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, 24 Apr 2026 07:07:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Discover the vivid blue seas of Shakotan, the nostalgic charm of Otaru, and Sapporo’s must-see spots.Shakotan Cape Kamui, Otaru Canal, and Shiroi Koibito Park Tour(Excluding Multilingual Audio System) https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18092 https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18092#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:12:02 +0000 jjadmin https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/?p=18092 8:10 Sapporo Station   Via Sapporo Kita IC and Otaru IC 9:27～9:45 *① Road Station Space Apple Yoichi (Rest stop) [Approx. 15 min] 10:55～11:55 *② Cape Kamui (Free time) [Approx. 60 min] 13:45～15:45 Otaru Canal Terminal (Free time for canal walk, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, Nitori Museum of Art, etc., and lunch) [Approx. 2 hrs]   Via Otaru IC and Sapporo Nishi IC 16:20～17:20 *③ Shiroi Koibito Park (Free time and shopping. Factory tour and paid facilities optional) [Approx. 60 min] 17:35 Kita 1-jo Nishi 12-chome (Drop-off available) 17:45 Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome (Drop-off available) 17:50 Sapporo Clock Tower (Drop-off available) 18:01 Sapporo Station
  • *① Recommended items at Road Station Space Apple Yoichi

    Yoichi Apple Pie / ¥450 each (tax included)
    A signature apple pie made with plenty of locally grown Yoichi apples, handmade and baked one by one. Around 50,000 sold each year.
    *Images are for reference only. Items may sell out due to popularity.

    Hokkaido Milk Soft-Serve Ice Cream / ¥450 (tax included)
    Rich and creamy, made with premium Hokkaido milk. Enjoy its natural richness and gentle sweetness.

  • *②At Cape Kamui, visitors can walk to the tip of the cape. The gate may be closed during strong winds or other bad weather. In this case, access is limited to the “Women Forbidden Gate” at the entrance.
  • *③Factory tours and paid areas at Shiroi Koibito Park require separate payment (optional). Until July 29: High school students and above ¥800, ages 4 to junior high ¥400, under 3 free. From July 30: High school students and above ¥1,200, ages 4 to junior high ¥600, under 3 free. Last admission is 16:30 (park closes at 17:30). If arrival is delayed past 16:30, the visit will be changed to shopping for souvenirs.
    Until July 29, parts of the Chocotopia 3rd-floor viewing area, including the factory line, may be closed due to renovation. Pad areas remain open, and all areas except the 3rd floor factory viewing corridor operate as usual.
  • [On July 28 and 29, due to reopening preparations, the last entry to paid areas is 15:00. Paid area visits are not available on this tour on those dates.]
Continue reading →]]> Travel from Sapporo along the Sea of Japan to the Shakotan area. Stroll through Otaru, then stop by a sweets-themed park on the way back. This is a packed, best-of itinerary you can only enjoy by bus.
　
The first stop is Cape Kamui at the northwestern tip of the Shakotan Peninsula. On the way, the bus will stop at Road Station Space Apple Yoichi, a highlight in its own right. Try the popular apple pie made with locally grown Yoichi apples or the rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream. Perfect treats for the journey.
　
Upon arrival at Cape Kamui, enjoy about one hour of free time. A well-maintained 770-meter walking trail leads to the tip of the cape, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In early summer, vibrant yellow Ezo daylillies bloom along the path, and from the cape’s edge, you can take in sweeping ocean views and a gently curved horizon.
　
After taking in Shakotan’s stunning scenery, disembark at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town. Nearby highlights include Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street. It’s recommended to plan ahead where to visit and where to enjoy lunch.
　
On the return to Sapporo, stop at Shiroi Koibito Park, a sweets-themed attraction, for sightseeing and shopping.* Enjoy an English garden with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, and a whimsical clock tower where mechanical animals perform a parade every hour, on the hour.
*Entry to paid areas is optional.
　
A memorable journey through Hokkaido, from the endless blue seas of Shakotan to the historic charm of Otaru and Sapporo’s iconic sights. A full day packed with unforgettable experiences.

]]> https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18092/feed 0 Seafood Grill and Ropeway ViewsOtaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Tour (With Lunch, 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
Days when Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch is open (all days except Tuesdays and September 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, etc.—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
Days when Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch is closed (Tuesdays and September 24)

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. (Under the H-2 schedule, visits are not available except 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】

  • *②Shiroi Koibito Park
    ●Free exploration. Admission to the paid area is optional and payable separately.
    Paid area admission: High school students and older ¥800, ages 4 to junior high school ¥400, ages 3 and under free (through July 29); High school students and older ¥1,200, ages 4 to junior high school ¥600, ages 3 and under free (from July 30)
    *Through July 29, parts of the Chocotopia 3rd-floor viewing area, including the Shiroi Koibito Park production line, may be unavailable due to renovation work. During this period, the paid viewing area will remain open, and all areas other than the 3rd-floor factory observation passage will operate as usual.
    *Last admission to the paid area is 16:30 (open until 17:30).
    *On July 28 and 29, due to preparations for the grand re-opening, the last admission time for the paid area will be 15:00, and entry to the paid area will not be available. Only garden strolls and shopping in the shops will be possible.
Continue reading →]]> Otaru was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2025. This sightseeing bus tour offers a richly rewarding day, combining the history and scenery of Otaru with a visit to one of Sapporo’s classic attractions, Shiroi Koibito Park.
　
The first destination, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, is a hugely popular spot known as a favorite filming location for movies. At the summit station, five observation points offer sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape, the Sea of Japan, and the mountains rising in the distance, scenery that is also recognized as part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets. In addition to the views, the summit station also features shops and cafés, a ski museum, a chipmunk park, and activities such as a zipline, making it full of things to enjoy.
At the foot of Tenguyama is The Glass Studio in Otaru, where the glassmaking process behind Otaru glass can be observed, and with advance reservation, a glassblowing experience of about 10 to 20 minutes is also available.
*Glassblowing experience is closed every Tuesday.
　
After enjoying the views, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is served at Otaru Bine, a renovated Meiji-era building that once housed the former head office of Hokkaido Bank, where a seafood grill meal can be enjoyed in a historic setting. Savor Otaru specialties such as herring marinade and seasonal seafood.
　
After lunch, the next stop is the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Built in 1906 in a Western-style design inspired by the revival architecture of modern Europe, this building is both part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Inside, the lavish interior showcases finely crafted details in the columns, wallpaper, and ceiling decorations, vividly reflecting Otaru’s former prosperity.
*Closed every Tuesday and on September 24. On those dates, this stop is omitted and time for exploring Otaru is extended to approximately 3 hours.
　
After visiting the historic building, the tour continues with a drop-off at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town of Otaru.
Nearby are attractions such as the Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street, lined with popular spots including Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and Kitakaro. Planning which places to visit in advance is recommended.
　
On the way back to Sapporo, the tour stops at the sweets-themed park Shiroi Koibito Park for sightseeing and shopping. Highlights include an English garden filled with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, along with a mechanical clock tower where animal automata perform a cheerful parade every hour on the hour.
*Admission to the paid area requires a separate fee.
　
One of the great appeals of this tour is the chance to fully enjoy both the historic landmarks and popular attractions of Otaru and Sapporo. Why not enjoy a full day of sightseeing on a bus journey departing from and returning to Sapporo?

]]> 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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