• Otaru Canal - The tour commences at Sapporo Station, in front of “MYOMU” (The Circular Stone Structure) at 9 a.m. This structure is situated near the South Exits of the station. The guide, identifiable by a Snow Monkey tag, will be there to welcome participants. The journey begins with a stroll along The Otaru Canal (Unga), a symbol of Otaru, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. The canal is flanked by brick and stone warehouses, reflecting Otaru’s historical significance as a trading center for Hokkaido during Japan’s rapid industrialization in the Meiji and Taisho eras.

• Kitaichi Glass Otaru - After exploring the canal, the tour proceeds to Sakaimachi Street for lunch at one of the numerous dining spots. Post-lunch, the group will visit The Kitaichi Glass Factory, located along Sakaimachi Street. Visitors will enjoy a delightful experience at The Kitaichi Glass Factory, a well-established company that began in 1901 with the production of oil lamps. Remarkably, there are 18 Kitaichi Glass shops in the city, highlighting its widespread appeal.

• Otaru Music Box Museum - The Otaru Music Box Museum offers an enchanting experience with “heavenly music” from an Aeolian pipe organ and showcases rare antique music boxes. It is one of Japan’s largest music box museum shops. The building, over a century old, is a historic landmark in Otaru. The museum comprises six houses, each displaying exquisite music boxes. The guide will provide additional insights into the museum and its building during the tour. Participants can create their own “unique music box” at the Handicraft Studio (optional). Upon exiting the Music Box Museum, the group will encounter The Steam Clock.

• Otaru Steam Clock - The Otaru Steam Clock, a gift from Vancouver, Canada to Otaru in June 1994, is a marvel. It operates as a boiler sends steam into the clock, with a steam whistle sounding hourly to indicate the time. Every 15 minutes, the clock plays the same melody as the chimes of Westminster Abbey in London. The guide will share more detailed information about this intriguing steam clock.

• Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1 - The tour concludes with a refreshing visit to the Germain Beer Brewery/Warehouse #1. Nestled in a charming rustic warehouse along the canal, it offers an ideal setting. Guests can savor excellent beer in a wooden beer hall ambiance with gleaming copper tanks. The German-style pretzels and schnitzel are exceptional. Non-alcoholic beers and other beverages are also available. This will be a perfect finale for socializing and reflecting on the Otaru experience. The guide will provide more historical context about the warehouse brewery and the beer-making process.

Finally, the group will return to Sapporo Station.

• 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

• Lunch
• Transportation prior and after the tour

This tour will lead participants to the port city of Otaru. Otaru is conveniently located just a 30-minute train ride from Sapporo. It was once among the most prosperous port cities on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Although Otaru has moved beyond its illustrious past as a fishing and coal port town, remnants of its glorious history can still be seen throughout the city, and visitors are encouraged to take notice.

Most tourist activities in Otaru are concentrated around the Otaru Canal in the Sakaimachi Sightseeing and Shopping District. There are numerous sights to explore and activities to enjoy in this area. Specifically, this tour will “highlight” these renowned locations along Sakaimachi Street.

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