Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kate

May, 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

  • 10:00　Meet and greet at JR Otaru Station
  • 10:15　Former Temiya Railway Line site
  • 10:45　Enter Canal Plaza and rest, coffee etc.
  • 11:15　Stroll along Otaru Canal (Asakusa Bridge – Chuo Bridge – Canal starting point) double cherry blossoms in full bloom
  • 11:00　Otaru Warehouse and Transport Company (souvenir shop), 1F only
  • 11:10　Start strolling along Sakaimachi Street and dropping by—Venetian Museum 1F only, 2 glass shops, Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Hall,
  • 11:40 Lunch at "Tatsumi Sushi"
  • 14:00 Start strolling along Sakaimachi Street
  • 14:30 Enter Music Box Hall Main Store
  • 14: 50 Music box making experience at "Yu Kobo"
  • 15:45 Leave the hall, head to JR Otaru Station, board taxi
  • 15:55 End of guide duties
  • 17:00　Customers plan to return to Sapporo in reserved seats on the rapid train, resting at a cafe near Otaru Station.
  • 　　　Hotel: Hotel

Title: What's a Private Sightseeing Tour of Otaru Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. At the time of our meeting the sky was cloudy and it felt a little chilly. Gradually blue sky appeared and the temperature rose to a comfortable level. Right after this assignment was confirmed, the guests had expressed a wish to see cherry blossoms, so I was hoping their wish would come true. In this area the Ezo mountain cherry is the main variety, but its flowers had already finished. Fortunately, the late-blooming double-flowered cherry trees were in full bloom. About ten of them were planted along the Otaru Canal. The guests took many photos with the cherry blossoms behind them. During the handmade music box experience at the end of the tour, they concentrated on choosing and attaching the decorations and enjoyed themselves.

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

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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