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。 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 01:31:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Autumn Hoheikyo, Red Leaves Gondola and Exploring Otaru Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System) https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18081 https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18081#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:02:50 +0000 jjadmin https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/?p=18081 8:10 Depart Sapporo Station   Via the right bank of the Toyohira River and National Route 230 9:18～10:30 Hoheikyo Gorge (transfer to the Electric Bus, free time to explore) [Approx. 1 hr. 10 min]   Via Prefectural Route 1, passing Jozankei Dam and Lake Sapporo (viewed from the bus) 11:05～12:25 *① Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (round-trip Autumn Foliage Gondola ride and free time) [Approx. 1 hr. 20 min.]   Via Asari Sky Loop (viewed from the bus), Asari IC, and Otaru IC 13:10～15:40 Otaru Canal Terminal (free time to explore Otaru Canal, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, Nitori Museum of Art, etc.; free lunch) [Approx. 2 hr. 30 min.]   Via Otaru IC and Sapporo-Nishi IC 16:15～17:15 *② Shiroi Koibito Park (free sightseeing and shopping; factory tour and paid facilities are optional) [Approx. 60 min.] 17:30 Kita 1-jo Nishi 12-chome (drop-off available) 17:40 Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome (drop-off available) 17:45 Sapporo Clock Tower (drop-off available) 17:56 Sapporo Station
  • ※① If the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Autumn Foliage Gondola is not operating, the equivalent gondola fare will be refunded at Otaru Station Terminal. The tour will operate on the shortened schedule below.
    • 11:05～11:25 *① Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (rest stop) [Approx. 20 min.]
      Via Asari Sky Loop (viewed from the bus), Asari IC, and Otaru IC
    12:10～12:30 Otaru Station Terminal (refund of gondola fare)
    12:40～15:10 Otaru Canal Terminal (free time to explore Otaru Canal, Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, Nitori Museum of Art, etc.; free lunch) [Aprox. 2 hr. 30 min.]
      Via Otaru IC and Sapporo-Nishi IC
    15:45～16:45 *② Shiroi Koibito Park (free sightseeing and shopping; factory tour and paid facilities are optional) [Approx. 60 min.]
    17:00 Kita 1-jo Nishi 12-chome (drop-off available)
    17:10 Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome (drop-off available)
    17:15 Sapporo Clock Tower (drop-off available)
    17:26 Sapporo Station
  • ※② Admission to the factory tour and paid attractions at Shiroi Koibito Park is optional and payable on-site (¥1,200 for high school students and above, ¥600 for children aged 4 through junior high school, free for children aged 3 and under). Admission to the paid area is accepted until 16:30 (the park closes at 17:30). If delays prevent arrival before 16:30, entry to the paid area will not be available.
Continue reading →]]> As autumn deepens, the Jozankei area transforms into one of Sapporo’s most spectacular fall foliage destinations. Admire vibrant crimson and brilliant gold landscapes from prime viewing spots at a scenic dam and soaring gondola, making this the perfect tour to experience the beauty of autumn in all its glory.
　
Hoheikyo Dam is both a vital water source for Sapporo and one of the region’s most impressive scenic landmarks. Steep rocky cliffs, brilliantly colored autumn forests, and the dam’s graceful arch combine to create a truly breathtaking panorama. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a vivid rainbow forming in the mist of the dam’s water discharge.
　
Next, enjoy an aerial stroll aboard the gondola at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. The colorful mountain slopes spreading out below offer a completely different kind of beauty from Hoheikyo, resembling a grand autumn picture scroll. Take in the magnificent scenery painted by nature at your leisure.
　
After traveling through the mountains, you’ll arrive in charming and nostalgic Otaru, where you’ll have free time to explore. Stroll along Otaru Canal, browse the many shops lining Sakaimachi Street, including Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitakaro, and the Nitori Museum of Art, and enjoy local specialties wherever you wish.
　
To conclude the journey, visit Shiroi Koibito Park※, Hokkaido’s famous confectionery theme park. Highlights include its beautiful English garden and the delightful mechanical clock tower parade that takes place every hour.
*Admission to paid areas is optional.
　
Experience the vibrant yet delicate beauty of autumn created by Hokkaido’s dramatic temperature changes. Enjoy these unforgettable seasonal landscapes on a relaxed and comfortable sightseeing bus tour.

]]> https://teikan.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/course/18081/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