Discover Otaru: Town Tour, Seafood, Sake, & More (Hokkaido)

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Summary
Highlights
Experience Details
Experience Location
Reviews
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Duration
3.5 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 6 guests
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Accessibility
Family-friendly
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Language
English

Explore Otaru, an old trading town in Hokkaido. This guided walking tour includes stops at Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Triangular Market (seafood & produce), a seafood bowl lunch, & sake tasting.

Highlights

  • Visit key sites: Otaru Canal, Triangular Market (fresh seafood & produce), Sakaimachi Street etc.

  • Take a commemorative photo on Hokkaido's oldest railway–the former Japan National Railways Temiya Line

  • Tackle a stair challenge: The 123 steps of “Foreigner Slope” leading to Suitengu Shrine

  • Enjoy picturesque views of Ishikari Bay from Suitengu Shrine

  • Food/drinks: Enjoy a sake tasting at Tanakashuzou brewery (includes tour), & savor a fresh seafood bowl for lunch

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Discover the charm of Otaru, a historic trading town in Hokkaido, which has become a beloved destination for local and international travelers. Tour must-see spots like Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, a fresh seafood and produce market, enjoy a tasty seafood bowl for lunch, and sip on sake at a brewery tour and tasting.


Embark on your journey at Otaru Station, where your local guide will lead you through the city's heart, introducing you to spots known only to the residents. The tour offers a view of Ishikari Bay, which Otaru Port gracefully gazes upon, and introduces you to the nostalgic ambiance of Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and the “Triangular Market” brimming with freshly caught seafood, bountiful fruits, and delectable sweets. You’ll stop for lunch to enjoy a fresh seafood bowl using ingredients sourced from the surrounding waters.


The adventure continues as you ascend to Suitengu, aptly named the water shrine, cradled in a serene hillside enclave of the city. This spot, cherished by the townspeople, provides a tranquil setting to admire the panoramic vista of Otaru Port. Brace yourself for the 123-step ascent from Sakaimachi Street, also known as "Foreigner Slope," a challenge stair-climbing enthusiasts won't want to miss!


Your journey concludes at Tanakasyuzou, Otaru's exclusive sake brewery. This respected establishment proudly crafts Japanese sake under the esteemed brand Takaragawa, Otaru Bijin liqueur, and the delectable Maho-no-Itteki hon-mirin, a sweet rice wine cherished in Japanese cuisine. The historic stone masonry warehouse, dating back to 1905, is a designated heritage site in Otaru. Within its hallowed walls, you’ll enjoy complimentary sake tastings, featuring sake freshly bottled without pasteurization, Shiboritate (a bright seasonal sake), and roughly 10 other seasonal varieties.

Inclusions

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • Food: Fresh seafood bowl

  • Drinks: Sake tasting

Exclusions

  • Food, drinks, & other purchases made outside those included in the experience

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

  • Meet your host in front of the JR Otaru Station ticket gate.

Remarks

  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes

  • Please wear warm clothing if attending the tour during winter

  • Wintertime: The ‘Foreigner Slope’ may be impassable due to snow cover. In this case, we will visit Suitengu Shrine using another route

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

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Experience Location

The northern island prefecture of Hokkaido offers a beautiful natural landscape whose diverse environment produces high-quality local meat, vegetables, and seasonal seafood to create regional cuisine and famous dairy products.

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What People Are Saying
Overall ratings and reviews
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(2)
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Chloe Chiem
February 27, 2025
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My friend and I had the most amazing experience in Otaru with Yuko-San who took us on a fantastic tour. We visited Otarus local fish market, the shopping street with beautiful architecture and uniq...read more

Dear Chloe, Thank you for sharing your experience and leaving us lots of stars! We are so delighted to hear that you were satisfied with our Otaru tour guided by Yuko. Thank you for recommending t...Read more

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Takeshi and his teamFebruary 28, 2025
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Amie Duan
May 17, 2024
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Amazing and personal tour with Yuko. Sharing her knowledge on Otaru and showing the beautiful spots of it all. Super lucky, and highly recommend this tour.

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Earliest available date: April 5, 2025
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Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in Japan Standard Time.
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Free cancellation (48 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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