Otaru Private Taxi Tour Service with Multiple Vehicles

Overview

Embark on a comfortable and leisurely private taxi tour to explore the unique historical and cultural charms of Otaru, the “Wall Street of the North.” This service is designed to seamlessly link the city’s iconic attractions, including the historic Otaru Canal lined with gas lamps and brick warehouses, the beautifully preserved Western-style architecture of the Motomachi District, and the famous workshops specializing in Otaru glass and intricate music boxes.

A chartered taxi provides the ideal mode of transport in Otaru, ensuring you efficiently navigate the hilly areas and maximize your time for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Whether you are seeking a romantic evening view of the illuminated canal or a morning spent exploring the historical museums like the Former Otaru City Public Hall, your private vehicle offers door-to-door convenience and comfort.

Your tour is supported by luxury vehicles like the Toyota Alphard or the spacious Toyota Hiace, which ensure a relaxing ride as you take in the nostalgic atmosphere. Your knowledgeable driver will enrich the experience with commentary on Otaru’s history as a major Meiji-era port, offering a personalized and highly convenient way to fully appreciate this charming Hokkaido city.

Highlights

• Otaru Canal Experience: Enjoy comfortable, direct access to the Otaru Canal for daytime strolls or evening views of the magical gas lamp illumination, with nearby restaurants and shops easily accessible.
• Art and Craft Workshops: Seamlessly tour the city’s famous workshops, including those specializing in delicate Otaru glass and intricate music boxes, with options for hands-on crafting experiences.
• Historical Architecture Route: Visit key historical landmarks like the Former Otaru City Public Hall (a designated Hokkaido Cultural Property) and the preserved brick warehouses and Western-style buildings from the Meiji era.
• Flexible Customization: Easily combine city sightseeing with transfers to nearby destinations like the Otaru Aquarium, local hot springs, or ski resorts, customizing the plan to your exact needs.
• Premium Comfort & Nostalgia: Travel in the executive Toyota Alphard or the spacious Toyota Hiace, ensuring a quiet and comfortable ride while soaking in the city’s nostalgic, old-world charm.

Complete Details

The Otaru Sightseeing Private Taxi Service provides chartered tours with flexible durations (typically 2 to 6 hours) designed to cover the city’s main attractions, which are spread out between the central canal area and the hilly Motomachi district. Key itinerary points include the Otaru Canal and its surrounding preserved brick warehouses (now housing restaurants and souvenir shops), the famous Sakaimachi Street lined with glass and music box workshops, and historical buildings like the Former Otaru City Public Hall.

The service ensures a comfortable experience with a choice of premium vehicles: the Toyota Alphard (6-7 passenger capacity) is an LL-class luxury minivan known for its superior seat comfort and quiet engine, making long drives and city travel exceptionally relaxing.

The Toyota Hiace/Wagon (up to 10 passengers) is available for large groups and high luggage capacity. Your private driver offers safe, efficient transportation and provides commentary on the history of Otaru as Hokkaido’s historical economic hub. The taxi is also suitable for transfers to the Otaru View Hotel, nearby ski resorts, or hot spring facilities.

Booking with Jasumo

For booking this private Otaru sightseeing taxi tour, or to arrange any custom tour of the city, Sapporo, or the Kiroro area, you can contact us directly with your requirements and preferred vehicle. You can contact us using the Contact Us Form to begin your reservation and specify your group size, luggage needs, and any bespoke destinations you wish to include.

What is the significance of the brick buildings lining the Otaru Canal?

The brick warehouses along the Otaru Canal date back to the Meiji and Taisho periods when Otaru was a key port for shipping coal and other goods. Today, they are beautifully preserved and create a nostalgic atmosphere, housing popular restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Can the taxi wait for us while we participate in a glass-making workshop?

Yes, the chartered taxi service is flexible and includes waiting time. Your driver will wait at a convenient location while you visit the glass workshops or music box museums, or participate in a short, hands-on crafting experience.

Is there a particular time of day recommended by the taxi service to see the Otaru Canal?

While beautiful during the day, the canal is particularly recommended during the evening. The gas lamps lining the canal are lit up, creating a highly romantic and magical, nostalgic atmosphere that many tourists seek to photograph.

What makes the Toyota Alphard a comfortable choice for sightseeing in Otaru?

The Toyota Alphard provides LL-Class luxury, which means it has superior seat cushioning, a quiet engine for stable driving, and a spacious, elegant interior. This makes navigating Otaru’s streets and making transfers exceptionally relaxing.

Does the tour include travel to the famous Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery located near Otaru?

Yes, Otaru Sightseeing Taxi offers customized plans that can include a comfortable trip to the nearby Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. This is a highly popular extension for those interested in Japanese whisky, located just a short drive from Otaru City.

Location