Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kate

January, 2026

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

  • Hotel (Hotel) → Subway Susukino Station → Transfer at Odori Station → Get off at Maruyama Koen Station → Board JR Bus → Get off at Hokkaido Jingu Mae →
  • Worship at Hokkaido Jingu → Stop by the dango tea house at the exit → Stroll through the shrine forest → Arrive at Subway Maruyama Koen Station → Board the Tozai Line → Get off at Miyanosawa Station → Walk → Enter Shiroi Koibito Park Ishiya Seika → View the chocolate antique box exhibit → Tour the production line (main products) → Walk → Board at Subway Miyanosawa Station → Get off at Odori Station → Walk → Stroll through the front garden of the former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) → Walk → Arrive at Sapporo Clock Tower (exterior / photo taking) → Disband at Kita 1-jo Street

Title: What Is a Private Winter Day Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The start time was originally set for 10:00, but since ending at 16:00 would be close to sunset, I contacted the guests and moved the schedule one hour earlier. The weather was cloudy, with a temperature of 3–4°C. The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very cheerful and friendly. They mentioned that in their home region there are only rainy and dry seasons with virtually no snowfall, and while some snow can be seen in the higher mountainous areas, they had never touched it before. Some of the guests enjoyed making and throwing snowballs and lying down in the fresh snow (about 20 cm deep). I had planned to guide them to the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, but this was not possible because the buses were not running during the New Year holidays. They were captivated by the red brick former Hokkaido Government Office building, the snow-covered front garden, the size of the trees, and the "yukitsuri" rope supports on the pine trees. When introducing the former Government Office and the Clock Tower, I explained the past and present of Ainu life, their relationship with the settlers and pioneers, and the presence of the foreign advisors employed at the time.

Click here for more details: Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwaySusukino～Hokkaido Jingu / JR Hokkaido Bus490JPY
Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen～Miyanosawa250JPY
Section 3SubwayMiyanosawa～Odori290JPY
Total1,030JPY

Tour Report by Kate

Hello! Welcome to Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. My name is Katsuko Kemanai, a female guide. I would be happy to serve you as a local tourist guide.
I live in Sapporo, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. I know you are a guest of a luxurious ocean liner. You will visit Otaru on April 21. Otaru is a port city, known for its tasty seafood. The city was once an economic hub of Hokkaido. You will see the former canal, Sakaimachi Street, where a lot of sushi bars, glass-blowing studios, museums, and gift shops. While in the suburbs, Mt. Tengu or Shukutsu Peninsular, where you will have a panoramic view including an ocean view. Please entertain yourself on the luxurious passenger boat. These spots will certainly entertain you. I look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely yours,
Guide Katsuko Kemanai

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