Private Tour
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the unique charm of Otaru, Hokkaido’s historic northern gateway. Once a bustling port linking Hokkaido to mainland Japan, this town boasts beautifully preserved buildings over 100 years old. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you to picture-perfect photo spots, popular attractions, hidden gems, and secret historical corners often missed by visitors. Explore vibrant Sankaku Market, serene Temiya Line Trail, the stately former Bank of Japan building, sunlit Otaru Canal, and Sakaimachi Street with artisan glass studios and sweet shops. This private walking tour is tailored to your interests, offering a comfortable, unique experience—like exploring with a local friend.
・Visit well-known and hidden spots alike.
・Customizable itinerary based on your preferences.
・Insightful commentary on history, culture, and photography.
・Engage your senses—from lively markets to glass art and sweets.
・Perfect for cruise guests or small groups seeking a relaxed, crowd-free tour.
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tax
English-speaking Local Friend & Guide for your group
Customizable itinerary based on your preferences
Personal expenses
JR Otaru Station
At 10:15 AM, your warm, knowledgeable local guide will welcome you at Otaru Station or the port, easing any anxiety you may feel in an unfamiliar place and offering attentive support tailored to your pace and interests. From your first step, the breeze, the scent of the sea, and the sounds of the town set the stage for an enchanting story. Together, you’ll stroll through Otaru’s charming streets, where history lives in every corner. In the crisp morning air and gentle daylight, you’ll discover hidden gems and captivating spots beyond guidebooks. This flexible private tour is shaped entirely around what you wish to see and know—whether admiring historic buildings in detail, pausing at a beloved local café, or visiting hidden specialty shops. Your guide’s thoughtful explanations and cultural insights will make your journey secure, personal, and rich with discovery, weaving memories that make your time in Otaru truly special.
Sankaku Market
【A Lively Space Showcasing Hokkaido’s Bountiful Seafood】At Sankaku Market, fresh seafood is displayed in abundance, allowing you to experience the bounty of Hokkaido’s seas with all your senses. Vibrantly colored fish, plump and glistening crabs, sea urchins, and scallops are arranged like treasures in a jewel box. The lively voices of shopkeepers and fishermen echo throughout, giving you a vivid sense of the daily lives and spirit of the local people. As you walk through the market, the scent of the sea breeze and fresh fish fills the air, and you may have the chance to taste seasonal seafood right on site. Witnessing seafood being expertly prepared before your eyes and savoring its exquisite taste will bring the ocean of Hokkaido close to your heart. This truly is Otaru’s “living kitchen.”
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
AnaP V,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
Most grateful with Mr.Jun Shirakata for a wonderful walking tour at Otaru; as well with as his companion, my apologies for not remembering her name, although we spent such a great time together, 😔. My husband, and some friends took this cruise together and our experience in Otaru was just amazing, we enjoyed the history, the atmosphere and lunch at a local restaurant, that was delicious. Mr. Jun Shirakata is a friendly, sweet and very professional tour guide, with much knowledge of the location, he made it his business that we were enjoying our tour and had enough fotos to remind us all about it. For a great, although not quite enough time with your wonderful company, thank you so very much. Sincerely, Ana Patricia 本当にありがとうございます。 Hontōni arigatōgozaimasu.
Chantal D,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our guide, Seiko, was waiting for us on the dock. She was very well prepared and very enthusiastic. She expresses herself superbly in English. She introduced us to local industry and lots of special places that we would never have known without her. We learned a lot about Otaru as much as we did about Japan in general.
Operated by Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc.