Sapporo: Otaru Day Tour with Onsen & Canal Visit 8:10 JR Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Parking Lot

Explore Otaru on a guided day trip from Sapporo. Visit the Otaru Canal, Shiroi Koibito Park, and Tahō-ji Temple, and relax in the Banya no Yu Onsen with capybaras.
Begin your day by meeting your guide at Odan Station Exit 31 or JR Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop. Head to Tahō-ji Temple, a serene temple in Hokkaido, featuring a giant Buddha statue and a Japanese-style garden. In autumn and winter, the garden is either dyed warm red by autumn leaves or dusted with a light layer of snow. Paired with the ancient architecture, it creates a solemn and healing atmosphere, perfect for strolling, enjoying the scenery, and embracing the Zen vibe.

Next, visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a European-style park centered on "Shiroi Koibito" (White Lover) chocolate cookies. The park has a vintage castle, flower lawns, and a cookie factory (where you can watch the production process). During autumn and winter, it is decorated with warm yellow lights and Christmas-themed decorations. You can also buy limited-edition chocolate souvenirs, making it a must-visit spot for taking photos and experiencing dessert culture.

Continue to Otaru Canal, a landmark attraction of the city. The red-brick warehouses and vintage gas lamps along the canal are iconic. On autumn and winter afternoons, sunlight slants on the canal’s surface, paired with fallen leaves or light frost on the banks, filling the air with the romance of a Japanese port town. You can walk along the waterfront path, take a vintage boat ride at your own expense, visit nearby glass craft shops, or savor fresh seafood.

Then, head to Shutsu Observatory, an observation platform overlooking Otaru’s coastline and the Sea of Japan. On clear autumn and winter days, you can clearly see the layers of the sea surface and distant mountains. On cloudy days, the scene shrouded in sea mist adds a hazy charm, making it ideal for a short break and taking sea-view photos.

Finally, enjoy a hot spring experience at Banya no Yu Onsen, with the key highlight being the "capybara onsen experience" — you can enjoy the hot spring alongside cute capybaras (the capybaras relax in their dedicated onsen area, safe and entertaining). The hot spring water is gentle, and soaking in it during autumn and winter relieves travel fatigue. The onsen area also provides basic rest facilities, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.