Private Tour
Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Otaru!
Otaru is a famous historical city and popular vacation spot in Hokkaido. But if you’ve never been there before, it can be hard to know where to go and what to see. In this guide, We’ll introduce some of the best sightseeing spots, restaurants and sweet shops for those going to Otaru for the first time.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a classic staple when it comes to famous sightseeing spots of Hokkaido. Once the distribution hub of Hokkaido, it boasted a population that even surpassed that of Sapporo. At that time the canal was used to offload ships via barges, and was established to lengthen the distance that goods could be distributed. Eventually the canal was no longer necessary to serve its function once the docks were established and was to be landfilled. However it currently stands as a place for citizens and tourists alike to relax and enjoy with its promenades and gas lamps lighting the riverbanks.
Otaru Art Base
Otaru City's historical buildings of the early 20th century are now used as various resources for tourism. The Otaru Art Base located opposite the Otaru Canal across Rinkosen Street is one such facility. There are four historical buildings where 20 of the largest banks in Hokkaido were gathered, formerly the center of Hokkaido's economy known as "North Wall Street." What was the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch as seen in the picture is now home to the Nitori Museum of Art, and includes displays such as Japanese and foreign paintings, wood carvings, and more. In the basement you will find the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery.
What‘s Included
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Otaru.
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Pickup points
Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
3-9-1 Inaho, Otaru Japan
Hotel Atlantis Otaru - Adults Only
3-508-6, Zenibako Otaru Japan
Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru
1-8-25 Ironai Otaru Japan
The Green Otaru Premier
3-5-14 Inaho, Otaru Japan
Hotel Inaho
3-10-12 Inaho, Otaru Japan
Otaru Green Hotel
3-5-14 Inaho Otaru Japan
Etchuya Ryokan
1-8-12 Ironai, Otaru Japan
Authent Hotel Otaru
2-15-1 Inaho, Otaru Japan
Options
Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Winter wander
N175SEtimb,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roy was very knowledgeable and fun. His English was also very good - learned just by watching Aliens 100 times. Highly recommend this tour to learn about the history and commerce of Otaru - especially as a trading port and hub of the herring fisheries. Arigato Roy
Wonderful Walking Tour with Roy
Inchcandy,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roy is a passionate and knowledgeable guide with good sense of humor. He showed us the history of Otaru history and all highlights of the city. Had the best sushi in my life (specially fatty tuna) and delicious sake !!! Highly recommended for first timer in Oatru.
Otaru with Kumiko
dawnmoses14,,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kumiko was absolutely fabulous as a personal guide around the city. She was able to take us to all of the places we have to go for and accommodate us when we wanted to switch courses. She was friendly and knowledgeable under contacts or something! Thank you for a great day!
Bad tour.
Paradise563840,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Bad tour. Waste of money. I could not understand the guide. His English was terrible. Really nothing to see, except shops to spend money on stuff I don’t want or need.
Great guide
Lovetravelling808,,Jan 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roy was my guide and he was great! The restaurant he took us was great. His in depth knowledge about the city and its history was something we loved the most.
Thank God I asked you~
Camper27363662452,,Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was disappointing to learn that the museum we had originally planned to close was closed, but he quickly suggested the Otaru General Museum. There, we learned about the history of Otaru while listening to the guide. We met our guide, Mr. Yakuwa, for the first time in the lobby of the hotel where we were going to stay, and he was a dandy man about the same age as us, so we were able to ask him to guide us with peace of mind. At a sushi restaurant that Mr. Hakkuwa had booked in advance for lunch, we had a good meal. After that, the half day was full of shopping in Sakaimachi street, exploring the canal, and enjoying delicious sweets as a break. Thank you very much. As a side note, our dinner was undecided, but the beer restaurant that our guide told us about just before we parted was great in terms of atmosphere and taste.
A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
Clarice W,,Oct 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Katsuko-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👍
Excellent way to spend the day in Otaru!
Diane S,,Oct 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Kazuo Sumi was such a great guide! He was very patient with our elderly parents and was great at explaining some of the beautiful art we saw. He was knowledgeable and an absolute joy to spend the day with. We highly recommend him!
Learning many details...
Neil S,,May 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Learning many details about the history as well as current features of Otaru City. A charming location where we also enjoyed sushi and other snacks. One of the highlights in our 2 week vacation to Japan. Arigato Roy Aoki!
Quality experience on Private Tour of Otaru
Dream09014187408,,May 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our tour led by Mr. Roy Aoki. He shared historical details of the many attractions we visited. The Otaru Museum, Otaru canal, the Shopping Street, Sake Brewery and the Kamaboko Factory were definitely highlights. We will definitely recommend Roy Aoki to any friends and family who plan to visit Otaru.
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency