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
- Head from Hotel Nikko Sapporo to Yoichi Town.
- 11:30 Yoichi Space Museum (Mamoru Mohri Memorial Hall) free area
- 12:00 Nikka Whisky: Museum, Restaurant, Gift Shop
- 12:50 Shopping at souvenir shop
- 13:00 Guests have lunch at the restaurant on site
- 14:00 Depart from same location, head to Otaru
- 14:30 Stop at Shukutsu Observatory, view of the Sea of Japan, Otaru city, and surrounding area
- Guide from the vehicle window at Otaru Canal and Otaru Sakaimachi
- 15:00 Guests wish for free time, meeting place: in front of the Venetian Glass Museum
- 17:00 Gather～head to Sapporo
- 18:00 Sapporo Kita 4-jo Nishi 6-chome, guests get off and part ways in front of the restaurant they reserved
- Driver and guide take their leave
Family Whisky Distillery Tour in Hokkaido: What Is a Private Nikka Distillery Visit Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Weather was sunny, with temperatures around 30°C.
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Before the tour, I contacted them and explained that only three facilities within the Nikka Whisky distillery grounds are open for viewing, and I proceeded with the tour after receiving their understanding. Before arriving, I gave an overview of the Nikka Whisky distillery. Although not all of the buildings were open, the guests were able to see the facilities. Inside the museum, the guests took their time viewing many photographs with English explanations, including photos of the founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and his wife Rita, as well as the founder's upbringing and his training in Glasgow. In addition to the guiding talk, I also explained the history, nature, and industries of Hokkaido.
Click here for more details: Otaru & Yoichi from Sapporo by Car with Licensed Guide
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
Feb 7, 2025
Stay38335184325
A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Our…
Feb 7, 2025
Stay38335184325
A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Kate was very informative and knew the best places to take us as we visited
during winter. It was very cold, windy and icy, but she managed to get us around safely.
Dec 27, 2024
G
G5102BEannied
Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had an experienced tour guide…
Dec 27, 2024
G
G5102BEannied
Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had an experienced tour guide who gave us a good history of sapporo and explained some of the areas we passed by. A great place with a lot of winter magic place.. snow is powdery and illumination is everywhere.. great experience! Thank you mam Kate (Katsuko Kemanai)
Oct 30, 2024
Clarice W
A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Katsuko-san…
Oct 30, 2024
Clarice W
A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Katsuko-san is patient, knowledgeable, polite and extremely helpful. Well-versed in English,
she is enjoying every moment of her profession to serve with distinction and
professionalism. Thank you, we enjoyed the walking tour👍