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
- 12:00 Meet and greet at JR Sapporo Station West Concourse
- 12:15 Former Hokkaido Government Office Front Garden
- 12:50 Stroll through Odori Park Blocks 3-1
- 13:10 Clock Tower exterior
- 13:40 Susukino Ramen Yokocho Lunch
- 14:30 Board subway～Odori～Maruyama-koen Station
- 15:00 Hokkaido Shrine Worship at the main hall～Purchase souvenirs～Stroll to the shrine main gate
- 16:00 Guest Board taxi in front of the main gate Head to Otaru Port Cruise boat Norwegian Spirit
- Guide sees off
Title: What Is a Private Cruise Excursion Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour began at 12:05 with a pickup at the west concourse of JR Sapporo Station. The guest was a single traveler arriving by cruise ship, which was docked at Otaru Port. The guest showed great interest in Hokkaido Shrine. The guest purchased many small items such as omamori charms and zodiac-themed goods. I explained that Shinto is Japan's ancient nature-based faith, and that Japanese people visit shrines for various occasions, including the first shrine visit of the New Year (hatsumode), a newborn's 100-day blessing, prayers to ward off misfortune, and blessings for new cars.
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 | Susukino Station～Maruyama-koen Station | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Maruyama-koen Station～Odori Station | 210JPY |
| Total | 460JPY | ||
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👍