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
- 09:50 Meet in front of Hotel
- 10:00 Odori Park, Clock Tower, TV Tower
- 11:00 Nijo Market
- 11:45 Hokkaido Shrine
- 12:30 Lunch @ Jikidenya Ramen
- 13:50 Disband in front of hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hokkaido began at 09:50, when the guide met the guests at front of Hotel, and finished at 13:50. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ Jikidenya Ramen at 12:30.
From there the group visited Odori Park, Clock Tower, TV Tower at 10:00, Nijo Market at 11:00 and Hokkaido Shrine at 11:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Odori to Maruyama Koen by subway (250JPY); Maruyama Koen to Odori by subway (250JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 500JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Sapporo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America on their first visit to Hokkaido, and they had thoroughly researched various sightseeing spots and restaurants online before the tour. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private tours of Sapporo and across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
We started with a city tour, and I showed them the nearby Tanukikoji Shopping Street and the large discount store close to their hotel. Odori Park was beautiful with its autumn foliage, and the fine weather made it a pleasant walk.
We took photos at the Clock Tower, and when the guests learned that it was originally the martial arts hall of Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), they were delighted to share that the predecessor of their own university had also been an agricultural college.
From the TV Tower we could see the Olympic ski jump, and we walked along the Sosei River to visit Nijo Market to look at the seafood. We then took the subway to Hokkaido Shrine, where we were able to see children dressed up for the Shichi-Go-San celebration, and the guests bought protective charms.
The guests wanted to eat ramen, so for lunch we had miso ramen, which they seemed to enjoy very much. I advised them on how to reach their next destination before we parted ways. They said they would love to return to Sapporo again soon.
Click here for more details: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Odori～Maruyama Koen | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Maruyama Koen～Odori | 250JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hokkaido tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at front of Hotel at 09:50, and the tour finished at front of hotel at 13:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 09:50 to 13:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Odori Park, Clock Tower, TV Tower, Nijo Market and Hokkaido Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 500JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Hiroko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hokkaido itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello I’m Hiroko.
I started tour guide in 2017. I work not only in Hokkaido but also in Honshu area.
Last year
Freelance tour guide-operates over 120 days of operation.
8 times of long -term escort tour in Hokkaido. 4 times of 8-10days in Honshu.
12 times of Cruise guests’ one day excursions in Hokkaido and Tohoku. I love my job.
Until then I’ve worked as a short-term study abroad coordinator of an English language School in Japan and Canada.
I was born and brought up in Sapporo, I’m good at skiing.
I majored Japanese history at college in Tokyo. I like Calligraphy.
Let’s enjoy the tour together!
Aug 11, 2024
M
Miller A
Good intro to Sapporo
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide was very knowledgeable…
Aug 11, 2024
M
Miller A
Good intro to Sapporo
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history and customs of Sapporo and made
sure we saw a wide variety of things. We especially liked Hokkaido Shrine and Odori Park.
May 24, 2024
Brian_K
Sapporo with guide
Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and…
May 24, 2024
Brian_K
Sapporo with guide
Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and trying desserts at the Shiroi Koibito factory
were pleasant.