Otaru Canal

Victoria was very helpful, accommodating, and friendly. Couldn’t have asked for a better travel guide. The amount of time given at each destination was also great.

As the first reviewer mentioned, the lack of reviews for this tour might deter some potential participants, but last-minute booking options were limited, and the rich natural scenery itinerary met my expectations, so I booked it anyway! I received an email from the tour guide the evening before booking, providing his contact information (Line/WhatsApp/WeChat). After adding him, I was notified of the meeting time and place for the next day. Our guide, Leo, is Chinese, but doesn't have a strong accent, and speaks slowly and clearly. Because there were other people in the group, he spoke in both Chinese and English during the explanations, which was quite tiring for him. The itinerary includes two hours of free time in Otaru, with lunch at your own expense; in the afternoon, we visit a whisky distillery museum (not a tour of the distillery itself), mainly for tasting and purchasing merchandise; the afternoon then begins with a cape tour of Shakotan. Cape Kamui boasts the most magnificent scenery, but the ups and downs require some physical exertion; it would be better to spend more time there. The stop at the Shimabu-i Coast is more relaxed, but the view is somewhat narrow. There's a medium-distance hiking trail along the coast nearby, which I might visit another time. Finally, Cape Kinokuniya requires a 15-minute climb to a viewpoint; by then, everyone will likely be exhausted. The guide will explain the cultural background of each site along the way, and a bottle of water will be provided. Overall, if you don't want to drive around researching and aren't looking for a very in-depth experience, this day trip is a great option!