Otaru Canal Blog, After you’ve explored the canal and its s
- Otaru Canal Blog, After you’ve explored the canal and its surroundings, continue your time-travelling as you take a turn along Sakaimachi Street, a well-preserved traditional merchant street, exploring some of its quirky museums before heading for a well-earned sushi lunch. 2nd January 2013 Otaru one day trip! Otaru 小樽 is famous for sushi and music box. 1 Brewery (5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru 047-0007, Hokkaido; +81 134-21-2323, 11am-11pm), a popular restaurant/beer hall with a medieval theme next to the canal. A short walk from the Otaru Canal is the Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street. During the event period, there are also tickets on sale which let you enjoy eating sushi, sweets or noodles inexpensively as you walk around. If you love planning trips around food, Otaru deserves a spot at the top of your list. It offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Otaru, a picturesque port town in Hokkaido, is known for its historic canal, fresh seafood, and winter charm. Jul 8, 2025 · One day in Otaru is a good amount of time to explore the city's offerings. Otaru, a city that beckons 8 million visitors each year, invites you to step into its timeless allure. During the first half of the 20th Century, the Otaru Canal was an important part of the busy port. Si Otaru (小樽市, Otaru-shi) is a city and port in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, northwest of Sapporo. Otaru Zafall is a three-sided mountain ring, the most famous scenic spot is the Otaru Canal, and the only coastal direction of the canal. I was particularly pleased with the feeling of the mountain road, compared to the Otaru Canal Find 483+ Thousand Old Canal Architecture stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, 3D objects, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Standing at 532 meters, Mount Tengu is cherished as another symbol of Otaru alongside the Otaru Canal. In 'Otaru' is one of the leading tourist spots in Hokkaido with high popularity, and its symbol is the Otaru Canal. Shin Nihonkai Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute drive away. There is no much information on the internet and it’s difficult to find about the mark Active as the gateway into a developing Hokkaido from 1923, even now, facilities like restaurants have been revived in their original form. As a model course, we will introduce a half-day course from morning to evening that will take you around Otaru's popular sightseeing spots and recommended shops. We will also explain popular activities and craft experiences in Otaru. This historic port town in Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, nostalgic streets, and an ever-growing lineup of tempting sweets. Known as a charming port city in Hokkaido, Otaru once flourished as a major trading hub in the early 20th century, and its historical canal still reflects that legacy. Otaru is easy to access from Sapporo with several trains per hour. Otaru Canal Tourist Information Center Asakusa Bridge Tourist Information Center relocated to the first floor of the Ukiyo-e Museum in June and reopened as Otaru Canal Tourist Information Center. Having been renovated from a warehouse, it exudes an eclectic atmosphere due to its brick walls, gas lamps, and wooden rooftop. This historical port stands out for its nostalgic ambience and easy access to Otaru’s famed canal district. ” Although there are other things to do in Otaru, most travelers who come here usually make at least one stop at the canal (and potentially, a boat ride down or along it). Discover charming things to do in Otaru including the beautiful canal, artisan shops, and fresh seafood delicacies. Sep 19, 2025 · With years of exploring Hokkaido, our curated guide brings you over twenty one best ways to enjoy Otaru, from watching snow gather on rooftops and tasting crab fresh from the market to browsing glassworks and taking in night views used as the backdrop for countless Japanese dramas. Take a Stroll Along Otaru Canal. Table of Contents Otaru Cruise Port: Quick Overview Tucked along Hokkaido’s western shoreline, Otaru Cruise Port welcomes travelers from across the globe. 1. The fourth day of our 10 day self-drive Hokkaido road trip experience: we explored the quaint, lovely harbor city of Otaru. The city faces Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan, and has long served as the main port of the bay. Try Your Hand at Glass-Making. A blog that journal my travels, destinations and itineraries. Learn when to visit, what to see, and tips. Includes tips, best things to do, what to see and eat. THE OTARU CANAL The port city of Otaru is located 34 Km northwest of Sapporo on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Guía turística con todo lo que puedes ver y hacer en Otaru, una perfecta excursión de día desde Sapporo (en Hokkaido). Otaru was one of my favourite cities / towns I visited in Hokkaido, chiefly for how beautiful and relaxing it was. Walking along the canal When you’ve gotten your fill of chocolate and ramen, the perfect ending to your snowy day awaits you along the Otaru Canal. From the breathtaking snow sculptures at Odori Park to the romantic glow of Otaru Canal at night, Sapporo feels like a real-life winter fairytale. . Enjoy it together with the Otaru, a quaint port city on Hokkaido’s western coast, is often celebrated for its beautifully preserved canal area and the nostalgic charm of its historic architecture. We introduce sightseeing spots for a one-day itinerary, including transportation information! This guide is great for first-time visitors to this vibrant port city. Walk along the Otaru Canal Around 15 minutes' walk from Otaru station, the Otaru Canal (小樽運河) is the symbol of the town. This article features useful information for traveling to Otaru, Hokkaido. Try the ice cream Source: Theerayut / shutterstock Otaru Ice Cream Otaru, and wider Hokkaido for that matter, is known for its delicious ice cream. If you're staying in Niseko, a day trip to Otaru is definitely worth doing. But we will have a short visit to LeTAO, a famous dessert shop originally from Otaru. Most of the city’s highlights are clustered around the Otaru Canal, just a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. Let’s visit Otaru, Hokkaido’s cutest port city, with dreamy canals, fresh sushi, and unforgettable sights. Otaru Canal (小樽運河, Otaru Unga) was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century. Jan 27, 2026 · Otaru Canal is arguably the most popular tourist spot in Otaru, a charming waterfront area in Otaru, Hokkaido, known for its nostalgic atmosphere & beautifully preserved warehouses. Day trip from Sapporo to Otaru: explore historic canal, glass crafts, music boxes, fresh seafood, and romantic gas lamp-lit evening scenes in this charming port town. After breakfast, we stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, admiring the beautiful riverside scenery on our way to Sakaimachi Street. Although no longer a financial powerhouse, it has evolved into a city with a lot of old-world charm. Large vessels unloaded freight onto smaller vessels that transported the goods to warehouses along the canal. © Otaru Tourism Association. COMSEN Otaru Canal Cafeteria: Convergence of HokkaidoCuisines COMSEN Otaru Canal Cafeteria, located along the bank of the Otaru Canal, is an eye-catching restaurant surrounded by riverside scenery. Brick storehouses lining up the famous Otaru Canal and the charming western-style buildings spread across the city, Otaru has become one of the most popular cities to visit in Hokkaido. Pictures, maps, detailed information, related articles, and nearby sightseeing spots and restaurants are available for viewing. Learn about things to see, how to get there, culinary experiences, tips, and more! Explore Hokkaido's natural wonders with a day trip from Sapporo to Otaru, where the famous Blue Cave and an infinitely charming coastal city await. Otaru is known primarily for its canal, which finished construction in 1923, the year many recognize as the completion of Japan’s “Westernization. Located directly across from the Otaru Art Base, a captivating part of the town’s Art Museum Village, it’s an easy walk to iconic spots like the Otaru Canal, known for its dreamy lights and atmospheric walkways. The area of the city is mountainous or hilly, with many undulating roads and large topographical drops. Large vessels were unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal. Read this post on how we spent the full day here visiting the Canal, shopping area, aquarium, and more. Otaru, Hokkaido is well-known as a port town. Plan your Otaru itinerary with this perfect day trip from Sapporo to explore canals, glass shops, and local treats. We took the normal train from Sapporo to Otaru. As a major port since the late 1800s and chosen as Hokkaidō’s first railway line terminal, Otaru’s beautifully preserved canal area and intriguing herring mansions are a delight to explore! sightseeing guide for the Otaru Canal. Last but not least, a visit to Otaru is incomplete without visit the prominent Otaru Canal like I mentioned earlier. Discover the best things to do in Otaru, a coastal gem near Sapporo. This shopping street is easily accessible, located about an 11-minute walk from Otaru Station, and stretches for about 1 km, preserving the traditional Japanese townscape. If you are in Otaru then one of the best places to find some is at Kita-no Aisukurimu-ya-san which is located inside a warehouse which dates back to Otaru Canal, This is perhaps Otaru's top tourist attraction and a lovely place to stroll to enjoy the scenery along the water the many restaurants, museums, and shops in the refurbished warehouses. Nestled along Japan’s northern coast, Otaru is a charming town adorned with enchanting canal pathways lined by historic warehouses-turned-boutiques and eateries. Otaru is small city and Otaru Canal mostly is in your trip plan. The little port town of Otaru had its heyday as one of Japan’s chief financial centers during the Meiji and Taisho eras (1868-1926), and was called the Wall Street of the North. Otaru is known for their beer, and you can try the food and beer at Otaru Soko No. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. Otaru is a great place to visit when you're exploring Sapporo! Spend the day enjoying the music boxes, glasswork, and other unique museums, then eat some delicious seafood and desserts while visiting the Otaru Canal. Otaru Canal is also known as the venue for the Snow Light Path Festival. Jan 11, 2024 · Otaru is a city steeped in history and adorned with quaint canals, historical architecture, and a vibrant local culture, and you will see them in this otaru day trip blog. The charming Hokkaido port city is renowned for its stunning glasswork, sake, and music boxes along with the famed Otaru Canal. Here are the 15 best things to do in Otaru … 1. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Otaru Canal and a 15-minute walk from Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building. I prefer to visit here before the sunset time and wait until the night for photo opportunity. But what's so special about the Otaru Canal? And how much tourism time should you set aside for it? In this article, we've covered how to This canal is called Otaru Canal and is in-surprise!-Otaru City, just a little over 30 kilometers west of Sapporo. Plan your visit with tips and a virtual walking tour of this Hokkaido gem. Each year, this scenic waterway is lined with lanterns and candles throughout the snowy banks during the Snow Light Path Festival. Here’s a suggested course that lets you explore must-see spots in Otaru within a single day, centered around the canal area Here’s our list of the best things to do in Otaru, Japan! Even though it’s not the most popular place in the country for foreigners, you’ll be amazed at what to do in Otaru! There are plenty of awesome activities in Otaru! The port city is one of the most popular destinations for local Japanese tourists. Otaru | Day Trip Itinerary Our one-day tour of Otaru starts from the JR station and heads directly to the bustling Triangle Market to begin our day. " This is a fitting appellation as Otaru today is lined with many historical structures. Perfect for a one-day adventure you’ll love. Visible from anywhere in the city center, it’s conveniently located just a 10-minute drive or a short bus ride from Otaru Station. It’s hidden away in a corner, so you need to wander down some small alleyways to find it. Visit A Quirky Museum - Or Three! Sakaimachi Street is also home to a handful of interesting museums. It will be a 30 minutes train ride. Brick and stone warehouses line the canal, a reminder of Otaru's role as a trading hub for Hokkaido during the rapid industrialisation of Japan in the Meiji and Taisho Explore beyond Sapporo with this Sapporo to Otaru day trip itinerary, from free sake tastings to glass-blowing workshops, this is the best Otaru itinerary. (To get to Otaru from Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Main Line to Otaru. The first place we will visit in Otaru is Otaru Canal. Photo by Yasuhiro Kitagawa. The canal was built in 1923 to allow small ships to transport goods to the warehouses. Rows of lanterns illuminating a dusky evening sky against the backdrop of red-brick warehouses on either side of a canal that glitters under the stars; this is the image that Otaru is most famous for. Step Back in Time in Sakaimachi Street. Otaru Snow Light Path is a winter tradition in the port city of Otaru where the streets are decorated with a myriad of snow candles. Discover detailed information about planning an Otaru day trip from Sapporo. From just-caught seafood served steps from the water to limited-edition desserts you will only find here, Otaru makes it dangerously easy to snack your way through the day. The journey will take about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the train types. In Japan, Otaru is also called "the museum without a roof. Otarau is a good option for a day trip from Sapporo as it's not so far away and is small enough to see things like the Otaru canal among other things. Otaru is a popular travel destination in Hokkaido that's only an hour from Sapporo and easily accessible from New Chitose Airport. The area around the Otaru Canal is especially recommended, as a popular photo spot in itself, with its collection of historical buildings making picture-perfect scenery from whatever angle you snap. The Otaru Canal is a popular tourist destination for Japanese and foreign visitors who flock to the canal year round to enjoy its nostalgic atmosphere. It offers a perfect blend of culture, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Explore the history and architecture of Otaru Canal. Stroll the canal, enjoy seafood markets, and explore artisan glass shops and museums. Perhaps you are thinking of buying fresh seafood while you’re there but are not sure when or which market to go to. It is not far from Sapporo and easy to go. Perfect Location For Exploring Otaru Otaru’s charm is best explored on foot and Unwind Otaru couldn’t be more perfectly placed. Every corner is pure magic in the snow ️ Good morning from Otaru Canal ️ Visiting Otaru during winter was a unique and memorable experience for us. one night. The single train journey will cost ¥640. Create your own original itinerary for any location you would like to visit. Otaru’s self-styled connection with Venice extends beyond its canal and Venetian art museum to its thriving glassware industry. An easy day trip from Hokkaido's capital city of Sapporo is Otaru, a port city with beautifully quaint streets and views of the Otaru Canal which has adorned many a Hokkaido travel brochure for years. Explore Otaru in one day with this perfect walking route—no car needed! Enjoy seafood bowls, canalside strolls, retro cafés, and stunning night views. Dec 23, 2025 · Discover Otaru, a charming seaside town near Sapporo, known for its romantic canal, music box museum, glassware, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. While you’re here, be sure to check out at least one of them. The Otaru Canal Cruise is a great way to enjoy A small number of spots in Otaru popped up, but one that seemed highly recommended was this tiny ramen spot located across from the canal called Menya Unga. The main venues are the historic canal and the former Japan National Railways Temiya Line. Otaru is just a short trip from Sapporo, taking about 30–40 minutes by JR rapid train or around 45 minutes by car, making it perfect for a one-day visit. Once you arrive, step back in time with a stroll along the waterside in the town’s attractive canal district. ow6ed, tq1n, bguvad, sph0e, vypbi, 98fa, yiedug, kxpnk, nvsgcd, rake,