Hokkaido in One Day: Hokkaido & Sapporo Beer — Guide Akira
September, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 hotel pick up
- 10:35 Hokkaido Shrine
- 11:30 Sapporo Clock Tower
- 12:40 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office)
- 14:00 Lunch GARAKU
- 14:50 Sapporo Beer Garden
- 16: 50 Disband at Sapporo Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hokkaido Shrine at 10:35, Sapporo Clock Tower at 11:30, Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office) at 12:40 and Sapporo Beer Garden at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Odori to Maruyama Koen by subway (210JPY); Maruyama Koen to Odori by subway (210JPY); Sapporo Station Front by bus (240JPY); Sapporo Station Front by bus (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Sapporo, Hokkaido? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. As they had mentioned by messaging beforehand that they wanted a goshuincho (temple/shrine stamp book) and goshuin stamps, we discussed it at the hotel and decided to visit Hokkaido Shrine first.
At the shrine, the guests bought a goshuincho and received a goshuin stamp, and I was glad they were so pleased. They also listened attentively to my explanation about Shinto.
Next, we visited the Sapporo Clock Tower and the former Hokkaido Government Office (the Red Brick Office). The guests were surprised to learn how deeply North America had been involved in the development of Hokkaido.
I had wondered whether they would want to have lunch, but when one of the guests said they wanted to try soup curry, I took them to a famous restaurant in Sapporo. As expected, it was crowded and we had to wait about 25 minutes, but the guests were very satisfied, saying repeatedly how delicious it was.
Finally, we went to the Sapporo Beer Garden, where we toasted with beer after the tour.
Click here for more details: Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Odori～Maruyama Koen | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Maruyama Koen～Odori | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Sapporo Station Front / Hokkaido Chuo Bus～Sapporo Beer Garden / Hokkaido Chuo Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Sapporo Station Front / Hokkaido Chuo Bus～Sapporo Beer Garden / Hokkaido Chuo Bus | 240JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hokkaido Shrine, Sapporo Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office) and Sapporo Beer Garden.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Akira is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hokkaido itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.
May 22, 2026
Leanne S
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Cruise port must
Akira was our tour guide and was great.…
May 22, 2026
Leanne S
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Cruise port must
Akira was our tour guide and was great. We went to all the stops and he was flexible with us if wanted to take a taxi or stop and eat. I would recommend this tour, especially if you are stopping at a cruise port. He had lots of knowledge and you saw a lot in a small amount of time.
May 7, 2026
Narayanan_V
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akira san is a wonderful…
Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…
May 7, 2026
Narayanan_V
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akira san is a wonderful…
Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very informative. He accomodated our requests to see a
shinto temple, Sake factory etc. Akira san shared information about the Meiji revolution
which was interesting. Thank you Akira san
May 1, 2026
Maria R
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best of Hakodate
Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…
May 1, 2026
Maria R
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best of Hakodate
Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed us the best and most interesting sights
of Hakodate. We learned a lot about Hakodate and Japanese history from him.
Feb 18, 2026
Danielle_S
An insider’s tour of Otaru
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…
Feb 18, 2026
Danielle_S
An insider’s tour of Otaru
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient, and understanding. He didn’t talk too much; rather, he let me ask questions so that he only spoke on topics of interest to me. He also allowed me to set the pace, and we covered a lot of ground in six hours, from the fish market to Mt. Tengu to a coffeehouse to even the Don Quijote discount store (at my request). Being a first-time visitor to Japan and Otaru, I could have never figured out how to manage the logistics and cover so much ground so efficiently. He coordinated bus travel and translated for me at shops. He was very conversant in Enlish on a number of subjects ranging from history to movies. A memorable day with a truly expert guide!