1-Day Tour from Sapporo: The port city of Otaru & Local beer brewery

The port city of Otaru offers a fascinating glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich maritime past and is the perfect day trip from Sapporo. Once one of the island’s most prosperous port cities, Otaru grew wealthy through fishing, shipping, and the region’s coal industry. Today, its historic warehouses, canal, stone buildings, and charming streets preserve the atmosphere of those prosperous days.

On this guided Otaru tour, we’ll explore the historic Otaru Canal and the Sakaimachi Shopping Street, discovering the stories, architecture, local culture, and hidden gems that make Otaru so special. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to experience some of the city’s best-known attractions, traditional shops, local specialties, and fascinating history.

Whether you’re visiting Otaru for the first time or want to understand more than what you can discover on your own, our professional, English-speaking guide will help bring the city to life. 

Highlights

• Stroll along Otaru Canal — Walk the historic one-kilometer canal and discover its role in Otaru's former port industry.

• Explore Sakaimachi Street — Wanter this beautifully preserved merchant district, lined with histoic Western-style buildings, shops, and cafes.

• Visit the Music Box Museum — Enjoy the charming sounds and craftsmanship of Otaru's famous music boxes.

• See the Otaru Steam Clock — Admire this unique landmark, gifted to Otaru by Vancouver in 1994.

• Enjoy a beer tasting — Finish your tour with a refreshing beer at the brewery along the Otaru Canal

Description

This tour will start at Sapporo Station, in front of “MYOMU” (The Circular Stone Structure), located in front of the doors at the South Exits of the station, at 9a.m. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need before taking the train with your guide to the port city of Otaru.

Your Otaru experience begins with a guided stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, the city's most recognizable landmark. Lined with brick and stone warehouses, the canal offers a fascinating glimpse into Otaru's past as one of Hokkaido's most important trading ports. Your guide will help bring this history to life (and help you take plenty of photos) before leading you towards Sakaimachi Street.

At Sakaimachi Street, you will have the chance to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants dotting the historic street. The district is filled with many unique shops, cafes, and traditional buildings. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations, or let your nose lead the way!

After lunch, discover Otaru's history of glass making at the Kitaichi Glass building. Housed in one of the city's historic warehouses, you will have a chance to browse for beautiful handmade glassware or simply appreciate the artistry of it all.

We will then continue to the Otaru Music Box Museum, one of Japan's largest music box destinations. Here you can explore the extensive collection of antique music boxed to take home or enjoy finding familiar tunes from classical music to anime and pop songs.

And just outside the museum is the famous Otaru Steam Clock, which releases steam and sounds its whistle every hour, with musical chimes every 15 minutes.

To finish your Otaru adventure, you will have the chance to relax with a beer tasting at Otaru Beer Warehouse #1, located in a beautifully restored warehouse beside the canal. Here you can enjoy locally brewed beer, German-style food, or non-alcoholic options while chatting with your guide and fellow travelers and reflexing on the day.

From here, we will return to Sapporo station to say our goodbyes. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

Meetup Points

SAPPORO STATION @ 9:00

After exiting the main JR gates of Sapporo Station TURN LEFT. Walk towards the
South Exits (南出口) of Sapporo Station. After a very short walk (in the near distance)
you will surely notice “MYOMU” (The Circular White Stone Structure/see above picture). Your guide will be standing in front of this stone structure wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. You are kindly asked to be at this meetup point at 9 a.m.

Notes

Included

• English speaking tour guide
• Transportation fee from Sapporo Station to all listed destinations and activities as stated on each tour itinerary
• All entry/admission tickets to each attraction/sightseeing spot listed on the tour itinerary
• Glass of (non)-alcoholic beverage at local Beer Brewery

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• Please check the weather forecast before heading to the meetup point and prepare umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• Clothes worn should be appropriate for the given season. Otaru, being a port city, gets windy at times, so a good coat and/or windbreaker is recommended.
• In winter, ice and snow will be prevalent on the ground. Thus, caution is advised to all  guests while walking on the tour. 
• Tour members must be 20 yrs of age or older to consume alcoholic beverage.

Tour Availability Disclaimer

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.