recommended. A great deal of walking will be
done during this tour.
•All tour guests must be 20years or older for the "beer tasting".
•Seafood lovers only! This is a port city and lunch will be a seafood dish.
•Any craft making activity the guest engages in during the Sakaimachi
Merchant Street walk is the "out of pocket" expense of the guest.
This tour will be offered Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The tour starts from the Sapporo St meet up point at 9a.m.
Important message from the supplier
I am available Monday, Friday and Saturday. For other days, I would require at least a 14 day advance notice. Most of my tours would start at 8 or 9a.m. from Sapporo Station and conclude at /between 6:00 to 6:30.m. at Sapporo St(in case of the 1 Day Tour). If requested, I could meet you in the lobby of your hotel in the morning of the day of the tour as well.
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
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Scott E.
I am an American male bi-lingual (English & Japanese)tour guide based/living in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. I have lived here several decades and I very familiar with the best places to see in Sapporo and outside of Sapporo/ other areas of Hokkaido. I can take you to the standard/well known sightseeing spots as well as "off the beaten path spots" that many overseas guests are unaware of. My tours are fun, on schedule, informative and transportation-wise very timely and smooth. Less time commuting and more time at location enjoying each point of interest. I have many years experience guiding tours in Sapporo and out to other areas of Hokkaido as well. Most of my tours are 1 day tours usually starting at 8 or 9a.m. and concluding at 6p.m. I basically use public transportation(buses, JR trains, and subways). I do own my own personal car and for guided tours with only 1 guest or small groups 2-3 guests, my private car is available for use. Meet up locations is usually at Sapporo Station in the morning but I can arrrange to meet you in the lobby of your hotel if requested. I look forward to guiding you here in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido. Tour guide Scott. Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
$160/ per person
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