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
- 08:00 – ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo pick-up
- 08:25 – Board JR from JR Sapporo Station
- 09:15 – Break at Unga Plaza (LeTAO)
- 10:30 – Otaru Canal walk (Asakusa Bridge, Chuo Bridge, Ryugu Bridge)
- 11:00 – Museum of Western Art
- 11:40 – Sakaimachi Street walk
- 12:00 – Cafe (break)
- 13:00 – Souvenir shops, glass shops (shopping at 5-6 stores)
- 15:33 – Board JR from JR Otaru Station
- 16:08 – Arrive at JR Sapporo Station, disperse in front of Sapporo Station
Title: What's a Private Winter Day Tour of Otaru and Sapporo in Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America who love Japan and had visited four or five times before, coming to Hokkaido for the first time on this trip. They enjoyed the snowy scenery and the pleasant cold air.
They looked with great interest at the canal and the group of historic buildings that contributed to the development of Otaru. At the Otaru Museum of Western Art, they showed interest in the beautiful stained glass of the building.
While strolling along Sakaimachi Street, they stopped at many souvenir shops and did some shopping.
Upon arriving at Sapporo Station, I offered to see them off to their hotel, but the guests declined, so we parted ways there.
Note: Around 15:20, on the way to Otaru Station, the guide slipped and fell on the frozen road surface, injuring a wrist. There was no impact on attending to the guests, but the wrist was later diagnosed at a hospital as having a hairline fracture.
Click here for more details: Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day 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👍