Otaru Canal

Because the trip to Hokkaido was a last-minute decision, the booking was rushed. After looking at several tours, I chose this one. Initially, I was a little apprehensive because I hadn't seen any reviews, but the experience on the day of the tour was excellent. Our guide, Xiao Ma, carefully sent out important information via messaging the day before departure. Bottled water and USB charging ports were provided on the bus. Since it wasn't peak season, the tour was small, and the attractions weren't crowded because it was a weekday. I thought the afternoon visit to the three capes was a great idea, especially Kinokuniya (Golden Cape), where you can only see the shimmering sea near dusk. Both Kinokuniya and Kamui Cape require hiking trails, so you should assess your physical condition beforehand. We spent an hour at Kamui Cape; if you just walk and take pictures along the way, there might not be enough time to reach the lighthouse at the back. For the other two capes, Xiao Ma led the way to the best viewing spots. Overall, the trip was very fulfilling, and anyone who loves natural scenery shouldn't miss it.

What's unforgettable is the dreamy seascape known as "Shikotan Blue" and the incredibly delicious fresh sea urchins of the season. The magnificent cliffs are also impressive. The time spent at Otaru and Shiroi Koibito Museum is just right, not too rushed, making it a highly recommended day trip from Sapporo – a perfect suburban itinerary.