From Sapporo: Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip

Exploring the natural wonders of Hokkaido from Sapporo is a must-do day trip. The Hokkaido Highlights Day Tour packs in stunning coastal landscapes, charming shopping streets, and iconic landmarks – all in a convenient 10-hour itinerary. Whether you’re marveling at the dramatic cliffs of Cape Kamui or perusing the quaint Miyako dori, this guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the region’s highlights. With the option to visit the Otaru Aquarium, there’s something to captivate every traveler. So, if you’re seeking an immersive Hokkaido experience, this day trip could be the perfect fit.

Key Points

• A 10-hour comprehensive tour of Otaru’s landmarks and attractions, including the Cape Kamui coastal vistas and Miyako dori Shopping Street.
• Multilingual options in Chinese, English, and Japanese to cater to diverse traveler needs.
• Optional 2-hour visit to the Otaru Aquarium with interactive exhibits and educational displays.
• Includes bus transfer fee and 1 free soft serve ice cream, but excludes lunch and additional attraction fees.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off locations in Sapporo and Otaru to accommodate traveler preferences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Languages

The Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip is a 10-hour tour that’s available in Chinese, English, and Japanese. This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore various landmarks and attractions in the Otaru area.

Whether you’re a Mandarin, English, or Japanese speaker, you can fully learn about the rich cultural experiences this trip offers. The multilingual options ensure that language barriers won’t hinder your enjoyment of the day’s activities.

With the tour’s duration of 10 hours, you’ll have ample time to soak in the stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban landscapes that make Hokkaido a cherished destination.

Itinerary Highlights

A key highlight of the Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip is the visit to Cape Kamui, where travelers can spend an hour taking in the stunning coastal vistas. The tour also includes a 30-minute stop at the picturesque Shimamui Coast, followed by a visit to the charming Otaru Steam Clock. Guests can then explore the vibrant Miyako dori Shopping Street for nearly 3 hours. For those interested, the optional 2-hour visit to the Otaru Aquarium is available for an additional fee. The tour also includes a quick pass-by of the Otaru Canal and a 30-minute stop at the Shiroikoibito Park.

Itinerary Highlight	Duration
Cape Kamui	1 hour
Shimamui Coast	30 minutes
Otaru Steam Clock	30 minutes
Miyako dori Shopping Street	2.67 hours
Otaru Aquarium (optional)	2 hours

Optional Attractions

Among the optional attractions on the Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip is the Otaru Aquarium. This popular aquarium is an additional 2-hour stop, requiring a separate admission fee.

Visitors can explore the diverse marine life of the region, including seals, penguins, and a wide variety of fish. The aquarium also features interactive exhibits and educational displays. While not included in the standard tour itinerary, the Otaru Aquarium provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the natural wonders of Hokkaido.

Tour participants can choose to add this option to their day trip, allowing them to customize their experience and discover more of the area’s captivating attractions.

Included and Excluded Items

The Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip includes a bus transfer fee and one free soft serve ice cream for participants. However, lunch, Otaru Aquarium admission, and Shiroi Koibito Park factory tour admission are excluded from the tour package. Participants will need to cover these additional expenses on their own.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Bus transfer fee	Lunch
1 free soft serve ice cream	Otaru Aquarium admission
	Shiroi Koibito Park factory tour admission
	Other individual expenses

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip offers 2 starting location options for pickup: Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel and Sapporo TV Tower. Guests can choose the location most convenient for them.

For drop-off, there are also 2 options: Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel and Otaru Shopping Street. This provides flexibility for travelers to continue their exploration or return to their original starting point.

Regardless of the pickup and drop-off locations selected, the tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring the highlights of Hokkaido.

Important Arrival Time

Travelers are advised to arrive at the designated pickup locations 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This ensures the tour can depart on schedule and minimizes any delays.

It’s important to note that the itinerary may be affected by facility closures, restricted hours, or weather-related issues. In such cases, the tour operator may need to make adjustments to the itinerary.

Plus, delays are possible due to traffic conditions. Guests should be prepared for potential changes and remain flexible throughout the tour.

The driver will provide basic English guidance when using the Hiace minivan or microbus during the tour.

Potential Itinerary Changes

Facility closures, restricted hours, or inclement weather may necessitate changes to the tour itinerary. While the tour operator aims to follow the published schedule, unforeseen circumstances could lead to modifications.

For example, if the Otaru Aquarium is closed unexpectedly, the 2-hour tour component would be removed. Similarly, heavy rain or snow could shorten the time spent at outdoor locations like Cape Kamui and Shimamui Coast.

The driver will provide updates and guidance should the itinerary need adjustment. Guests are encouraged to remain flexible and understand that the tour’s structure may evolve to accommodate any disruptions, ensuring an optimal experience despite potential challenges.

Driver Guidance

Throughout the tour, the driver provides basic English guidance to guests when the Hiace minibus or microbus is used.

While the tour includes stops at popular attractions like the Otaru Steam Clock and Miyako dori Shopping Street, the driver’s role is to offer simple instructions and information in English to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

This additional service helps bridge any language barriers, making the day trip accessible to a wider range of visitors.

Guests can expect the driver to offer basic commentary and practical details as the group navigates the various sites included in the Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it mentions transportation via Hiace and microbus, suggesting a small to medium-sized group. The exact capacity may depend on the vehicles used for the tour.

Can We Request a Specific Language Guide?

The tour offers guides in Chinese, English, and Japanese. Customers can request a specific language guide when booking the tour, though guide language availability may be subject to change.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?

Photography is generally permitted at the tour sites, though some restrictions may apply, such as the Otaru Aquarium which has a no-photography policy. Visitors should check with their guide for any specific photography rules at each location.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It is open to travelers of all ages, though parental supervision is recommended for children. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.

Can We Leave the Group at Any Point During the Tour?

Participants can leave the group at any point during the tour, but must inform the guide. Unaccompanied time may incur additional costs. Rejoining the group is subject to availability and transportation limitations.

Recap

This Hokkaido Highlights Day Trip from Sapporo offers a comprehensive tour showcasing the region’s natural beauty and urban landscapes. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, shop at the charming Miyako dori, and optionally visit the Otaru Aquarium. The tour, available in multiple languages, provides an immersive experience for travelers seeking to discover the highlights of the Otaru area in a single day.

You can check if your dates are available here: