Shakotan and Otaru 10-Hour Private Taxi Day Tour with Multiple Vehicles

Overview

Embark on a spectacular 10-hour private taxi day tour to discover the stunning contrasts of western Hokkaido: the rugged, sea-swept beauty of the Shakotan Peninsula and the nostalgic, historical charm of Otaru City. This tour combines the best of Hokkaido’s natural marine scenery with its rich urban culture, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

A private chartered taxi is the ideal choice for this extensive itinerary, as it allows for an efficient and direct journey along the winding coastal roads to the remote capes of Shakotan, saving crucial time. You will travel in premium comfort to the legendary Cape Kamui and then backtrack seamlessly to Otaru, where you can explore the preserved canals, historical architecture, and famous confectionery shops without worrying about transport schedules.

Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the crystal-clear “Shakotan Blue” ocean, indulge in some of the freshest seafood (including seasonal sea urchin), and conclude your day with a romantic stroll along the illuminated Otaru Canal. Choose the luxury of the Toyota Alphard or the spaciousness of the Toyota Hiace for a truly customized and relaxing adventure.

Highlights

• Shakotan Blue Ocean: Witness the legendary sapphire blue waters of the Sea of Japan from the majestic Cape Kamui, accessible via the scenic Path of Charenka walking trail.
• Otaru Canal Stroll: Explore the historical heart of Otaru, walking along the preserved Otaru Canal, lined with Victorian-era gas streetlights and former stone warehouses, especially romantic in the evening.
• Gourmet Seafood Experience: Enjoy the opportunity to taste world-class, ultra-fresh seafood in Shakotan, particularly the famous Sea Urchin (Uni), which is best harvested between June and August.
• Otaru Sweet and Crafts: Indulge in Otaru’s famous sweets and pastries at flagship stores like LeTAO, and discover exquisite glass art at the Otaru Glass Museum or the Kitaichi Glass Otaru.
• Scenic Coastal Drive: Experience a breathtaking private drive along the Shakotan Peninsula, taking in other picturesque viewpoints like the Shimamui Coast, famous for its pristine inlet.

Complete Details

The Shakotan and Otaru 10-Hour Private Taxi Day Tour is a demanding but highly rewarding charter that efficiently connects the remote Shakotan Peninsula with the historic city of Otaru. Given the distances, this itinerary is best experienced with private transport.

Shakotan Peninsula (Morning): The first half of the tour is dedicated to the spectacular coastal scenery. The key destination is Cape Kamui, where visitors take the approximately 40-minute round-trip walk along the Path of Charenka to the cape’s tip for a 300-degree view of the “Shakotan Blue” ocean. An optional stop may be made at the Shimamui Coast for another unique viewing spot of the sapphire water. The driver will guide you to a local restaurant for a famous seafood lunch, such as a specialty Uni-don (Sea Urchin rice bowl), depending on the fishing season.

Otaru City (Afternoon/Evening): The second half of the tour focuses on Otaru’s historical and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Otaru Canal, with time allocated for photos and a walk along the promenade. You will also visit the Sakaimachi Street, home to numerous music box shops, glass workshops, and famous sweet shops like LeTAO and Rokkatei. Depending on your preference and the season, the tour can be extended to witness the romantic Otaru Canal Illumination after sunset.

Seasonal Note: Cape Kamui’s gate hours can vary, and the walking trail may be closed during periods of heavy snow or high winds in winter (November to April). The best time to experience the Shakotan Blue and the freshest sea urchin is typically May through October.

Vehicle Options: Choose the Toyota Alphard (6-7 passengers) for a luxurious and quiet long-distance journey, or the Toyota Hiace/Wagon (10 passengers) for larger groups requiring extra passenger and luggage space. All services include complimentary in-car amenities.

Booking with Jasumo

For booking this private 10-hour Shakotan and Otaru Day Tour, or to arrange any custom tour departing from Sapporo, Niseko, or other cities, 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.

FAQs

What is the significance of the “Shakotan Blue” color of the ocean?

The “Shakotan Blue” refers to the unique, vivid cobalt blue color of the sea surrounding the Shakotan Peninsula. This clarity and color are caused by the high transparency of the water and the rich minerals carried by the deep currents, making it a recognized symbol of Hokkaido’s natural marine heritage.

What is the best time of day to visit the Otaru Canal during this tour?

For this 10-hour tour, the best time to visit Otaru is in the late afternoon and early evening. This timing allows you to see the contrast between the daytime historical buildings and the romantic view after dusk, when the gas lamps and street lights illuminate the canal and reflect off the water.

Is the trail walk at Cape Kamui suitable for everyone?

The walking trail to the tip of Cape Kamui, known as the Path of Charenka, is a well-maintained path, but it involves some ups and downs and takes approximately 40 minutes round-trip. It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for potential strong sea breezes at the cape.

Besides LeTAO, what other popular Otaru attractions can the taxi take us to?

Your private taxi can easily take you to other popular spots along Sakaimachi Street, including the Otaru Music Box Museum (with its famous steam clock), the Kitaichi Glass Otaru complex for glass art, and the Otaru Aquarium for marine life viewing, depending on your interests and time allowance.

What is the advantage of using a private taxi over a bus tour for this itinerary?

A private taxi offers crucial time savings for this long-distance tour, reducing travel time by using direct routes and eliminating waiting times. It also allows flexibility for an early start to visit Shakotan or a later finish in Otaru to see the night illumination, which is impossible with rigid public bus schedules.

Location