Hokkaido in Half a Day: Guide dismissed — 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
- 11:00 Pick up at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott
- 11:20 Board subway at Nakajima Koen Station ~ Transfer at Odori Station Tozai Line ~ Get off at Maruyama Koen Station ¥250
- 11:55 Board JR Bus at Maruyama Koen Station JR Bus ~ Hokkaido Shrine Main Gate ¥240
- 12:45 Hokkaido Shrine ~ To subway Maruyama Koen Station Shrine forest promenade On foot
- 13: 40 Subway Maruyama Koen Station ~ Get off at Odori Station
- 14:45 Get off at subway Odori Station Go up to ground level
- 14:45 From Odori Station along Ekimae-dori ~ Minami 5-jo Guide to the original Ramen Yokocho "Teshikaga"
- Guide dismissed
- 13:15 Hokkaido Shrine ~ Subway Maruyama Koen Station Shrine forest path On foot
- 13:50 Board subway Tozai Line at Maruyama Koen Station
- 14:30 Get off at subway Odori Station
- 14: 30 From the same station to ground level Ekimae-dori ~ Minami 5-jo Guide to the original Ramen Yokocho "Teshikaga"
- 14:45 Guide dismissed

Can You Do a Private Autumn Tour of Sapporo and Hokkaido? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned they had visited Japan four or five times before, but this was their first trip to Hokkaido. Before coming to Hokkaido, they had toured Lake Kawaguchi and its surroundings. They spoke about admiring the beautiful figure of Mount Fuji, which they viewed from a sightseeing boat. Since they came to Hokkaido at the peak of the autumn foliage season, they thoroughly enjoyed the golden and crimson colors of the trees, which are rare in the area where they live. In Sapporo, they said they very much wanted to eat ramen, so I guided them to Ramen Yokocho.
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 | Nakajima Koen~Maruyama Koen | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Maruyama Koen Ekimae/JR Hokkaido Bus~Hokkaido Shrine/JR Hokkaido Bus | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Maruyama Koen~Odori | 210JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
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👍
