Private Tour
Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour will visit Otaru, once the distribution center of Hokkaido.Otaru is a town that became a popular tourist destination thanks to Japanese movies.
On the Otaru Canal Walking Tour, we will stop at facilities of interest to our guests for an extraordinary experience.For example, you can stroll through the retro streets in the Sakai-machi shopping district and enjoy Otaru's famous glass and music boxes.
You can also enjoy delicious food.
Please let your guide know if there is any restaurant you would like to visit!
Our nationally certified guides will be happy to show you around.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
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 1,140 meters long and features gentle curves, making it one of Otaru's most iconic tourist attractions. The fantastic and nostalgic scenery of 63 gas lamps along the canal attracts many tourists. The stone warehouses and old buildings along the canal have been reused as stores and restaurants, and together with the historical buildings and retro streetscape, have won many awards, including the 100 best cityscapes and 100 most beautiful historical climates in Japan. In addition, there are abundant sightseeing spots around Otaru Canal, such as historical buildings, museums, Otaru Sakai-machi-dori Shopping Street, Otaru Music Box Hall, etc., where you can fully experience the charm of Otaru. Your guide will take you to places of your interest.
Otaru Sakaimachi Street
Otaru Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street is the main street of Otaru sightseeing, located close to the Otaru Canal, the most popular tourist attraction in Otaru, where the streets are formed by many historical buildings built in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods. The shopping street, with its time-travel-like atmosphere, is famous for its sweets, glass, and music boxes, and you can enjoy Otaru's typical restaurants and shopping.
What‘s Included
Admission fee for Nitori museum
Port or Station Pickup
Lisenced Speaking Guide
Personal Expense
Souvenirs
apx. 20-30 USD per person
Public transportation fee ( this is a walking tour. if you need to take bus or train)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
7hr Private Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours: Tours of approximately 7 hours are also available, depending on the port of call of the cruise ship. We will respond flexible
Pickup included
4hr Private Walking Tour
only walking
Pickup included
5hr Tenguyama Ropeway Plan
Tenguyama Ropeway Plan: Enjoy a scenic ride on the Tenguyama Ropeway with panoramic views of Otaru and Ishikari Bay.
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time with Yuko
Karen T,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I had a great time strolling Otaru with Yuko. She had great knowledge of the city and spoke English very well. We visited a couple of museums that helped us better understand the history of the city, and stopped in for some sake tasting at the local sake brewery. Yuko explained the sake making process and we really had a great time with the staff at the brewery. We did a bit of shopping as well, and Yuko's ability to translate made that experience go smoother than it otherwise might've. Finally , we had a delightful lunch at a great restaurant Yuko selected. All in all we had a wonderful time and, should we be lucky enough to return some day, we would do this tour again.
A Wonderful Day in Otaru
Y6967QHkevint,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had a great time strolling Otaru with Yuko. She had great knowledge of the city and spoke English very well. We visited a couple of museums that helped us better understand the history of the city, and stopped in for some sake tasting at the local sake brewery. Yuko explained the sake making process and we really had a great time with the staff at the brewery. We did a bit of shopping as well, and Yuko's ability to translate made that experience go smoother than it otherwise might've. Finally , we had a delightful lunch at a great restaurant Yuko selected. All in all we had a wonderful time and, should we be lucky enough to return some day, we would do this tour again.
The Best Tour Guide in a Very Special Toen
Gaye H,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There was an itinerary but as it was customizable we were allowed to change it to suit our interests and Hiro was totally accommodating with this. He was extremely patient and although the tour was only 4 hours long, he stayed with us for almost double that time. Otaru was definitely a place that I would return to and Hiro is defy the guide that I would ask for.
Great local guide
JOSEPH Z,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ken was a terrific guide. He had good ideas on what we might want to see and do but was also able to adjust the schedule based on our interests. We would surely recommend him.
Otaru walking tour
mariacW697NP,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jim gave us a detailed overview of Otaru. Gave us good recommendations for food. He had a plan for the walking tour and asked us if we were okay with it and what adjustment we want to make.
We walked 4.5 km. Let’s visit a local Sake brewery and visit the beautiful city of Otaru
EricD4723,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day with our guide Hiro. He was able to explain the local culture as well as share a little bit of his family history.
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