Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Kate

October, 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

  • 09:00 – Welcome at Otaru Port Pier No. 3 → To JR Otaru Station
  • 09:15 – Photo session at Otaru Canal Central Bridge Plaza
  • 09:30 – Shopping at the convenience store adjacent to Otaru Station building
  • 09:41 – Board train bound for JR Otaru Station
  • 10:34 – Get off at JR Sapporo Station → To the front garden of the former Hokkaido Government Office · Stroll around the same area
  • 10:50 – Short break at the Red Brick (former Government Office) Plaza
  • 11:20 – Sapporo Clock Tower (exterior viewing only) photo session
  • 11:50 – Stroll around Odori Park blocks 2-3
  • 12:10 – Board taxi → To Hokkaido Shrine
  • 12:25 – Arrive at the left drop-off area of Hokkaido Shrine
  • 12:40 – Purification fountain → Worship at the main hall → Stroll around the grounds · Short break at tea house · Photo session
  • 13:30 – Wait for and board taxi → To JR Sapporo Station
  • 14:00 – Arrive in front of JR Sapporo Station · Short break at the station plaza · Photo session
  • 14:30 – Board the rapid train bound for JR Otaru Station · See-off at Platform No. 4

What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Hokkaido Report

The guests were visitors from North America who enjoy traveling around the world. Since the guests had visited Japan several times before, I provided an overview of Hokkaido and Sapporo, including their history. The guests took a liking to the main hall and the surrounding grove of Hokkaido Jingu Shrine. They remarked that the large cedar trees were truly impressive. I explained that the towering cedar trees standing beside the approach to the shrine were brought from Honshu in the early Meiji period. I also explained the meaning of shrines and the occasions on which Japanese people visit them.

Click here for more details: Sapporo 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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