北海道中央バス　定期観光バス » Exploring Otaru https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp 北海道内観光名所・スポットを巡る定期観光バスと都市間高速バスでお客様の旅をお手伝いします。 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:10:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Full Otaru Heritage Experience Tour: Otaru Canal, Mt. Tengu, and Otaru Aquarium(Excluding Multilingual Audio System) https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/5630 https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/5630#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:00:31 +0000 teikan2 http://new.teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/cms/?p=5630 ● Itinerary　H-1
Includes lunch at Otaru Bine (available on days except Tuesdays and June 14, 19; July 24–27; Aug. 9–16, 31; Sep. 19, 24)

9:30 Sapporo Station
  Via Sapporo North IC and Otaru IC
10:32～11:30 *①Mt. Tengu Ropeway & The Glass Studio in Otaru (Ropeway ride and free exploration)【Approx. 60min】
11:45～12:35 Otaru Bine (Lunch)【Approx. 50min】
12:40～13:20 Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Tour)【Approx. 40min】
13:30～15:40 Otaru Canal Terminal (Canal walk, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro—Free exploration)【Approx. 2 hours and 10 min 】
  Via Otaru IC and Sapporo West IC
16:15～17:15 *②Shiroi Koibito Park (visit) 【Approx. 60min】
17:35 Kita 1-jo Nishi 12-chome(D/O possible)
17:45 Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome(D/O possible)
17:50 Sapporo Clock Tower(D/O possible)
18:01 Sapporo Station

● Itinerary　H-2
Free-Time Lunch Schedule① (June 14, 19; July 24, 25; Aug. 9–11, 13–16; Sep. 19, 23)

9:30 Sapporo Station
  Via Sapporo North IC and Otaru IC
10:32～11:30 *①Mt. Tengu Ropeway (Ropeway ride and free exploration)【Approx. 60min】
11:45～12:35 Otaru Bine (Lunch)【Approx. 50min】
12:40～15:40 Otaru Canal Terminal (Canal walk, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro—Free exploration and lunch on your own)【Approx. 3 hours】
  Via Otaru IC and Sapporo West IC
16:15～17:15 *②Shiroi Koibito Park (visit) 【Approx. 60min】
17:35 Kita 1-jo Nishi 12-chome(D/O possible)
17:45 Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome(D/O possible)
17:50 Sapporo Clock Tower(D/O possible)
18:01 Sapporo Station
  • *①
  • ●The Glass Studio in Otaru is closed every Tuesday, so tours are unavailable. (On the H-3 itinerary, tours are only possible on September 24).
  • ● In Case of Mt. Tengu Ropeway Suspension In case of bad weather or other reasons that cause the Mt. Tengu Ropeway to suspend operation, the itinerary will be adjusted as follows, and the ropeway fare will be refunded in cash at the Otaru Terminal counter.

・Itinerary when the ropeway is suspended (Tuesdays: The Glass Studio in Otaru is closed)

10:32～10:55 Mt. Tengu Parking Lot (Restroom break)【Approx. 20min】
11:10～11:35 Otaru Station Front Terminal counter (Ropeway fare refund)【Approx. 25min】
11:45～12:35 Otaru Bine (Lunch)【Approx. 50min】

  • *②
  • ●Otaru Aquarium
    Children aged 3 to 5 require a separate ¥300 admission fee. Please pay individually on site.
  • ○"Dolphin Time" (20-minute dolphin show) start times vary by season.
    (Below are the showtimes that match the bus tour schedule)
    June 11–Aug. 31: 14:30 or 16:00
    Sep. 1–Oct. 15: 14:00 or 16:00
    Oct. 16–Nov. 3: 15:00 (*During this period, H-1 itinerary does not allow time to view the dolphin show. Thank you for your understanding.)
  • ○Other animal shows are also available.
    The Herring Mansion can also be toured for an additional fee. Adults: ¥300, High school: ¥150, Elementary & Junior High: Free.
Continue reading →]]> ● 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. Be sure to snap a commemorative photo.
　
● Breathtaking Panoramic Views: The Mt. Tengu Ropeway
Mt. Tengu offers a sweeping view of the Otaru cityscape. Ride the ropeway to the summit and take in the spectacular panorama of Otaru’s streets and the vast Ishikari Bay beyond. On clear days, you can even see the Mashike mountain range in the distance—truly a view to behold. The view is even featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a sight you don’t want to miss. Take in the full scope of Otaru’s development as a hub of port and rail transport from this stunning vantage point. Enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by the natural beauty of Otaru, which changes with each season.
　
● Meet Captivating Sea Creatures at the Otaru Aquarium A unique Otaru destination blessed by the sea, the Otaru Aquarium is home to marine life native to Hokkaido’s coastal waters. From thrilling dolphin shows to adorable seal and penguin performances, visitors of all ages are sure to be delighted! Don’t miss the Marine Mammal Park, where animals live in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. The prosperity of Otaru as a port town was built on the riches of the surrounding area. Get up close with the exhibits presented from fresh perspectives and discover the mysteries and wonder of the ocean.
　
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru (Lunch-included days only)
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.

]]> https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/5630/feed 0 【Operated in 2025 / Winter】Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System) https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/17604 https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/17604#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:00:44 +0000 jjadmin https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/?p=17604 ● Itinerary G-1
＜Otaru Aqurarium Closure Period＞ 11/29 to 12/12 and 2/25 to 3/30

9:30 Sapporo Station
  Sapporo Kita IC
  Otaru IC
10:30～11:20 Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Tour)【50 min】
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
11:30～12:20 Otaru Bine (Lunch)【50 min】
12:25～14:25 Otaru Canal Terminal (Canal walk, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, Nitori Museum of Art — Free exploration)【120 min】
14:35～15:05 Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura (tasting / shopping)【30 min】
  Otaru IC
  Sapporo Nishi IC
15:45～16:45 *②Shiroi Koibito Park (Tour/Shopping)【60 min】
17:05 Kita 1 jo Nishi 12 cho-me(D/O possible)
17:15 Kita 1 Jo Nishi 4-chome (2 minute walk to Sapporo Grand Hotel, D/O possible)
17:20 Sapporo Clock Tower(D/O possible)
17:28 Sapporo Station

● Itinerary G-2
＜Otaru Aqurarium Closure Period＞ 12/13 to 2/23

9:30 Sapporo Station
  Sapporo Kita IC
  Otaru IC
10:30～11:20 Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Tour)【50 min】
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
11:30～12:20 Otaru Bine (Lunch)【50 min】
12:35～13:55 *①Otaru Aquarium（Tour）【80 min】
14:10～15:35 Otaru Canal Terminal (Canal walk, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, Nitori Museum of Art — Free exploration)【85 min】
  Otaru IC
  Sapporo Nishi IC
16:15～17:15 *②Shiroi Koibito Park (Tour/Shopping)【60 min】
17:35 Kita 1 jo Nishi 12 cho-me(D/O possible)
17:45 Kita 1 Jo Nishi 4-chome (2 minute walk to Sapporo Grand Hotel, D/O possible)
17:50 Sapporo Clock Tower(D/O possible)
17:58 Sapporo Station
  • *①Otaru Aquarium
  • Children aged 3 to 5 require a separate ¥250 admission fee. Please pay individually on site. (This does not apply for those that have paid for children upfront)
  • ○"Dolphin Time" (20-minute dolphin show) start times vary by season.
    13：00
  • ○"Penguin Snow Walk" (approx. 10 min)
    12:40 or 13:30
  • ○ Event times listed above may be subject to change. The event may be modified or canceled depending on weather conditions or the animals' health.
  • *②Shiroi Koibito Park
  • ●A tour of the Shiroi Koibito Park production line.
    Pre-elementary children aged 4 and 5 are requried to pay a ¥300 admission fee for paid facilities. Pleas pay this fee individually at the site. (This does not apply for those that have paid for children upfront)
  • *From January 3 to July 31, 2026, portions of the Chocotopia 3rd floor observation area, including the Shiroi Koibito Park production line, may not be accessible due to renovation work. Paid admission areas will remain open during construction. All areas excpet the third-floor factor tour walkway are operating normally.
  • *The last admission for the paid tour area is at 16:30. (Business hours until 17:30)
    If arrival is delayed past 16:30, our schedule will switch to shopping and a souvenir gift. Thank you for your understanding.
Continue reading →]]> ● 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.
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
　
● 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.)

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