Located in the northwest corner of Japan, Otaru is located on Hokkaido facing Ishikari Bay. The port city is about a 25-minute drive away from Sapporo and Otaru itself has become a popular place of tourism in Japan over recent years as there are ski resorts and beautiful onsens that are nearby. Not only that, but Otaru is a great haven for foodies as there are a ton of amazing places to have sushi as well as the famous Otaru Beer. Some of the freshest sushi can be found here and Otaru is home to the famous Otaru rainbow tower ice cream. If you’re visiting Japan soon, you must consider planning a sojourn in Otaru and staying in one of the comfiest Airbnb vacation rentals. In the meantime, scroll down for a list of the top things to do in Otaru, Japan.
1. Try Otaru Beer at Otaru Warehouse No.1
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Otaru Warehouse No.1 is a historic building that was originally a warehouse for herring. The building was then restored and converted as a microbrewery in 1995. Visitors can enjoy a free tour of the brewery that runs every 30 minutes from 11.10am to 5.40pm - no prior reservations are required. On the tour, you will learn about the history, ingredients, as well as the process of manufacturing Otaru Beer.
Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant area accompanied by a specially brewed Otaru Beer.
Otaru Warehouse No.1
Address: 〒047-0007 Hokkaido, Otaru, Minatomachi, 5−4 小樽運河倉庫群
Website: Otaru Warehouse No.1
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
2. Shop for antiques at Antique Daisho Roman
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Your itinerary in Japan is not complete until you have dropped by Antique Daisho Roman in Otaru. Just off the Sakaimachi shopping road, you’ll find the fascinating antique store that’s a treasure trove of unique items. It’s packed with furniture, serving ware, pictures, ornaments, and thousands of trinkets. The friendly couple who run the store welcome visitors to check out their wares and also offer a cozy little tea and coffee shop.
The coffee store makes for a quaint spot to sit and sip on something warm and enjoy the interesting surroundings. The menu, although small, is very affordable, with coffee, tea, and an iced coffee. While there are only two tables available, it’s the perfect place to take a break from the busy tourist season and enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds while exploring the sights and shops of Otaru.
Antique Daisho Roman
Address: 3-19 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027
3. Go on a night cruise along the Otaru Canal
This night cruise is one of the best things to do in the city when you arrive here. The canal is home to a few landmarks and attractions and one of the things that makes this part of town so special is the fact that the streets and walkways are lined with old-style victorian nightlamps. Moreover, the bustling nightlife of Otaru can be found here with bars, cafes, restaurants, and vendors. Take a romantic stroll through one of the nicest parts of town.
Otaru Canal
Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan
Website: Otaru Canal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Enjoy the glittering lights of the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
As the city is in the northern part of Japan, expect a lot of snow and cold weather in the winter in Otaru. Although it might be cold, that doesn’t stop the locals from celebrating. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is held in the month of February and the whole city becomes decorated in lights and snow statues for 10 days. The townspeople light up the city with little lanterns giving Otaru a beautiful candlelight ambiance. Don’t miss out if you’re here in February.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Address: Otaru Station, Otaru Hokkaido, Japan
Website: Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Pick up sightseeing guides at the Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Now, simply just visiting a tourist information center is not exactly a very exciting thing to do while you’re on vacation but this one is a little different and worth your time. The Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center is located in an old warehouse that itself has been designated a national historic building. Of course, if you visit, you can pick up some maps and info about Otaru but there is also a tea area here as well as a shopping area to pick up local goods.
Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center
Address: Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 2-1-20
Website: Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Visit The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Not only is this museum a fascinating look at the history of the yen and the history of the economic development of Otaru but the building itself is a little bit of an anomaly. Built in 1912, the building is very much built in the style of a Western European building more than a traditional Japanese one of the same period. The building was the first bank of Japan located in Otaru and it now provides an atmospheric setting for displays of the bank’s history.
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Address: 1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Website: The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Spend the night at Hotel Vibrant Otaru
At the height of Otaru’s bustling economy in the 1920s, many buildings in the area have been built including banks. This bank was built on the northern part of the Wall Street and it was built in 1923. This bank was built with a large atrium-style ceiling leading to the second floor and providing lots of natural light for the entire building with its large vaulted ceiling. Today, the bank has been renovated to be a hotel where guests can come and relax and book a room or just visit and check out the old bank vault that still stands in the lobby.
Hotel Vibrant Otaru
Address: Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 1-3-1
Website: Hotel Vibrant Otaru
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Price: Free
8. Browse famous Japanese works at the Otaru Literary Museum
The Otaru Literary Museum is the perfect place for people to come and see real cultural artifacts from Otaru’s literary personalities. Otaru was a popular gathering place for many of Japan’s literary circles and this museum was opened in 1978 as a means to preserve the manuscripts, notes, magazines, and letters from some of Japan’s and Otaru’s writers.
Otaru Literary Museum
Address: 1 Chome-9-5 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Website: Otaru Literary Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD
9. Take photos at the rail tracks of Temiya Line
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Originally constructed as the Honori Railway, this first railway in Hokkaido, the Temiya Line, ran through Otaru to Tamiya. The railway was a government operated railway line that was used to transport coal and marine products to and from Otaru. Now the railway is defunct and there are no more trains running on it, but the Otaru Memorial Museum maintains the site as a tourist destination and people can walk along the tracks and enjoy the sights.
Temiya Line
Address: 1 Chome-15-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Website: Temiya Line
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Check out the cherry blossoms at Tenjo-ji Temple
The Tenjo-ji Temple is located a little outside the town center and it is more in a residential part of the city. But the Tenjo-ji Temple is one of the best places in the city to observe the cherry blossoms blooming in May. The temple itself is not very big but that’s fine as there won’t be too many people here. The Tenjo-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple built in 1882 and it has fortune-tellers about on certain days.
Tenjo-ji Temple
Address: 4 Chome-32-1 Irifune, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0021, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Explore the boutiques and snack stalls of Komachi Dori
No trip to Japan is complete without trying some of the best snacks and food the country has to offer. Each region in Japan typically has its own specialty food and Otaru is no different. Komachi Dori is where you’ll find all the good snack stalls and little boutique shops so if you’re looking to wander around, try some local delicacies and maybe shop a little, this is the spot to do it.
Komachi Dori
Address: Komachi Dori, Otaru, Hokkaido Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
12. Create your own glass ornaments at Otaru Taishu Glass Palace
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Otaru Taishu Glass Palace is a cool and unique place to check out while you’re visiting Otaru. Located in an old building built in 1906, it was repurposed to house the Otaru Taishu Glass Palace. In the store, there are exhibitions of Japanese-style glass works made in Otaru that are available for purchase. There are also workshops available for people to try their hand at glass-making, which is a great way to walk away from Otaru with a really cool and unique souvenir.
Otaru Taishu Glass Palace
Address: 1 Chome-1-8 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Website: Otaru Taishu Glass Palace
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 30 USD
13. Have tea at Kitaichi Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience that is really out of this world, then Kitaichi Hall is a place you shouldn’t miss. Kitaichi Hall is named after the Kitcaichi Glass company which started their business in Otaru, in 1901, selling oil lamps. The space in Kitaichi Hall is lit up by 167 gas petroleum lamps giving the atmosphere a really calmly lit and ethereal vibe. Enjoy cakes, sweets, coffee, and tea in one of Otaru’s most beautiful cafes.
Kitaichi Hall
Address: 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
Website: Kitaichi Hall
Opening hours: 8:45am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 20 USD
14. Stop by the fascinating Marchen Crossroads
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re the type to enjoy walking around a city and just taking in the sights and daily life of its locals, then make sure you walk on over to Marchen Crossroads. This part of the city is home to a few cool shops and restaurants as well as some interesting tourist attractions like Otaru Music Box Museum and the weird whistling steam-powered clock. There is also the street light in the shape of an old lighthouse that is an homage to Otaru’s maritime past.
Marchen Crossroads
Address: Sakaimachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building
Otaru has a lot of interesting places to check out and the Otaru Music Box Museum is certainly one of the most unique places around town to visit. The museum is housed in an old building with creaking wooden floors (which adds to the aesthetic of the museum) and it is home to thousands of music boxes. Collections range from all over the world with a range of music boxes from historic periods like Meiji-era Japan.
Otaru Music Box Museum
Address: 4-4-1 住吉町 Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan
Website: Otaru Music Box Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
16. Sample the drinks at Tanaka Sake Brewery
Located only a short stroll away from the Minami Otaru Station, the Tanaka Sake Brewing Company is an Otaru staple. They are the only Sake brewers in Otaru proudly making the Takaragawa brand of sake and rice wine for cooking. The building that the Tanaka Sake Brewery is located in was built in 1906 and it is located in a beautiful stone-mason warehouse that is designated as a national historic building. There’s a store on-site where guests can purchase a variety of sakes, including seasonal flavors, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a tour of the facilities and learn about the whole sake brewing process.
Tanaka Sake Brewery
Address: 3-2-5 Ironai,Otaru,047-0031, 2, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Website: Tanaka Sake Brewery
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 30 USD
17. Explore the historic buildings along Otaru Canal's north bank
The Canal is one of Otaru’s most important places in the city. It is home to many restaurants and stores flanking its banks, and in the past, it was arguably the heart that kept the city going. The canal was used to ship things to and from the city and as such, there are a lot of old stone buildings in the area that were built around the turn of the century. Eventually, with modern shipping ports at the canals were no longer really needed and thanks to the citizens of Otaru, they kept the canals instead of just turning them into a landfilled area. The historic buildings along these canals are beautiful and well preserved (with most still in use!)
Otaru Canal's north bank
Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan
Website: Otaru Canal’s north bank
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
18. Learn about the area's railway history at Otaru Railway Museum
The Otaru Railway Museum is located right outside of the Otaru City Museum. The railway is located quite conveniently on the former site of the terminal of Hokkaido’s first railway station. The railway once connected the city of Otaru with the city of Sapporo. A variety of trains from different eras are located here, that can be viewed and explored while learning about the trains themselves and the development of the city itself. There are multiple displays in English as well so if you don’t speak Japanese, you’re in luck.
Otaru Railway Museum
Address: 1 Chome-3-6 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0041, Japan
Website: Otaru Railway Museum
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
19. Visit the Yujiro Ishihara memorial at Otaru Station
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yujiro Ishihara was known as the Japanese Elvis Presley. A movie star in post-war Japan, Yujiro Ishihara spent much of his childhood in Otaru where his father worked. Yujiro Ishihara became one of Japan’s biggest celebrities known for his singing and acting roles often starring as a macho-man hero in his roles. Otaru is home to a Yujiro Ishihara memorial in the Otaru station where a plaque commemorates the star’s life and his time spent here in Otaru. He died in 1987 at the age of 52 due to liver cancer, but he is remembered through documentaries about him. His image is also seen on postage stamps and there are lots of books that narrate his story.
Otaru Station's Yujiro Ishihara comemorative plaque
Address: Otaru Station, Platform 4, Hokkaido Japan.
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
20. Get picturesque views of the harbor from Wing Bay Otaru
This spot is located right across the bay in the Wing Bay Otaru shopping mall. If you’re looking for a cool way to spend an afternoon at the bay on a nice summer day, head to the shopping mall, pick up some snacks and head across the street to the waterfront and watch the boats and waves go by. The Wing Bay shopping mall is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, where you can find just about anything, but its location across from the bay is what really makes it special.
Wing Bay Otaru
Address: 11 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0008, Japan
Website: Wing Bay Otaru
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
21. Drop by at Tomioka Catholic Church
Otaru used to be a port city and this has led it to expand and grow. The city also opened itself up to trade with the west after Japan’s period of seclusion and as such, there has been a rise of Christian missionaries coming to Japan. Since then, there have a been a few churches built in the country and the Tomioka Catholic Church is one of Japan’s oldest Catholic churches. The Tomioka Catholic Church has a beautiful octagonal bell tower and it was built in 1929, incorporating western-style gothic architecture as well as Otaru’s traditions in glass making.
Tomioka Catholic Church
Address: 1 Chome-21-25 Tomioka, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0033, Japan
Website: Tomioka Catholic Church
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
22. Gaze at glittering Otaru from the Asahi Observatory
The Asahi Observatory is an absolute must-visit for people spending a day or two in Otaru. Located above the city and just a short walk away from the Otaru Train Station, the Asahi Observatory is a brisk climb up a hill, through the paved walking paths before you get to the observatory proper. It’s definitely worth your time to come and visit both during the day and at night, as you’ll enjoy two different magnificent views.
Asahi Observatory
Address: 2 Chome Tomioka, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0033, Japan
Website: Asahi Observatory
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
23. Ski down the scenic slopes of Tenguyama
Located just southwest of the city, Mt. Tenguyama is a well-known landmark for the people of Otaru. The mountain is the largest in the city and its snow-capped peaks make it a popular ski resort destination for the winter months. There is a cable car system that can take people up the mountain, so you don’t have to make the climb up on foot, and once you are at the top, there is an observation deck, so make sure that you bring a camera and get some of the best views in Otaru.
Mt. Tenguyama
Address: 2 Chome Tenguyama, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
24. Visit the historic fishermen homes at Otaru Nishin Goten
Fishing and sailing were two things in Otaru’s history that have essentially made the city what it is. Take a trip back in time to visit the homes and explore the lifestyle of Otaru’s Herring fishermen. Large fortunes were made from fishing herring here, fortunes that went from the city’s start to about the 1950s. Because the industry was booming so much, many fishermen got rich and built Nishin Goten or “Herring Mansions” in English. Dating back to the 19th century, many of these mansions still exist and are worth a visit
Otaru Nishin Goten
Address: 3 Chome-228 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
Website: Otaru Nishin Goten
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
25. Tour the luxurious Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Continuing on the same line of Otaru’s fishing history is the Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall. This part of the experience was once home to the Aoyama family, a family that got very wealthy in the herring industry. The family spared no expense at building their mansion and so the entire villa is based on luxury with massive sprawling gardens and beautiful ornate rooms and architecture.
Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall
Address: 3 Chome-63 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
Website: Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
26. Watch a penguin feeding show at the Otaru Aquarium
For a city that placed so much of its history and importance on maritime business, you can bet that there is a great aquarium dedicated to the surrounding sea life of Otaru. The aquarium is very large and takes in over 35,000 visitors annually, coming to look at the displays of fish and, of course, to catch a penguin feeding show. There are over 250 different types of marine species available for people to observe, just make sure not to miss a show!
Otaru Aquarium
Address: 3 Chome-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
Website: Otaru Aquarium
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
27. Enjoy the view from the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Otaru has tons of great places to spend time outside and explore and take in amazing views of the city. The Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck is one of the most spectacular in the whole city as once you reach the top, you won’t even feel like you’re in a city as you’ll be looking out at the sea at the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. The Sea of Japan is on one side and the Nishin Goten is on the other. Catch the sun setting here or simply just marvel at the boats sailing by.
Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
Address: 3 Chome Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
Website: Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
28. Sample sweet Hokkaido wine at the Otaru Wine Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Now you might not consider Japan to have a very vast wine-producing region but you’d be wrong. Some of the best Japanese wine comes from Otaru and the Hokkaido region. For the adults out there who consider themselves wine connoisseurs, you might want to check out the amazing Otaru Wine Gallery. Tours of the gallery are offered for guests to come and taste some of the best wines around Otaru and if you’re not totally convinced to try Hokkaido wine, they have won many awards both in Japan and internationally.
Otaru Wine Gallery
Address: 1 Chome-130番地 Asarigawaonsen, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0154, Japan
Website: Otaru Wine Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 50 USD
29. Enjoy the coastal scenery from Kenashiyama View Point
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located about 470 meters (1541 feet) on the hillside of Mt Moashi, the Kenashiyama View Point might be easy to miss. Located along what’s known as the “maple route”, the lookout point is located between Akaigawa Village and Kutchan Town. The viewpoint here is stunning, where you can see the city of Otaru, Ishikari Bay, and the beautiful mountain ranges off in the distance. Although many people might not get the chance to, it is worth coming back to this spot in the different seasons as there will always be a different view, whether that’s the summer sunset over the bay or the leaves turning colors on the mountain.
Kenashiyama View Point
Address: Japan, 〒047-0011 Hokkaido, Otaru, Tenjin, 4 Chome−１
Website: Kenashiyama View Point
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
30. Stop for lovely lake views at Asari Dam
Asari Dam was completed in 1993 and it is currently managed by the Hokkaido Construction Department. But that information is not really relevant to the real reason why you should come here. Asari Dam made the Otarunai Lake, which was a name decided by the townspeople of Otaru once the dam was built. Take a stroll along the lake and marvel at its beauty. Walk across the dam and take or head to the nearby onsen and relax in the hot mineral water. There are tennis courts around as well as recreation spots around the dam as well.
Asari Dam
Address: 2 Chome Asarigawaonsen, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0154, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
31. Stroll through the lily fields at Onze Harukayama Yurien
There is so much natural beauty around Otaru that you can spend your whole time here just lounging in nature and taking pictures of the beautiful landscapes that surround the city. Onze Harukayama Yurien is one of the prettiest spots around town. The massive Lilly fields are perfect for a day out in the summer. Take one of the cable cars to the top of the nearby hills and gaze out at the never-ending fields that are full of lilies, and the Sea of Japan off in the distance.
Onze Harukayama Yurien
Address: ３５７ Harukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0265, Japan
Website: Onze Harukayama Yurien
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
A fascinating little city
Otaru might not be on the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, but it should be as there is so much to see and explore in this fascinating little city. Otaru is full of beauty, history, and amazing things to explore. With our list above, you have plenty of options for things to do and places to visit in Otaru when you visit here.
Frequently asked questions about the things to do in Otaru
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