[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: 雪の花バス
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: JCGroup Co., Ltd.
Address: 308 Minami-5-jo Higashi 3-chome 11-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-924
Name of travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Pre-departure notice: Please note that all final information regarding the departure the following day (including details of the tour guide, driver, and vehicle) will be sent via email between the afternoon and evening of the day before departure. To ensure successful receipt, please be sure to check your email (including your spam/junk mail folder).
Health and Comfort: If you have a history of motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended that you take appropriate preventative measures in advance (such as taking medication) to avoid affecting your travel experience.
Property Safety: Please keep your personal belongings safe and avoid carrying valuables. You will be solely responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings during the trip.
Itinerary Adjustment: In case of special circumstances such as some attractions being closed on certain dates, we will arrange alternative attractions of the same type for you. We apologize that we may not be able to notify you of each attraction in advance.
Traffic conditions: Some sections of the journey are quite long. Please understand that we may encounter traffic congestion or other uncontrollable situations. We cannot cover any additional costs incurred due to such delays.
Children aged 3 and above are eligible to participate in this trip.
This trip is not suitable for wheelchairs.
A visit to Otaru Canal is generally recommended for about 1-2 hours. You can enjoy the canal scenery from Asakusa Bridge or Chuo Bridge, and stroll along the promenade by the canal. The stone warehouses on both sides have been converted into restaurants, shops, and museums, making them great places to stop and explore. You can also consider taking a canal cruise to experience Otaru's unique charm from a water perspective.
Otaru Canal is famous for its nostalgic stone warehouses and gas lamps, which reflect Otaru's past prosperity as an important port. During the day, you can admire the retro scenery of the canal and warehouses, while at night, it transforms into a romantic atmosphere under the glow of the gas lamps. The area around the canal also features art museums and cafes, making it a great place to soak in history and art.
Otaru Canal may freeze during the peak of winter (typically from late January to mid-February), but it usually doesn't completely freeze over. Even if it does freeze, the canal banks are still decorated with winter illuminations. Combined with the snow-covered scenery, it creates a unique silvery world, especially during the 'Otaru Snow Light Path' event, which is exceptionally beautiful.
A sushi-making experience is usually guided by a professional chef, starting with selecting ingredients, learning the techniques of nigiri sushi, and finally creating your own sushi masterpiece. During the process, you will learn how to handle different types of fish and the ideal ratio for rice. Afterward, you can enjoy the sushi you made immediately and may even receive a special certificate of completion.
Hokkaido Jingu is the guardian shrine of Sapporo, enshrining the three deities of the pioneering era. Key points for worship include the magnificent main hall, the solemn torii gate, and the purification ritual at the temizuya. The shrine's architectural style blends traditional Japanese and Hokkaido characteristics. Within the grounds, there are also plum and cherry blossom groves, making it pleasant year-round. When visiting, pay attention to the symbols of the pioneering spirit unique to the shrine.
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park combining sightseeing, sweets, and entertainment. Recommended experiences include visiting the 'Chocolate Fantasies' factory to learn about the production process of Shiroi Koibito cookies, making your own desserts at the 'Chocolate Lab,' enjoying the spectacular performances at the outdoor 'Clock Tower,' and experiencing the British garden atmosphere at the 'Rose Garden.'
In addition to the canal, Otaru city boasts the historic Sakaimachi Street shopping arcade. This street is home to glass craft shops (like Kitaichi Glass), music box museums (like Otaru Music Box Museum), and numerous stores selling specialty sweets and seafood. Strolling through this area allows you to experience Otaru's unique retro atmosphere and artistic flair.
Accompanying tour guides will provide guided explanations in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese. They will offer in-depth yet easy-to-understand introductions to the historical stories of Otaru Canal, the worship culture and architectural details of Hokkaido Jingu, and the background of Shiroi Koibito Park. Guides can also assist with any travel questions, allowing you to understand the charm of each attraction more easily and profoundly.