Hokkaido · OTARU
10 reviewed
Good otaru tours fill up fast in season here, and the great ones go first. The 10 best sit below, each priced and timed, with a line on who it suits.
Ride through Otaru’s canal district by rickshaw, with local stories, old rail tracks, warehouse views, and flexible 30-minute to 2-hour tours.
“We took the 90 minute rickshaw ride with Koto as our driver. Koto was a lovely and polite young man with excellent (self-taught) English. He gave us a very informative ride around Otaru, which gave us a great feel for the city for when we walked around later. It was pretty colRead more”
A private four-hour Otaru walk with a licensed guide, flexible sights, local food stops, canal views, and useful cultural context.
“We did a half day tour including sake brewery, old bank and some stroll around town. Also a nice sushi lunch. Our guide Teri was very knowledgeable and pleasant.”
Explore Otaru’s canal, craft shops, sake brewery, and Mt. Tengu with a licensed guide on a flexible six-hour private tour.
“Our guide was very attentive to our requests, took time to explain history of what we were visiting. He was personable and knowledgeable about the area.”
Paddle Otaru’s blue coast past cliffs, coves, sea life, and a secluded beach on a calm-water kayak tour led by trained guides.
“This was an amazing way to see this beautiful coast. I highly recommend! A lovely activity and Max was amazing. He was instructive and patient with our group of almost all first timers and fun to hang out with. He even helped us sort cabs after.”
Explore Otaru from Sapporo by train on a private six-hour tour with local guides, canal walks, glass art, music boxes, sake, and seafood treats.
“Actividad increible, nos tocó la villa de Otaru totalmente nevada, fue bellísima verla desde el mirador. El viaje en teleférico una gran experiencia, 10 de 10. La guía de Emilio fue perfecta. No duden en reservar.”
Explore Otaru’s canal, seafood market, glass workshops, and music boxes with a private licensed guide who shapes the day around you.
“A lovely day spent with Katsuko showing us around Otaru.”
Paddle Hokkaido’s Shioya coast past cliffs, caves, sea life, and a quiet swim stop on a safe, small-group kayak tour.
“Max was a skilled and informative guide, great area to kayak and lovely to pull up at a beach and have a swim! A bit of difficulty finding the meeting place but otherwise very happy with the experience.”
Explore Otaru’s canal, glass shops, music boxes, sake brewery, and art museum on a flexible four-hour private walking tour.
“Ken 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.”
Ride through Otaru’s canals and old port district in a private rickshaw, with local stories, photo stops, and flexible 30-minute to 2-hour routes.
“Great way to spend an hour around the town, Toshy our guide was ace”
Shape clay on a private pottery wheel in Otaru, choose a glaze, then relax with a café drink at NORTHLY. Shipping costs extra.
“Welcoming cozy ambience. We had fun with our first throwing at Northy.Will return when we're in Otaru.”