FAQs & TERMS
About the Tour
WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?
I think tour Sapporo with a native of Sapporo is a very unique experience unlike ordinary solo or group travel. I can explore around Sapporo with you as if you were friends of my best friends. Most typically local tours are visit the classic attractions, but I can customize a itinerary for your best day and we can explore a la carte destinations around Sapporo.
I think this tour is suitable for people like the following:
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want to stroll with a native of Sapporo
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want to same experience as locals (eating, drinking, outdoor, leisure etc.)
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want to visit unique places that not on the guidebook
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want to visit photogenic places for SNS
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want to speak Japanese with a native (all levels are OK)
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want to make a local friend
DO YOU DO EVERYTHING ALONE?
Yes. I will stroll a town with you.
ARE YOU A TOUR GUIDE-INTERPRETER?
I’m not a tour guide-interpreter, but the ‘guide-interpreter business law’ of Japan was changed in January 2018 and no license needed for paid tour guide business under this low. I have not received any reward from any companies and organizations.
IS IT AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR?
Yes, I speak English (conversational level) at all of the tours, but sorry don't expect fluent English. If you expect fluent English, I recommend a tour guide-interpreter. If you are studying or speak Japanese, I can also tour in plain Japanese. I can speak just a little Russian, too.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO IN SAPPORO (OR OTARU) ...
Are you interested in local arts, parks, museums, historic buildings, onsen, photogenic spots, shopping or food? I can organize a la carte itineraries in Sapporo (or Otaru etc.) for you on the tour day (shine or rain). Don't worry anything.
CAN YOU ORGANIZE PRIVATE TOURS FOR UNLISTED DESTINATIONS?
Yes, I’m a certified the Master of Hokkaido Tourism. Please contact me at first. From April to November, I can organize a day-trip private tour for unlisted destinations from Sapporo. I can draw make up an estimate for you, and I will send you an invoice by email after confirmed your booking. See also the Destination Map.
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Note: some destinations in Central Hokkaido might be able to cover by the Weekend Train Travel (Saturday, Sunday & holiday of April to November).
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU ACCEPT ON A TOUR?
I can accept your group up to 5 people. Of course, solo traveler is also very welcome.
If you want to using rental bikes, I can accept your group up to 3 people.
Additional costs are required for group of 2 or more people (e.g. Heart of Sapporo Stroll Tour with 2 adult: tour price 99USD for one-person + 25USD extra person = 124USD).
DO YOU USE A PRIVATE CAR (OR TAXI)?
I don't drive a car for all tours and can't arrange a private taxi. We will use public transport.
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
I'm not require to have a tourism insurance. I recommend you to take out travel insurance in your country or region. I will not bear full of responsibility for any accident and damage. Of course I will pay close attention to your safety.
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See also BOOKING & PAYMENT METHOD.
On the day
WHERE AND WHEN DO THE TOUR STARTS FROM?
Where: We meet at Sapporo Station, your hotel around Sapporo Station (between North 8 and South 1, and between West 7 and East 1) or near Odori Park you request. We can meet at your hotel around JR Shin-Sapporo Station, too.
When: I suggest that you meet at the meeting point 5 to 10 minutes prior to tour time. Meeting time can be changed according to your request.
Excursions: If you stay in Otaru or Asahikawa on the tour date, we can meet at JR Otaru Station or JR Asahikawa Station.
MY TRAIN WAS DELAYED (CANCELLED) ON THE TOUR DAY. WHAT SHOULD IN DO?
Don't panic. Please contact me your location and train by email or messenger. I can grasp the operation status of the train / bus / airplane on the internet. I will be able to change the meeting time or destinations of your tour. Refund is not available.
WHAT TO BRING?
Your tour's invoice (printed or screen of mail), walking shoes, smartphone or tablet device connected to wi-fi, camera, passport etc. Dress warmly in winter.
I'D LIKE TO HAVE A SPECIAL MEAL ...
I can take you to places to eat for Halal, Indian or vegetarian. Please contact me at first.
I DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL ...
Don't worry. All breweries and distilleries offer their fresh soft drinks (such as apple juice). Cafe stop is available you request.
WHERE WILL THE TOUR END?
All tours end wherever you request: back to JR Sapporo Station, at your hotel, at a restaurant, or wherever you wish to be at the end of the day. For example, Otaru Romantic Stroll Tour or Sapporo & Otaru Full-day Stroll Tour can be ended in your hotel in Otaru.