Otaru is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido. Famous attractions include Otaru Canal, the music box museum, and Sakaimachi Street. There’s also Otaru Snow Light Path, Sakaushi Residence, and more, including scrumptious food to try. Only a 50-minute train ride from Otaru is Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery.
Table of Contents
All About Otaru, Hokkaido
Location
Located in Hokkaido, northwest of Sapporo and way north of Hakodate is the harbour town of Otaru 小樽. It faces Ishikari Bay that connects to the Sea of Japan. It is a major commercial and industrial town only second to Hakodate. Less than an hour west of Otaru is a small seaside town called Yoichi 余市 famous for being the birthplace of Nikka Whiskey.
Namesake and Economy
The name Otaru comes from an Ainu word which roughly translates to Sandy Beach. The name was derived because it is close to the coast and because Otaru is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. This is also the reason why the people who lived in Otaru were called Ainu people. The Ainu People were described to be a tribe whose primary means of living was more on hunting and fishing.
Since Otaru is near a coastal area, it serves as an essential port of Japan and generates revenue for the country’s economy. During the 19th century, Otaru’s main economy relied on its abundance of seafood and port logistic activities. Aside from being an important economic sector of Japan, Otaru also boasts of many unique recreational activities. This includes the Otaru Aquarium, the Otaru Canal, and many others!
※ Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., "Otaru"
How to Get to Otaru
There are many trains and buses heading to Otaru from Sapporo:
Best Route
JR Hakodate Line heading to Asahikawa, from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station
Time Taken: 45 ~ 51 minutes (Local)
Cost: 750 yen
Fastest
JR Rapid Airport from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station
Time Taken: 33 minutes
Cost: 1,280 yen (Reserved Seat)
Cheapest
Bus heading to Iwanai Bus Terminal. From Sapporo Eki-mae Bus Terminal to Otaru Eki-mae Bus Terminal
Time Taken: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cost: 680 yen
You can also head to Otaru Station directly from New Chitose Airport:
Fastest
JR Rapid Airport from New Chitose Airport to Otaru Station
Time Taken: 1 hour 16 minutes
Cost: 2,440 yen (Reserved Seat)
It is also popular to do New Chitose Airport → Otaru Station by bus but it would take almost 2 hours for almost 2,000 yen.
Writer's Pick
Popular Attractions in Otaru
Otaru Canal is undoubtedly the hottest spot, so let’s start with that!
Otaru Canal
Iconic images of Otaru always depict the Otaru Canal with historical looking buildings nearby. The creeping vines decorating the building walls adds to its allure. Enjoying a stroll along the canal path is a great way to enjoy the scenery but to further elevate your experience, consider taking a cruise down the canal. Sunset when the warm evening lights are reflected on the water is especially scenic.
※ Otaru Canal Boat LLC, "About Otaru Canal Cruise"
Otaru Snow Light Path
The Otaru Snow Light Path is probably one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city - and with good reason! The 10-day event typically happens during February, or the height of the winter season in Japan. During the Otaru Snow Light Path, thousands of lights and lanterns decorate the city, transforming it into a winter wonderland. The event’s main site is Otaru Canal’s surrounding area.
Sakaimachi Street
This is a shopping street with many well preserved historical Western buildings not far from Otaru Canal. There are many interesting shops here selling trinkets that would make for good souvenirs. Some of the notable places to visit along these streets include the Otaru Box Museum, Bank of Japan Museum, and several glassware shops where you can even make your own. There are also several cafes and snack shops lining these streets if you’re looking for a quick nibble.
Just a friendly note: many of these shops close quite early at 6pm or 7pm so don’t visit too late.
Otaru Music Box Museum
Within a historical Western building that was built in 1915, Otaru Music Box Museum dedicated to orgels is not just aesthetically but also auditorily pleasing. The gentle tinkling of orgel music and the earthy aroma of wood welcomes you the moment you step through the doors. With various designs of music boxes including plushies, and a variety of not just classical music but also popular anime and movie songs, it makes for an excellent gift. They also have a unique collection of CDs! Anyone who loves music should visit the Otaru Music Box Museum.
※ Website of Orgel Doh Co., Ltd., “Music from the heaven fills the city of Otaru”
Herring Mansion
Or Nishin Goten 鰊御殿 in Japanese is a Designated Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido. Originally built in 1897 at Tomari Village at the western edge of Shakotan Peninsula (west of Otaru), it was relocated here in 1958. A rich fishing merchant, Fukumatsu Tanaka, built the mansion as a herring lodge to process caught herrings and as accommodation for himself and his employees.
Inside the mansion, there are various exhibits of herring fishing tools and explanations about herring processing procedures.
Entrance Fee: 300 yen (Adult)
NOTE
English pamphlets available in the link below that were prepared by students from Otarushoka University’s Nishin Goten English Project Team.
※ Otaru City, “小樽市鰊(にしん)御殿（北海道有形文化財）”
Other Notable Places to Visit
Here are some other places to drop by if you have extra time to spare in Otaru.
Sakaushi Residence
The Sakaushi Residence is the exact opposite of the Herring Mansion. Instead of Japanese traditional architecture, it features Western influenced modern Japanese designs by famous architect Yoshiya Tanoue. It has charming green roofs and white walls with light green borders; opposite the house is Otaru Park. Note that photography is prohibited inside.
Entrance Fee: 300 yen
※ Otaru City, “小樽市指定歴史的建造物 第７４号 坂牛邸”
Tomioka Catholic Church
Japan’s primary religions are Shinto and Buddhism but there are quite a number of churches all around Japan. Completed in 1965, Otaru’s Tomioka Catholic Church is a beautiful structure. Free to enter, the atmosphere on the inside is calm and serene. With stained glass windows and traditional church designs including the altar and pews.
※ Otaru Church
Otaru Must-Eats
Since Otaru is primarily a coastal area, you will notice that many of its restaurants offer delicious and affordable seafood.
Seafood Galore
Sankaku Market 三角市場
1-min walk from Otaru Station is a market street selling an assortment of fresh seafood, fruits, and other produce. Restaurants line the street where you can drop in for a bite.
※ Otaru Sankaku Ichiba
Kaisendon 海鮮丼
Seafood rice bowl is a must-try if you are in the city. Hot rice topped with a variety of seafood: eel, octopus, scallop, shrimp, fish roe, salmon, tuna, sea urchin, and more! You’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
Fresh Sushi 寿司
Otaru Takeno Sushi is a great restaurant that offers the best sushi in town. Their bestseller is takenomini which you must try.
Otaru Beer
Refresh and cap your day off with Otaru’s home brand beer. Otaru Beer is German-style beer created by Brau Engineer in Zenibako Brewery in Otaru. The brewery offers several tour courses starting from 850 yen per person with drinking tests included. A little away from Zenibako Brewery is their Otaru Warehouse No.1, where you can also tour the facility for free.
※ Otaru Beer ※ Welcome to Sapporo, “Otaru Beer”
Kitaichi Original Rainbow Tower Ice Cream
Venetian Cafeteria’s famous rainbow tower ice-cream is a must try. Made with Hokkaido milk, you can’t get ice cream as delicious and pretty as this. Their bestseller is the 8 Layer Softcream Cone. Coming in second is Kitaichi Extra Thick Milk.
※ Kitaichi Glass, “三号館 テラス”
Takeaway and Side Trip
Otaru is a conveniently located town near Sapporo to add to your Hokkaido itinerary. If you have the time, detour to Yoichi town only 50 minutes away and visit the birthplace of Nikka Whiskey, the Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery.
For Nikka Whiskey’s history and tips on what to expect at the distillery, go to
The Various Types of Japanese Alcohol and scroll down to Spirits.
