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
- 9:56 Meet up @ Hotel
- 10:10 Odori Park
- 11:00 Hokkaido Shrine
- 11:40 Mount Moiwa Observatory
- 13:20 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick)
- 14:00 Dismissal @ Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hokkaido began at 9:56, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel, and finished at 14:00. The day ran to 4 hours and 4 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Odori Park at 10:10, Hokkaido Shrine at 11:00, Mount Moiwa Observatory at 11:40 and Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) at 13:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Odori to Maruyama Park by subway (210JPY); Maruyamakoen Station by bus (240JPY); Maruyama Park to Odori by subway (210JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 660JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Sapporo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The group had originally planned to join the tour, but some of the guests were affected by a typhoon and could not depart from Oceania as scheduled, so only some of the guests took part on this day. This was their first trip to Japan, including Hokkaido. Perhaps because of this, they showed great interest in Sapporo's underground shopping arcade and subway system, and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their first trip to Japan. After taking in the view from Mount Moiwa, we finished by visiting the former Hokkaido Government Office (the Red Brick Office) located very close to the Hotel. However, I only guided them around the exterior this time, so that they could enter and enjoy the interior facilities together once the whole group had reunited.
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 Park | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Maruyamakoen Station / JR Hokkaido Bus～Mount Moiwa Ropeway / JR Hokkaido Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Maruyama Park～Odori | 210JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hokkaido tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 9:56, and the tour finished at @ Hotel at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 4 minutes in total, from 9:56 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Odori Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Mount Moiwa Observatory and Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 660JPY per person across 3 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?
Tom 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.
I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.
Apr 22, 2026
Agent PT A
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
Tom was kind…
Apr 22, 2026
Agent PT A
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
Tom was kind enough to meet at our hotel to start the tour and then sat with us to make sure we saw the best of Sapporo that was available to us on the day. We even managed some Cherry Blossom which was an unexpected bonus.
Tom ensured we got to Sapporos highest view away from any crowds and navigated our route brilliantly. He left us at the Sapporo Brewery for us to drink and eat in our own time. We wish Tom sincere thanks for a great day in Sapporo.
Awesome!!
Feb 10, 2026
Alan_C
Very enjoyable and well…
Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…
Feb 10, 2026
Alan_C
Very enjoyable and well…
Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our guide was very knowledgeable about Sapporo and I
would definitely recommend to anyone visiting
Sep 24, 2025
saratW9816BN
Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We’ve had…
Sep 24, 2025
saratW9816BN
Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We’ve had a great time on our tour with Tom . Very knowledgeable man . It was our first
experience of sapporo. Great start for our holiday here in Japan
Sep 2, 2025
roxannerW1499FK
Great experience!
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…
Sep 2, 2025
roxannerW1499FK
Great experience!
Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in Sapporo! He was very knowledgeable about Hokkaido’s history and culture and had a lot of great stories to share. He was extremely friendly and patient as well. Highly recommend booking a tour with Tom if you want to see Sapporo’s highlights in a day! He also does tours further out of Sapporo city center.