Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Kate

July, 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

  • 6：10　Guide boards JR Shin-Sapporo Station ~ JR Otaru Station ~ boards Chuo Bus (bound for Otaru Aquarium)
  • 8：40　Arrive at hotel (Hotel Neuschloss Otaru)
  • 8：50　Meet with guests Mr & Mrs Christensen (their 20-year-old son does not join the tour due to rest)9：00　Guests board their private chartered vehicle (rented in Hakodate, used from Otaru ~ Biei/Furano/Sapporo ~ Hakodate)
  • 9：30　To the parking lot near Otaru Canal
  • 　　　　Stroll along Otaru Canal (Asakusa Bridge – Chuo Bridge)
  • 　　　　Enter Otaru Canal Plaza
  • 　　　　Stroll along Otaru Sakaimachi Street 1.5km
  • 　　　　　Kitaichi Glass Museum, Kitaichi Glass No.3 Hall, LeTao, Merhen Square,
  • 　　　　　Music Box Hall, old bank district (Wall Street of the North) stroll, entry to former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (Financial Museum)
  • 13：00　　Farewell. Guide returns to Sapporo by JR train

Hokkaido Otaru Private Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Does a Full-Day Report from Japan Guide Agency Look Like?

Weather: light rain at first, then cloudy. Temperature: 25–26°C. Number of guests: 3 adults expected; actual attendance was the group. The guests had visited Honshu several times, partly for business, but this was their first visit to Hokkaido. They traveled north to Hakodate by Shinkansen, then drove a rental car from Hakodate to Otaru. I welcomed the guests at the Hotel and handed out a booklet I had prepared myself. We departed from the Hotel by rental car and began sightseeing in central Otaru. The guests were very familiar with matters concerning Japan. As a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide, I gave an overview of Otaru City while showing them around. They showed great interest in the historic buildings along Sakaimachi Street, which convey a strong sense of history. Since the guests expressed a wish to return to Hokkaido in a different season, I recommended visiting in winter for a skiing experience.

Click here for more details: Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local 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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