Author Archives: jjadmin

Takino Snow World, Moai Statues, and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

Posted on by

● Takino Snow World
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Takino Snow World is a leisure area where visitors can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter. The expansive grounds, covered in pure white snow, offer a wide range of activities, including snow tubing, walking skis, and snowshoeing, suitable for beginners and advanced visitors alike. One of the most popular attractions is the long tubing course, where both children and adults slide down at full speed with excitement. Beyond snow play, winter nature walks are also appealing, allowing winter enthusiasts to enjoy Hokkaido’s magnificent scenery in crisp, clear air.
　
● Snow-Covered Moai Statues and the Hill of the Buddha at Takino Cemetery
Takino Cemetery becomes a magical sightseeing spot in winter. The giant Moai statues lined across the grounds take on an even more mysterious presence when covered in snow, creating an atmosphere like stepping into another world. The Hill of the Buddha, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another must-see. (Separate admission fee required) The concrete architecture harmonizing with the snowy landscape is stunning, and the tranquil presence of the Great Buddha leaves a deep impression on visitors. It is a unique place where culture and art blend together, offering solemn winter scenery found only in Hokkaido.
　
● Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Located close to central Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular spot offering panoramic views of Hokkaido’s vast snowy fields. In the clear winter air, the endless stretch of white landscape creates a quintessential Hokkaido view. The statue of Dr. William S. Clark, known for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious!”, stands on the hill and is a classic photo spot. The pastoral scene of sheep grazing calmly, combined with panoramic views of Sapporo, offers visitors both relaxation and inspiration. It is a place where visitors can experience the quiet beauty unique to winter.

ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

Posted on by

● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
　
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
　
● Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
・Observation deck: The summit has an observation deck where you can take in the views at your leisure.

[Winter] Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

Posted on by

● Experience a Japanese Heritage Site: The Nostalgic Ambiance of the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is beloved as a symbol of the city. Walk along the canal lined with stone warehouses, and you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped back to the early 1900s. These warehouses once served as a hub for good entering Hokkaido, symbolizing Otaru’s prosperity as the region’s economic lifeblood. They are part of the Japanese heritage site: Otaru – The Town Once Called the “”Heart”" of Hokkaido. The historic buildings and the calm waters of the canal create a soothing scene that warms the hearts of visitors. You can also explore attractions such as Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, and the Nitori Museum of Art.
　
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru
For lunch, dine at Otaru Bine, housed in the renovated former Hokkaido Bank Head Office—a building steeped in history. The interior features high ceilings and stately decor, where you’ll enjoy a seafood grill lunch made with fresh, local catches from Otaru and Hokkaido. The building itself is a symbol of Otaru’s financial power, which supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period onward.
　
● Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Closed Tuesdays and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Completed in 1906, this was the second Otaru branch building of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line).
Built during the port’s boom years, it stands as a symbol of Otaru’s prosperity as a thriving commercial and port city. It is also a Japan Heritage Site. Its refined interior include a marble side entrance, intricately carved wooden stair railings, and a finely crafted central ornament. Many imported materials were used, such as American steel shutters and German linoleum.
　
● Otaru Aquarium (Visited only on operating days from Dec. 13 to Feb. 23)
Home to around 250 species and 5,000 animals, the aquarium’s winter highlight is the “”Penguin Snow Walk,”" where you can watch penguins strolling across the snow up close. Up to 15 gentoo penguins, including chicks born in 2025, take part in this charming event. At the Dolphin Stadium, watch bottlenose dolphins perform spectacular jumps and playful tricks. Inside, take a look at northern species such as harbor porpoises, lumpfish, and sea angels—species that are kept only at Otaru Aquarium in Japan.
　
● Shiroi Koibito Park
This theme park offers factory tours of the production line for Hokkaido’s beloved “”Shiroi Koibiti”" cookies, exhibits on the history of chocolate, and hands-on sweets-making experiences. Its British-style buildings and gardens make for many picturesque photo spots. Visitors can enjoy exclusive sweets at the on-site shops and cafés, making it a favorite destination for families and tourists alike. (Note: From January 3 to July 31, 2026, parts of the 3rd-floor “”Chocotopia”" viewing area, including the production line, may be closed for renovations. Paid admission areas will remain open during construction.)

【Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

Posted on by

This bus is compatible with multilingual audio system in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, will take you to some of Sapporo’s famous highlights in a short amount of time.
You will view Odori Park from the bus as it travels through downtown toward the west and south. Side stops include Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, which allows you to visit two popular spots within a short time. From the bus you can enjoy viewing the Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence tucked in a forest, Toyohira River which runs through central Sapporo and which is known for its fireworks display in summer, the sleek silver shape of Sapporo Dome and much more. Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, located in Miyanomori, Sapporo, is owned by the city of Sapporo, and sits on the east slope of Mt. Okura 307 meters high. The Bakken record at the stadium is held at 145.0 and is a must see. At Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill where the bus stops for sightseeing, is the monument of famous professor “Clark.” In summer the city of Sapporo laid out beyond the green grassy fields is beautiful. The Clark monument is also rather large up close, and makes for a great photo opportunity. Take this opportunity to visit two of the most famous sightseeing spots most visitors go to, the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and Mt. Okura, on our Regular Sightseeing Bus.

【Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)

Posted on by

This course is operated with a multilingual audio system that provides explanations in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. All of the sights will be introduced within a short time. First we will visit “Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium.” 　
The bus will head for Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. The ski jump stadium here is said to be the prince of all sports. It is said that the Baron Okura Kishichro heard the voice of the late Chichibu Prince, and commissioned the architectural design of the ski jump to Major General Olaf Helset of Norway. Numerous competitions have been held here and have contributed to the nurturing of many athletes. However, the ski jump was renovated in 1970 in preparation for the Winter Olympics which were to be held two years later, and became the stage for the 11th Sapporo Winter Olympics 90-meter ski jump venue. From the observation deck located at an elevation of 307 meters, the approach to the jump (runway), and the entire city of Sapporo and Ishikari Plains can be seen.
(Please note that during ski jumping competitions, the Okurayama Observatory Lift will be unavailable on competition days and practice days. Additionally, passengers using the regular sightseeing bus will be granted complimentary access to the ski jumping viewing area.)
　
line at CHOCOTOPIA Factory and the “tudor houses” of medieval Great Britain, along with the grand mechanical clock tower Grand Meister. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sapporo. Next door is the “Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Field,” home field of the Sapporo Consadole Soccer Team where visitors can sneak take a sneek peak of their practice.
After our visit at Shiroi Koibito Park, we will go to the Central Sapporo Wholesale Market.
　
The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is the kitchen of Sapporo, where fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, crabs, and other fresh seafood can be purchased. There are also a number of restaurants to choose from that offer gourmet seafood bowls, fresh grilled fish combos, and much more, so this is where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. After you have filled your stomachs with great food and bought some souvenirs, we will stop by the Sapporo Clock Tower, an iconic tourist attraction of Sapporo. You can even get off here and sightsee downtown. This is a fulfilling course that takes you to a number of great attractions within a short amount of time.

Recent Changes Regarding the Regular Sightseeing Bus COVID-19 Countermeasures [May 8, 2023]

Posted on by

Thank you for choosing the Regular Sightseeing Bus for your travels.
　
In accordance with recent changes to the status concerning COVID-19 – now considered a category five of the Infectious Disease Act – the Regular Sightseeing Bus will also change its COVID-19 countermeasures.
　
For details please see below. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
　
〇Effective May 8 (Mon), 2023
　
〇Changes:
Temperatures will no longer be taken before boarding the bus.
We will no longer carry sanitizer onto the bus or sanitize passengers before boarding.

About the Niseko Ski Bus Time Schedule

Posted on by

We apologize for the delay in posting the 2021 Niseko Ski Bus Schedule:
https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/7768
New Chitose Airport Niseko / Rusutsu
Sapporo Niseko
　
*If passengers board a bus from Niseko/ Rusutsu to New Chitose Airport, the bus may be subject to delay due to traffic or inclement weather. Please be sure to allow for ample time to board your plane. (If there is only one hour between time of departure and arrival of the ski bus at the airport, we cannot guarantee your connection.)
　
*In the event of inclement weather and the roads are closed in some areas with no detours provided, operation of the bus may be determined difficult and the tour may be canceled.