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Articles - Otaru, Japan

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Japanese Restaurants
10 Best Places To Have Sushi In Otaru

Otaru is a small city in Japan that has a prominent fishing culture. The vibrant harbor life has spread throughout the streets of this cozy city. Several canals run through the city, with roads to either side of it. These roads are marked with Victorian-style lamps and historic houses. Otaru is particularly known for its herring, which has been shaping the city for over 200 years. This makes Otaru one of the most sought after destinations to have fresh sushi, in the comfort of a small city feeling. Check out the best places to have sushi in Otaru as we're sure they'll surprise your senses with authentic flavors.
Japanese Restaurants
10 Best Places To Eat In Otaru

Japan is one of the most captivating countries in the world. It is the home to rich and colorful culture, breathtaking scenery, and out-of-this-world food. If you're in Japan and plan to visit the island of Hokkaido, the port city of Otaru is truly a must. The beautiful cityscape and the charming atmosphere are sure to capture your heart. Otaru is also known for its glasswork and sake distilleries but more than that, you'll definitely want to check out the cuisine that they have to offer. It is considered to be one of Japan’s key sushi places. Here's a rundown of the best places to eat in Otaru.
Ryokans
10 Best Ryokans In Otaru, Japan - Updated 2025

A small harbor city, Otaru is best known for its art, architecture, and canals. The place, known as North Wall Street, features historic buildings that were built sometime in the early 20th century. One of these structures, a former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, is now the stunning Nitori Museum of Art. Another building has been turned into the Stained Glass Museum. Besides these attractions, you can also take a stroll along Otaru Canal, which is lined with 63 gas lamps. A trip to Otaru wouldn't be complete without getting ice cream from Kita-no Aisukurimu-ya-san, where you can try unique flavors such as squid ink. Before heading home, make sure to pick up Kitaichi Glass, the handmade glassware Otaru is known for. Otaru offers a lot of unique experiences. Stay true to this theme by staying at one of the best ryokans in Otaru, Japan. Check them out below.
Hotels In
9 Best Hotels In Otaru, Japan - Updated 2025

Otaru, Hokkaido, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It's famous for interesting architecture, such as the Otaru Canal, beautiful night views, amazing sea views, and tasty seafood. You can relish the food at some of the best places to eat in Otaru. **Events to lookout for** - If you want to truly imbibe the local culture, the annual Otaru Ushio Festival is not the one to miss. This festival, originally created to thank the bounties of the sea, is held every year in July over a three-day period. It is celebrated with stunning fireworks displays and entertaining parades, known as Shio Nerikomi. - Visit the charming city of Otaru during the winter months to have a blissful and magical experience. During this time of the year, The Otaru Canal is decorated with 10,000 LED blue fairy lights from November to December, from sunset to 10:30pm, giving the place an ethereal glow. According to the official site, the best time to make the most of this attraction is just after sunset. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the canal to maximize the fun. - For a great photoshoot opportunity, the ‘Wine Glass Tower’ inside Canal Plaza is a must-visit. Since Otaru is called the "City of Glass", this tower made with about 2,000 wine glasses is a nod to the city's unofficial nickname. It is typically open from 9am to 6pm during winter nights. - If you understand Japanese and want to know the city better, why not enjoy a guided night tour? Starting from the Otaru Canal, groups of 10 can enjoy this free tour which gives a deeper insight into the culture and history of the city. According to the official site, this event occurs every Saturday in December and January. Also note that the tour will be exclusively in Japanese and while you do not need to book it in advance, you need to register for it from 4pm to 5pm. With so much on offer, it's important to choose the right hotel to maximize your time here and fully enjoy the trip. So, check out some of the best hotels in Otaru, Japan.
Airbnb
13 Handpicked Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Otaru, Japan - Updated 2025

The tourist attractions in Otaru offer a nostalgic sense to many, including the Otaru Canal, the glasswork shops on Sakaimachi Street, and the historical buildings on Northern Wall Street. You can enjoy some of the freshest sushi here that will satiate your taste buds. If you're planning to visit this city to enjoy its tourist spots, check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Otaru, Japan.
Things To Do
Top 31 Things To Do In Otaru, Japan

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.