Venue

Completed in 1923, the Otaru Canal was once the strategic heart of Northern Japan’s international trade. During its golden era, it served as a vital hub connecting Hokkaido with Russia and the rest of Japan. This bustling waterway was the final destination for the legendary Kitamaebune cargo ships, which brought a wealth of goods from across the archipelago-from essential grains to the prized Hidaka Kelp "Kombu". While the world now knows "Kombucha" as a trendy fermented tea, this sea-harvested kelp was a true cornerstone of the region's culinary and economic prosperity.

Beyond maritime trade, Otaru’s wealth was fueled by the booming herring industry and its role as a major terminal for coal exports, which powered Japan’s industrialization. This immense prosperity gave rise to the iconic timber-framed stone warehouses that line the canal. These structures were meticulously engineered to endure Otaru’s brutal winters, where temperatures often plunge below -10°C (14°F). This unique architecture provided vital insulation, protecting precious cargo from the freezing elements while creating a rugged, enduring aesthetic that remains the soul of the city.

Today, these historic buildings have been carefully preserved and are now used as restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to enjoy the canal’s rich history and nostalgic atmosphere.

Today, these historic buildings have been carefully preserved and are now used as restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to enjoy the canal’s rich history and nostalgic atmosphere.

ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO is a brand-new American-style ballpark and entertainment district that opened in 2023, featuring restaurants, shops, and a unique open-roof stadium. This park is not only a baseball stadium but also a spacious park open to everyone. Surrounded by green areas and walkways, it allows visitors to enjoy baseball games, relax outdoors, and spend quality time with family and friends, creating a ballpark that blends sports, nature, and daily life.
Note: There will be no baseball game on the day of the tour.

Hitsujigaoka observatory is a well-known scenic spot in Sapporo, famous for its peaceful pastureland and the statue of Dr. William S. Clark, an iconic symbol of Sapporo. Clark inspired young Japanese students while introducing Western-style higher education in the early Meiji period (1870s). He is widely known in Japan for his famous phrase, “Boys, be ambitious!”, which is often quoted in its original English. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with grazing sheep, seasonal flowers, and panoramic views over the Sapporo cityscape below. The observatory reflects the pioneer spirit of Hokkaido and offers a calm escape from the city, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and cultural exploration throughout the year.

Hokkaido shrine was established in 1871 and is the most important Shinto shrine in Sapporo. Shinto is Japan’s indigenous national religion, and shrines are sacred sites dedicated to nature spirits known as kami. Visitors can observe traditional Japanese wooden shrine architecture and enjoy the calm atmosphere of a forested shrine area even in the middle of the city.
Note: Visitors are welcome to observe the shrine and its surroundings as a cultural site. Participation in religious practices is entirely optional.

Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is a historic ski jump venue in Japan, best known for hosting the ski jumping events of the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. The stadium continues to host major ski jumping competitions, including World Cup events. and winter sports heritage.

In addition to observing the chocolate production line, you can enjoy the Sweets Making Workshop, where you can make a heart-shaped Shiroi Koibito (about 14 cm) and relax at the Chocolate Lounge.