Highlights of Otaru
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Port
Otaru, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Explore the cultural heritage of exciting Otaru from the moment you board your comfortable motorcoach and begin a scenic tour through the city en route to your first destination.
What better way to begin your day of discovery than a visit to the Former Aoyama Villa or the Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion). During the Meiji and Taisho eras (1868-1926), herring fisheries prospered, making many successful. The villa was the home of an Otaru herring fishery boss and was constructed in 1923 over the course of six years. The miyadaiku (carpenters specializing in shrines and temples) worked painstakingly to create this lavish two-story wooden structure. Step inside and admire the finely lacquered floors, the gleaming whitewashed walls, and zelkova (an Asian tree) corridors. Note the intricacy of the sliding doors, which are adorned with the works of the premiere painters and calligraphers of the day.
Then proceed to Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway. Mt.Tengu, an Otaru landmark, is only 15 minutes from downtown. A 30-person gondola carries visitors between the mountaintop station and the mountain foot station in just four minutes. See the city laid out in miniature. Enjoy the panoramic view of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. On a clear day you can see as far as Mt.Shokanbetsu and the Shakotan Peninsula. The glittering night view is one of the top three in Hokkaido.
Your "taste of the town" experience continues as you travel to the Otaru Canal and Shopping District. Otaru Canal is considered the symbol of Otaru City, a historic mile-long canal that provides both a nostalgic look at the Otaru of yesteryear as well as a unique shopping and dining experience. In Japan's Meiji Period (1868-1912), Otaru was known as the "Sakhalin of Japan" for its busy maritime trade with Russia. The canal was created by a sea reclamation project started in 1914, and the store warehouses that you see were built during this period. They have been beautifully preserved and are an iconic and much photographed landmark in the city. Along the canal, you will find a gaslight-lined promenade brimming with fancy shops, boutiques and fine restaurants.
After touring this historic area, reboard the motorcoach for a short ride back to the Otaru Port.
Notes:
This tour is not recommended for passengers with walking difficulties. Wear comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.
Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases.
Parking lot from Otaru Canal is approximately 10 minutes walking so passengers need to walk.
Tour order may vary. There are some steps to negotiate at the Aoyama Villa and guests will be required to remove their shoes and the guest using wheelchair cannot enter this villa. The order of visits may vary. Tenguyama Ropeway will not operate on bad weather conditions. Due to congestion, the waiting time for the ropeway may be increased. The view from observation deck of Tenguyama Ropeway is weather permitting.