Experience the Magic of Otaru Canal, Japan

Immerse yourself in the romantic charm of Otaru Canal, a must-visit historic landmark in Hokkaido. Wander along the scenic waterfront lined with preserved stone warehouses, perfect for breathtaking photography and nostalgic strolls. Whether you are booking a guided sightseeing tour, exploring local food and drink gems, or enjoying a private luxury vehicle experience, Otaru offers a magical blend of cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Discover the best of Otaru, from historical architecture to nearby Nikka Whisky distillery excursions, and create unforgettable memories in this picturesque Japanese gem.

4.46/5 avg ratingFrom $62.90 per person24 unique experiences79% private tours available

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$104–$554 typical

Median price is $169, with a full range of $63–$648

Rating

Rating

4.46★ average

Based on 174 pooled reviews with ~95% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

3–9 hours typical

Median duration is 7.5 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Mostly private

79% of options are private tours and 79% offer free cancellation

Best For

Best For

Culture & Sightseeing

75% focus on cultural themes and 79% are sightseeing tours

Languages

Languages

6 languages available

English, Japanese, Spanish, Zh-Tw, Korean, and Chinese

24 Products

Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour from Sapporo Station
$172
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Otaru Canal Private Sightseeing Tour from Sapporo Station
Summary

Explore Otaru's Best with Our Tourism Ambassador! Join us for an unforgettable journey through Otaru's top attractions guided by Sapporo's Tourism Ambassador. You will have a warm welcome with our English-speaking guide or Sightseeing Ambassador at Sapporo station to discover the historic Otaru Ca...

Itinerary
  • Otaru
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Museum, Bank of Japan
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building
  • Tenguyama
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Otaru Rickshaw Tour
2 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
$38
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Otaru Rickshaw Tour
Summary

This port city of the north has four distinct seasons, the nice sea breeze in summer, to the snow covered winter views that will give you the chills. Piers, canals and stockyards will remind everyone of the bustling old days, and you will feel the dashing spirit of Otaru.

Inclusions
  • Rickshaw ride
  • Local driver/guide
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Otaru Canal
  • Kitaunga
  • Former Nippon Yusen Kaisha Otaru Branch
  • Asakusa Bridge
  • Otaru Port Marina
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Expecting mothers in their first 16 weeks of pregnancy are not permitted to ride a rickshaw, Adult pricing applies to age 6 and over, Child rate (age 5 years or under) applies only when children sit on an adult’s lap without occupying a seat, A maximum of 2 adults per rickshaw. Up to 2 children (age 5 years or under) can ride with 2 adults (children have to ride on an adult's lap), While rickshaws are able to fit two adults, each rickshaw is 29.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide, and it is sometimes more comfortable to book individual rickshaws for each passenger. For passengers of size, we recommend booking a rickshaw for each participant to ensure a comfortable ride. Passengers who do not both fit in one rickshaw but wish to participate in a tour at the same time will be required to purchase an additional rickshaw, which may not be available on the date of the tour with an English-speaking guide if not booked in advance. Those customers who do not purchase an additional rickshaw at the time of booking cannot be guaranteed availability., Wheelchair and stroller friendly, May be operated by a multi-lingual driver, subject to availability; please ask for a driver who speaks your language at Departure Point, Selected starting time is not automatically guaranteed. The time will be confirmed by email within 24 hours of booking., finishing locations other than our rickshaw stand may be subject to an additional drop-off fee (payable on the day of the tour), Please bring baby carrier/wrap for small children
Cancellation Policy

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

Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
$150
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Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Summary

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...

Inclusions
  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Otaru
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Exclusions
  • 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.
Itinerary
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Art Base
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
  • Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum
Good to know
  • 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.

Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
$105
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Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Summary

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...

Inclusions
  • 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
Exclusions
  • 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.
Itinerary
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Art Base
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
  • Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum
Good to know
  • 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.

Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru
4 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
$165
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Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru
Summary

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 ...

Inclusions
  • Admission fee for Nitori museum
  • Port or Station Pickup
  • Lisenced Speaking Guide
Exclusions
  • Personal Expense
  • Souvenirs
  • Public transportation fee ( this is a walking tour. if you need to take bus or train)
Itinerary
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
  • Nitori Museum of Art (Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch)
Good to know
  • 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.

Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery
$162
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Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery
Summary

This tour will take us to the port city of Otaru. Otaru is just a 30-minute convenient train ride away from Sapporo. Otaru was once one of the most prosperous port cities on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Otaru is long past its proud history as a fishing and coal port town, but traces of its g...

Inclusions
  • Glass of (non)-alcoholic beverage at local Beer Brewery
  • All entry/admission tickets to each attraction/sightseeing spot
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Transportation fee from Sapporo Station to all listed destinations and activities
Exclusions
  • Lunch
  • Transportation prior and after the tour
Itinerary
  • Otaru Canal
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Otaru & Yoichi Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Sapporo
$608
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Otaru & Yoichi Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Sapporo
Summary

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 histo...

Inclusions
  • Private Vehicle
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Exclusions
  • 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.'
Itinerary
  • Sapporo
  • Otaru Art Base
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
  • Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Museum
  • Otaru Canal
  • Fugoppe Cave
  • Old Shimoyoichi Unjoya
  • Space Apple Yoichi Michi-no-Eki
  • Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
  • Sapporo
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, 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, There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
Cancellation Policy

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

SkyExpress: Shakotan Peninsula Customised Private Day Tour (Up to 3 Passengers)
Summary

Complement your holiday with our transfers tailored just for you with free WiFi available in your vehicle. As the most experienced provider of transportation in Hokkaido dedicated to serving international visitors, you can be rest assured you’re in good hands with us. Explore the picturesque coast...

Inclusions
  • Driver, Fuel, Insurance, Tax
  • Baby seat and child seat (Pre-booking required)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (up to 2 locations within 5km)
  • English speaking staff support
  • Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions
  • Parking fees, Highway Tolls
  • English Speaking Driver - upon request and not guaranteed
  • Overuse charges: 12,000 yen per hour or part thereof
  • Driver accommodation – organised at ¥12,000/night or customer may organise
Itinerary
  • Ebisuiwa Daikokuiwa
  • Cape Shakotan
  • Cape Kamui
  • Otaru Canal
  • Shiroi Koibito Park
  • Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please be noted that we do not supply guides in the tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Otaru and Yoichi Customized Private Day Tour (Up to 8 Passengers)
$554
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Otaru and Yoichi Customized Private Day Tour (Up to 8 Passengers)
Summary

Discover the best of Otaru and Yoichi on this fully customizable private day tour, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel or chalet, traveling effortlessly in a spacious, climate-controlled vehicle. Visit renowned sites such as...

Inclusions
  • Driver, Fuel, Insurance, Tax
  • Baby seat and child seat (Pre-booking required)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (up to 2 locations within 5km)
  • English speaking staff support
  • Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions
  • Parking fees, Highway Tolls
  • Admission fees for Tenguyama Ropeway, Old Aoyama Villa & Otaru City Museum are paid on site
  • English Speaking Driver - upon request and not guaranteed
  • Driver accommodation – organised at ¥12,000/night or customer may organise
  • Overuse charges: 12,000 yen per hour or part thereof
Itinerary
  • Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Sakaimachi Street
  • Tanaka Sake Brewing Kikkogura
  • Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
  • Otaru City Otaru Museum
Good to know
  • Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Please be noted that we do not supply guides in the tour, English Speaking Driver - upon request and not guaranteed
Cancellation Policy

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

7 Hour Day Trip Otaru from Sapporo by public transportation
$377
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7 Hour Day Trip Otaru from Sapporo by public transportation
Summary

Otaru, a charming coastal city in Hokkaido, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and culinary experiences. The iconic Otaru Canal, with its retro warehouses and romantic gas lamps, provides a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls or evening reflections. The city is also renowned...

Inclusions
  • English or Spanish Speaking Guide
  • Nitori Museum Entrance Fee
  • Public Transportation Fee
Exclusions
  • Personal Expences
Itinerary
  • Sapporo
  • Otaru Canal
  • Nitori Museum of Art (Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch)
  • Sankaku Market
  • Sapporo
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, 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., Otaru is a hilly town. If you don't like hilly streets, we can arrange a cab on site, although it is not included in the tour fee., The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons
Cancellation Policy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.