• Sapporo - Your guide and driver will pick you up in Sapporo. Enjoy a comfortable 1-hour drive to the Otaru area.
• Otaru Art Base - The historical buildings of early 20th century Otaru City are now tourist attractions. The Otaru Art Base, located across Rinkosen Street from the Otaru Canal, is one such site. It comprises four historic buildings that once housed 20 of Hokkaido’s largest banks, forming the economic hub known as “North Wall Street.” The former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, now the Nitori Museum of Art, showcases Japanese and foreign paintings, wood carvings, and more. The basement features the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery.

Admission fees:
Common ticket for all four museums: General 2,900 yen, University student 2,000 yen, High school student 1,500 yen, Junior high school student 1,000 yen, Elementary school student 500 yen

• Otaru Sakaimachi Street - For those traveling for leisure, Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street offers gourmet dining and shopping. Located inland from Rinkosen Street and parallel to the Otaru Canal, this one-way street stretches about 900 meters from North Wall Street to the Marchen Crossroads, where the Bank of Japan Otaru Branch is situated. The street is lined with old merchant shops and Western-style buildings and is a popular tourist destination near the Otaru Canal.
• Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura - While Otaru is known for its historic Western buildings and glass crafts, it also has sites that reflect Japan’s long history. One such place is the Tanaka Sake Brewery, established in 1899. The brewery produces various alcoholic beverages, including plum wine, sweet sake, and the local favorite, Takaragawa sake. Thanks to Otaru’s cool climate, sake can be brewed year-round, making the Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura a great visit any time of the year.
• Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum - Otaru’s beautiful landscapes can be enjoyed by anyone. Mt. Tengu, overlooking the city and the Sea of Japan, is about a 15-minute drive from the Otaru IC. The Mt. Tengu Ropeway takes you from the base to the summit, covering 735 meters in about 4 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Shakotan Peninsula.

Ropeway prices (roundtrip):
Adults: 1600 JPY
Children: 800 JPY

• Otaru Canal - The Otaru Canal is a must-see sightseeing spot in Hokkaido. Once the distribution hub of Hokkaido, it had a population that even surpassed Sapporo’s. The canal was used to offload ships via barges and extended the distribution range of goods. Although it was no longer needed after the docks were built and was almost landfilled, it now serves as a relaxing spot for both locals and tourists, with promenades and gas lamps lighting the riverbanks.
• Fugoppe Cave - Dating back about 5000 years, this cave features mural paintings from the Jomon period in Hokkaido. Over 200 mysterious human figures, some with feathers or horns, are carved into the walls, offering a sense of wonder and deepening your travel experience.

Admission:
Adults: 300 yen
Children: 100 yen

• Old Shimoyoichi Unjoya - The only remaining building of its kind in Japan, the Unjyoya was a commercial building for trade between the Japanese and the native Ainu people during the Edo Period. Today, it offers insights into the business practices of that era and is designated as a National Historical Site and Important Cultural Property.

Admission Fee:
Adults: 300 yen
Children: 100 yen

• Space Apple Yoichi Michi-no-Eki - This roadside station offers a variety of juices and snacks unique to Yoichi, a town famous for its fruits. Popular items include handmade apple pies made with locally grown apples and gelato ice cream. Depending on the season, you can also find freshly picked fruits and vegetables straight from the farm. Enjoy the local flavors and refresh yourself from the drive.
• Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery - During the free guided tour, learn about the whisky production process and the history of Nikka from knowledgeable guides. The tour concludes with a complimentary tasting.

• Guided tours only, with prior reservation.
• Visitors without prior reservation will be denied entry.
• Self-guided tours are currently suspended.

• Sapporo - Return to Sapporo with your guide and driver. If you choose to end your tour in the Otaru area, your tour time will be shortened by one hour as the vehicle must return to Sapporo.

• Private Vehicle
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under ‘What to Expect.’

In this 8-hour tour, you can visit both Otaru and Yoichi with a licensed guide and a private vehicle.

The famous Otaru Canal and historical buildings, such as stone warehouses, contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru’s townscape. Otaru is home to a large number of Hokkaido’s remaining historical buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into cafes and shops.

Yoichi is a small coastal town located about 30 30-minute drive from Otaru. Yoichi is home to the Yoichi Distillery owned by Nikka Whisky. The town is also famous for its fruit, particularly apples, and is becoming increasingly popular as a wine region.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an eight-hour tour that’s best for you!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.