Things To Do
in Otaru
Otaru is a historic port town on Hokkaido’s northwest coast known for its preserved canal, red-brick warehouses and charming Sakaimachi shopping street. Once a bustling trade hub, it retains a nostalgic late-19th/early-20th-century atmosphere with glassworks, music boxes and seafood markets. The city is famous for exceptionally fresh seafood—especially sushi, kaisendon and uni—and for sweets like LeTAO cheesecake.
Surrounded by hills and coastline, Otaru is a compact base for short hikes, coastal drives to the Shakotan Peninsula and winter activities in nearby resorts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Otaru and check into your hotel, taking a moment to unwind after your journey. After settling in, head out to explore the charming streets lined with historical buildings and quaint shops. Don't forget to sample some fresh seafood at a local market as you wander through the area.
Visit the Otaru Canal, where you can take a leisurely stroll alongside the picturesque waterfront. Stop by the Music Box Museum to discover unique musical creations and learn about the craft. Enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in glassblowing at one of the local studios before finding a cozy café for a relaxing break.
As the sun sets, savor a delicious dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the canal. Take a night walk along the lit pathways, soaking in the romantic ambiance offered by the gentle glow of the lanterns. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the moonlight reflecting off the canal’s surface.
Start your day with a visit to the Otaru City Museum, where you can explore the area's rich maritime history. Following your museum tour, refresh yourself at a local bakery with a famous cream puff, a special treat of the region. Take some time to appreciate the architecture of the former Otaru Warehouse district.
Continue your cultural journey at the Otaru Art Base, which showcases a variety of artworks and exhibitions. Later, enjoy a stroll through the historic Sakaimachi Street, browsing artisanal shops for unique souvenirs. Stop for a break at a tea house and experience traditional Japanese tea service.
Wrap up your day with a visit to a traditional onsen, where you can relax and immerse yourself in the soothing waters. Enjoy the tranquil setting as you reflect on the day's experiences. For dinner, seek out a local izakaya and indulge in a menu full of delightful Japanese small plates.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Mid-range sushi or dinner | $25-50 |
| ☕Coffee or dessert at a cafe | $3-7 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚆Local train/bus fare (short trip) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich seafood and excellent local sweets (LeTAO, fresh sushi)
- Well-preserved historic architecture and photogenic canal
- Close to scenic coastal areas (Shakotan) and nearby ski resorts
- Compact and walkable city with easy day-trip options
- Winter can be harsh with heavy snow and icy conditions
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options compared with larger cities
- Some small businesses are cash-only and English may be limited
- Peak tourist times can make popular streets crowded
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry / Thank you for your trouble
- "おいしいです (Oishii desu)" - It's delicious
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?)" - How much is it?
- "英語は通じますか？ (Eigo wa tsuujimasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Otaru
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic canal lined with Victorian-style warehouses; best at dawn or dusk when gas lamps and reflections create atmospheric shots.
Quaint merchant street with glassware shops, wooden storefronts and old-school signage—excellent for detail shots and street scenes.
Panoramic vantage point above the city offering sweeping views of Otaru, the port and the Sea of Japan—spectacular at sunset.
Colorful seafood displays, bustling vendors and kaisendon bowls make vivid culinary photography subjects.
Red-brick warehouses, old stone structures and industrial architecture that evoke Otaru’s trading past.
A bit farther afield but worth the trip: dramatic cliffs, clear aqua waters and scenic coastal panoramas.
Food in Otaru
Otaru Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh nigiri and sashimi served at small counters and sushi restaurants along Sakaimachi and near the canal—look for uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe) and local salmon.
Must-Try!
A rice bowl piled high with assorted fresh seafood from the day—common at Sankaku Market and neighborhood seafood stalls.
Famous Hokkaido-style cheesecakes, parfaits and sweets from LeTAO’s flagship shops—great for dessert or take-home gifts.
A Hokkaido variation on karaage—juicy, marinated fried chicken sold in izakayas and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small seafood market near the canal where vendors sell fresh fish, shellfish, kaisendon and grilled seafood snacks—ideal for sampling local catches.
Touristy shopping street with street-food stalls, glass and sweet shops; try grilled scallops, croquettes and soft-serve featuring local dairy.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Speak quietly in public spaces, avoid loud phone calls on trains and be polite with staff; bowing and a respectful tone go a long way.
Remove shoes when entering traditional accommodations, some restaurants and private homes; slippers may be provided—follow hosts’ cues.
Form orderly lines for trains, bus boarding and popular shops; cutting queues is frowned upon.
Public trash bins are limited; separate recyclables when bins are available and carry trash until you can properly dispose of it.
Ask permission before photographing people up close and avoid entering private property for photos; be mindful at religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Otaru
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is already included. In rare cases, a small gift or polite thank-you is appreciated instead of money.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—many small shops and markets are cash-only. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and stores. IC transit cards (Kitaca, Suica) and international ATMs (7-Eleven, Japan Post) are useful for withdrawals and transit.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late April–May brings cool weather and the start of cherry blossoms in lower elevations; some attractions reopen after winter. Expect temperatures from around 5–15°C (41–59°F).
June–August is mild and pleasant—Hokkaido summers are cooler than mainland Japan, with comfortable daytime temperatures (18–25°C / 64–77°F) and ideal conditions for coastal drives and hiking.
September–November offers crisp air and vibrant fall foliage (best in October), especially on hillsides and nearby mountains; pack layers for rapidly changing temperatures.
December–March brings heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures and a festive winter atmosphere; sidewalks can be icy, and the Snow Light Path Festival in February is a highlight—dress warmly and use traction on shoes.
Otaru at Night
Hiking in Otaru
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails and observation areas above Otaru accessible by ropeway or foot; offers panoramic views of the city and sea—good for sunrise/sunset photography.
Coastal hiking with dramatic cliffs, clear waters and rugged scenery—about an hour’s drive from Otaru and ideal for summer/fall explorations.
Gentle riverside routes near Yoichi (home to Nikka Whisky) combining rural scenery, orchards and light hiking—good for relaxed nature walks.
Larger mountain area near Sapporo offering longer hikes and alpine scenery; accessible by car or public transport for a full-day excursion.
Airports
How to reach Otaru by plane.
Hokkaido’s main international gateway near Sapporo. Travel to Otaru takes about 70–100 minutes by train (JR from New Chitose to Sapporo, then Hakodate Line to Otaru) or roughly 60–90 minutes by express bus depending on service and traffic.
A smaller domestic airport serving some regional flights; located north of Sapporo. Reaching Otaru typically requires transfer via city transport to JR lines or bus and takes longer than direct access from New Chitose.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time families involved in fishing, retail and tourism, with an aging population common across regional Japan.
Many visitors from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan visit on weekends and holidays, especially in summer and winter festival seasons.
Visitors from nearby countries (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong) and further afield seeking seafood, historic streetscapes and access to Hokkaido’s nature.
Small community of craftsmen (glassblowers, pastry chefs) and seasonal hospitality workers supporting tourism-driven businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hokkaido is world-renowned for powder snow; many visitors base themselves in Otaru for day trips to nearby resorts like Teine or Niseko for downhill sports in winter.
Like much of Japan, baseball and soccer are popular spectator and participatory sports with local amateur teams and school-level activity.
Ice hockey has a presence in Hokkaido due to cold winters and community rinks.
Coastal and recreational fishing are common pastimes among locals and tourists along the Sea of Japan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Otaru.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are more limited due to seafood focus, but many cafes and some izakayas offer vegetable tempura, rice, salads and udon/soba. Ask for 'vegetarian' (ベジタリアン) and specify no dashi (fish stock) when possible.
Vegan meals require more effort—western-style cafes may provide plant-based options, but request no fish broth and confirm ingredients. Convenience stores have limited vegan snacks, and bringing a translation card helps.
Gluten-free dining can be challenging because soy sauce and tempura batter contain gluten. Look for plain grilled fish, rice bowls without soy-based sauces, and inform staff about the restriction; packaged gluten-free snacks are available in larger supermarkets.