Neighborhood Discoveries • 6 hours 5.0 (7)

Day trip to Otaru

Historic warehouses, a canal lined with glass workshops and famous Otaru music boxes.

Pack warm clothes as Sapporo remains chilly in spring and autumn and although it can get really hot during the day in summer, temperatures drop at night

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Hop on a train and take a day trip from Sapporo to the beautiful port city of Otaru, which you’ll explore with a local Sapporo host by your side
  • Wander the historic canal, browsing shops and cafes housed in old warehouses along the way
  • Meander through one of the town's markets, getting a feel for local life
  • Grab a quick bite to eat from one of the eateries lining the canal, and sample unique ice-cream flavors
  • See the city’s incredible glass blowing industry, or visit the Otaru Music Box Museum
  • End things off with a trip to the Tanaka Sake Brewery, conveniently located right by the station!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
6 hours with a host (including travel time)
Return train tickets from Sapporo to Otaru
Hotel meet-up (if within reasonable distance)
Walking experience once in Otaru (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
1 glass of sake, beer or soft drink, carefully selected for you by your host

What’s not included

Additional Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

In front of the Hokkaido-Sapporo Tourist Information Centre located in JR Sapporo Station

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

You’ll hop on a train to Otaru with your host, where you’ll see a side to Japanese history vastly different from the temples and shrines you’d expect – one of colonial architecture, old port markets, and steam clocks. You’ll stroll along the canal, an old-world promenade illuminated by the golden glow of oil lamps in the early evening and lined with old warehouses converted into antique stores and cafes, or hop on a canal cruise for a different vantage point. You’ll discover the city’s famous glass-blowing industry and shop for intricate souvenirs, see the Otaru Music Box Museum’s collection of 25,000 music boxes (or customize your own brand-new one), and sample sake at the Tanaka Sake Brewery before heading back to Sapporo.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

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What travelers think of this experience

Carmela, Jan 2025

Zarina spoke relatively good english so we communicated with her very well. She was very informative and gave us very interesting information about rhe places we visited. She also gave us options on what we wanted to see.

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Kylson, Dec 2024

Aki is friendly and helpful, no hassle in communication at all. We had an pleasant and memorable trip

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Diane, Aug 2024

Our guide Akihiro was helpful, friendly and informative.

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Sing Cher, Mar 2024

Zarina was great with the kids and was very patient as we were a very slow group. Good recommendation for food and spots to visit.

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Matthew, Feb 2024

My wife and I had such a wonderful time with Karen. Not only did we have the best fried chicken, but also enjoyed all the crafts that Otaru has to offer, especially the Otaru handmade glass. Additionally, she took the time to show us around such a beautiful city during the snow path festival. We couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful time. At the end of our tour, Karen gave us some amazing recommendations of where to explore outside of the touristy zones of Sapporo. A day we will not forget! Thank you Karen.

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Jourdan, Dec 2023

We enjoyed our time with Akihiro. He was very knowledgable about the places that he took us to. And also very patient with us and matching our own pace. Though we must admit, we love Japan and are "easy to please". We are thankful for the time Akihiro spent with us.

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