• Sapporo - Begin your journey in Sapporo, where your guide and driver will pick you up. Relax and enjoy the comfortable one-hour drive to the Otaru area.
• Otaru Art Base - The historical buildings of early 20th-century Otaru City now serve as tourist attractions. The Otaru Art Base, located across Rinkosen Street from the Otaru Canal, is one such venue. It comprises four historic buildings that once housed 20 of Hokkaido’s largest banks, forming the economic hub known as “North Wall Street.”

The former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, depicted in the picture, is now the Nitori Museum of Art. It features exhibits of Japanese and international paintings, wood carvings, and more. The basement hosts the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery.

Admission fees:
Common ticket for all four museums: General 2,900 yen, University student 2,000 yen, High school student 1,500 yen, Junior high school student 1,000 yen, Elementary school student 500 yen

• Otaru Sakaimachi Street - For those traveling for leisure, Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street offers both gourmet dining and shopping experiences. Situated on the inland side of Rinkosen Street, parallel to the Otaru Canal, this one-way street stretches approximately 900 meters from North Wall Street to the Marchen Crossroads, where the Bank of Japan Otaru Branch is located. The street is lined with old merchant shops and Western-style buildings, making it a popular tourist destination near the Otaru Canal.
• Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura - While Otaru is renowned for its historic Western architecture and glass crafts, it also offers a glimpse into Japan’s past. The Tanaka Sake Brewery, established in 1899, is one such place. It produces various alcoholic beverages, including plum wine, sweet sake, and the locally cherished Otaru sake, Takaragawa. Thanks to Otaru’s cool climate, sake production occurs year-round, making the Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura a must-visit at any time of the year.
• Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum - Visitors can enjoy exploring the picturesque landscapes of historic Otaru. Overlooking this charming seaside city and the Sea of Japan is Mt. Tengu, a 15-minute drive from the Otaru IC. The Mt. Tengu Ropeway transports visitors from the mountain’s base to its summit, covering a distance of 735 meters in about 4 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Shakotan Peninsula.

Ropeway price *roundtrip:
Adults: 1600 JPY
Children: 800 JPY

• Otaru Canal - The Otaru Canal is a must-see among Hokkaido’s famous attractions. Once the distribution center of Hokkaido, it had a population that even exceeded Sapporo’s. The canal was initially used to unload ships via barges, extending the reach of goods distribution. Although it became obsolete with the establishment of docks, it was preserved as a place for both locals and tourists to relax, featuring promenades and gas lamps along the riverbanks.
• Fugoppe Cave - Dating back approximately 5000 years, this site is believed to feature mural paintings from the Jomon period in Hokkaido. Over 200 mysterious human figures, some with feathers or horns, are carved into the walls, inviting exploration and wonder.

Admission:
Adults: 300 yen
Children: 100 yen

• Old Shimoyoichi Unjoya - The only remaining building of its kind in Japan, the Unjyoya was a commercial hub for trade between the Japanese and the native Ainu people during the Edo Period. Today, it offers insights into the business practices of that era and is designated as a National Historical Site and an Important Cultural Property.

Admission Fee:
Adults: 300 yen
Children: 100 yen

• Space Apple Yoichi Michi-no-Eki - This roadside station offers a variety of unique juices and snacks from Yoichi, a town renowned for its fruits. Popular items include handmade apple pies made with locally grown apples and gelato ice cream. Depending on the season, freshly harvested fruits and vegetables are available, providing a taste of local flavors and a refreshing break from driving.
• Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery - During the complimentary guided tour, Nikka’s guides share insights into the whisky production process and the history of Nikka. At the tour’s conclusion, guests can enjoy a complimentary tasting.

• Guided tours require prior reservation.
• Visitors without reservations will not be admitted.
• Self-guided tours remain suspended.

• Sapporo - Return to Sapporo with your guide and driver. Please note that if you choose to conclude your tour in the Otaru area, the tour duration will be reduced by one hour as the vehicle must return to Sapporo.

• Private Vehicle
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under ‘What to Expect.’

In this 8-hour tour, you can visit both Otaru and Yoichi with a licensed guide and a private vehicle.

The famous Otaru Canal and historical buildings, such as stone warehouses, contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru’s townscape. Otaru is home to a large number of Hokkaido’s remaining historical buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into cafes and shops.

Yoichi is a small coastal town located about 30 30-minute drive from Otaru. Yoichi is home to the Yoichi Distillery owned by Nikka Whisky. The town is also famous for its fruit, particularly apples, and is becoming increasingly popular as a wine region.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an eight-hour tour that’s best for you!

• There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.