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
- 10:00 Meet at the hotel
- 10:10-10:40 Clock Tower
- 11:30-12:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
- 13:00‐14:00 Nijo Market and lunch
- 14:10‐14:30 Susukino
- 15:00-16:00 Shiroi Koibito Park
- 16:30 Disband at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hokkaido began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Clock Tower at 10:10, Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium at 11:30, Nijo Market and lunch at 13:00, Susukino at 14:10 and Shiroi Koibito Park at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nakanosawa 3-chome to Makomanai by bus (210JPY); Makomanai to Odori, Maruyama Koen Station, Odori, Miyanomori, Odori, Makomanai by subway (520JPY); Maruyama Koen Station to Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium by bus (210JPY); Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium to Maruyama Koen Station by bus (210JPY); Makomanai to Nakanosawa 3-chome by bus (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,360JPY per person.
What Is a Private Sapporo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hokkaido
The guests had visited Osaka and Tokyo many times before, but this was their first trip to Hokkaido. They enjoyed themselves at every place we visited. Even before arriving in Sapporo, the guests had said they wanted to eat sushi and seafood rice bowls, so I took them to a sushi restaurant at Nijo Market, where they enjoyed a delicious meal. They also enjoyed shopping, purchasing a T-shirt at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and cookies and chocolates at Shiroi Koibito Park. They even said they would like to recommend this tour to their friends.
Click here for more details: Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Nakanosawa 3-chome～Makomanai | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Makomanai～Odori, Maruyama Koen Station, Odori, Miyanomori, Odori, Makomanai | 520JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Maruyama Koen Station～Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium～Maruyama Koen Station | 210JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Makomanai～Nakanosawa 3-chome | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,360JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hokkaido tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at hotel at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Clock Tower, Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, Nijo Market and lunch, Susukino and Shiroi Koibito Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,360JPY per person across 5 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?
Akiko 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’m Akiko Homma, who is a government-licensed guide of the Japan Guide Agency.
I have good communication ability and cooperative skills in spoken English.
Also, I have detailed knowledge of the features and attractions of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Shizuoka and Yokohama as well as local culture, history, society, geography, nature, and food.
I have had the pleasure of satisfying all of my clients with my guiding so far.
My above skills and knowledge will help you make your trip more enjoyable and memorable!!
I’m looking foward to seeing you and showing you around!
Apr 15, 2026
F9244DCevar
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Loved Kanazawa!
Akiko was wonder! We had three generations, grandma, mom…
Apr 15, 2026
F9244DCevar
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Loved Kanazawa!
Akiko was wonder! We had three generations, grandma, mom and dad and two boys ages 9 and 12. She met us at the cruise terminal and we went by bus to the train station. We were going to take public transportation but opted for a mini van for three hours that cost an extra $130. Well worth the expense as we only had three ours in Kanazawa. We went to the Samarai Shrine, which was fantastic, everyone enjoyed it. Akiko accommodated us in every way, we even had our gold leaf ice cream- which is a must!
Mar 9, 2026
Karthik_R
Akiko was very…
Viator review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Akiko was very knowledgeable and showed everything at…
Mar 9, 2026
Karthik_R
Akiko was very…
Viator review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Akiko was very knowledgeable and showed everything at a good pace. I would recommend
this tour to anyone.
Mar 23, 2025
A8444ZRsimonm
Great morning in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Amazing tour by Aki in Kanazawa. He…
Mar 23, 2025
A8444ZRsimonm
Great morning in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Amazing tour by Aki in Kanazawa. He was fluent in English and very pleasant company. His
stories brought the city to life. We had a great time!
Dec 18, 2024
L5714WWmichaelm
Wonderful Otaru Private Tour with Akiko!
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akiko was an absolute gem! From…
Dec 18, 2024
L5714WWmichaelm
Wonderful Otaru Private Tour with Akiko!
Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akiko was an absolute gem! From the moment I booked, she was incredibly communicative and ensured I saw all the key sights I was interested in.
The highlight was definitely the unexpected seafood lunch. Akiko seamlessly adjusted the tour to include a delicious feast of king crab and horsehair crab, which was an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the incredible food, Akiko was a fantastic guide. She shared fascinating insights into Hokkaido and Japanese culture, making the tour both informative and entertaining. I particularly enjoyed our visit to the sake brewery, where Akiko expertly explained the intricate process of sake making. It was fascinating to see the brewery in action.
The Canal was also breathtaking, especially with the fresh snow dusting the old warehouses.
Akiko was so down-to-earth and understanding when I was a little too ambitious with the food! I was eager to try the sea urchin, but I simply couldn’t fit another full plate. Akiko kindly offered me some of her own, which was incredibly generous and delicious.
I highly recommend this tour with Akiko. She’s knowledgeable, friendly, and goes the extra mile to make your experience truly special.