Excursion Otaru exploration tour at Otaru

Discover the many highlights of historic Otaru City during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Otaru, Sightseeing Drive, Historical Landmarks

Depart the pier for a scenic sightseeing drive through Otaru. Once the capital of Hokkaido in Japan's Meiji Period, the sea gateway of Otaru was formerly known as the ‘Sakhalin of Japan’ for its busy maritime trade with Russia and the financial centre of Hokkaido until the early-1900s. Following World War II, the financial centre was moved to Sapporo and today, Otaru is a popular sightseeing city with many historical landmarks built from the 18th century-early-19th century. Your first stop is at the nearby Old Aoyama Villa.

Old Aoyama Villa, Ropeway, Mt. Tengu Observatory, Breath-Taking Views, Otaru City, Pacific Ocean

The stately Old Aoyama Villa was built by the Aoyama family, who made a fortune in herring-fishing, and is surrounded by a garden filled with lovely flowers. Every possible luxurious material available was utilised to build the villa, and its interior furnishings were equally lavish. Afterward, re-board your coach for the short drive to Mt. Tengu, Otaru’s symbolic mountain. Upon arrival, take a picturesque ropeway-ride up to the approximately 1,745-foot-high (about 532-metre-high) Observation Deck for breath-taking panoramic vistas and photo opportunities over Otaru City and the ocean. This is considered one of the three major night-time views in Hokkaido.

Otaru Canal, Walking Tour, Stone Warehouses, Promenade, Free Time, Shopping

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Otaru Canal, symbol of Otaru City. This historic, approximately 0.93-mile-long (about 1.5-kilometre-long) canal combines a nostalgic look at the Otaru of yesteryear with unique shopping and dining experiences. Created by a sea reclamation project beginning in 1914, the Otaru Canal is lined with stone warehouses from that time and illuminated by a series of gaslights. The canal and its well-preserved shipping warehouses offer wonderful photo opportunities in any season. Following a guided stroll, some free time is made available to browse the Promenade along the canal, which has many fancy shops and fine restaurants. Afterward, your tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Otaru City, Scenic Drive, Old Aoyama Villa, Ropeway, Mt. Tengu Observatory, Breath-Taking City & Ocean Views, Otaru Canal, Promenade, Free Time, Shopping

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.8 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus and 60 steps at Old Aoyama Village; a lift is available at the Mt. Tengu Ropeway. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship.  Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Otaru may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Purchases of food, drinks, and souvenirs at the Otaru Canal’s Promenade are at each guest’s own expense. Guests must remove their shoes prior to entering the Old Aoyama Villa. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions; if the Mt. Tengu Ropeway is suspended due to weather conditions, guests will ride the coach to the Observation Deck. The tour sequence may vary.